ThePresident'sCake
The President's Cake Review – A Cake, A Child and a Difficult Journey
Intro: The President's Cake is a 2025 Arabic drama written and directed by Hasan Hadi. Set in rural Iraq during the Gulf War, the film follows nine-year-old Lamia, who lives with her grandmother and is given the responsibility of making a cake for the President's birthday. The film is currently streaming on Netflix.
Review (90 Words): And what a premise! Nine-year-old Lamia lives with her grandmother Bibi and her cockerel, Hindi — still wondering why this name! At school, Lamia is selected to bake a cake for the President's birthday, while her friend Saeed has to bring fresh fruit. With basic things difficult to find, their journey to arrange everything becomes the story. What looks like a simple school responsibility slowly shows you the world these children are living in. I particularly enjoyed Lamia and Saeed's friendship, especially their staring contest. A simple, unusual and engaging watch.
Full Review: And what a premise!
Nine-year-old Lamia lives with her grandmother Bibi and her cockerel, Hindi.
Yes, Hindi!
That was one of the first things that caught my attention. I kept wondering why the cockerel was given that name and, honestly, I couldn't find any clue. Maybe there is something I missed. Or perhaps Hindi is simply Hindi.
At school, lots are drawn to decide which students will take on different responsibilities for the President's birthday. Lamia gets the job of baking a cake. Her friend and neighbour Saeed is asked to bring fresh fruit.
Sounds simple. It isn't.
The film is set in rural Iraq during the Gulf War, when everyday things are difficult to find and expensive because of international sanctions. Lamia and Saeed have to figure out how to get what they need, while the teacher makes it clear that failing to complete their tasks could have consequences for their families.
And that becomes the journey of the film.
What I liked about The President's Cake is that it looks at this difficult period through the eyes of a child. Instead of giving us a big political story, it shows us how a political situation can enter the smallest parts of everyday life.
A cake becomes a mission.
Fresh fruit becomes a problem.
And two children simply trying to complete their school responsibilities become the centre of the story.
The friendship between Lamia and Saeed is another part I enjoyed. Their interactions bring some lightness to an otherwise difficult setting. The staring contest between the two is particularly fun to watch.
The film also has a quiet quality to it. It doesn't need constant drama to keep you interested. The journey itself is enough.
For me, The President's Cake is an interesting example of how a very simple idea can tell a much bigger story. You start with a child who has been asked to bake a cake, and gradually understand the world around her.
It is a different kind of watch from the usual Hindi thrillers and crime series I review.
If you enjoy international cinema, Arabic films, Iraqi cinema or simple stories with a deeper social setting, this Netflix film is worth checking out.
And yes, I am still curious about one thing:
Why was the cockerel called Hindi? 😄
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