'The President's Cake': First U.S. Trailer for Cannes Winner & Iraqi Oscar Contender

The first U.S. trailer has been unveiled for The Presidents Cake, the Cannes Camra dOrwinning feature from Iraqi filmmaker Hasan Hadi. Sony Pictures is set to launch a qualifying run beginning December 12, with a limited theatrical release scheduled for February 6, 2026, followed by a nationwide rollout on February 27, 2026.

The story centers on nine-year-old Lamia, who is assigned the daunting responsibility of bringing a birthday cake for her class to honor the president. Securing the ingredients amid severe shortages becomes a near-impossible mission, and failure threatens devastating consequences for her family, including imprisonment or worse.

Hadi drew directly from his own childhood experiences in southern Iraq during the 1990s, a period defined by the rule of Saddam Hussein and crippling international sanctions. Filmed entirely in Iraq, the production showcases performances from local, nonprofessional actors, contributing to its raw and authentic tone.

The film premiered in Directors Fortnight at Cannes, where it became an audience favorite and won the Peoples Choice Award. Critics praised the work for its emotional depth and poignant storytelling.

The project is produced by Leah Chen Baker, with executive production by Eric Roth, Marielle Heller, and Chris Columbus. Films Boutique handles international sales, and the film received support from institutions including the Sundance Film Institute and the Doha Film Institute.

Author: Aiden Foster