Mamlaket al-qasab

While people across 1990s Iraq struggle to survive the war and food shortages, the President requires each school in the country to prepare a cake to celebrate his birthday. Despite her efforts to avoid getting picked, 9-year-old Lamia is chosen among her classmates. The young girl must now use her wits and imagination to gather ingredients and prepare the mandatory cake.

Recommended for ages 12+ | While they are never directly shown on screen, some serious topics are addressed, including war, violence, and sexual predation.

Caméra d’Or – Cannes Film Festival – 2025
Selected as Iraq’s official submission to the Academy Awards 2026 in the Best International Feature Film category
Official Selection – TIFF – 2025

View the trailer Press kit