The President′s Cake is a film that stirs both the heart and the mind. As the first Iraqi film ever invited to the Cannes Film Festival, it achieved the rare feat of winning both the Caméra d′Or and the Audience Award in the Directors’ Fortnight. The film is set in 1990s Iraq under the oppressive, iron-fisted rule of Saddam Hussein. A 9-year-old girl, Lamia, lives a difficult life alone with her elderly grandmother, yet she is a bright student who is first in her class. The economy has collapsed due to the war and subsequent international sanctions. To make matters worse, her teacher instructs her to bake a cake for the president′s upcoming birthday. The heartfelt performances of the non-professional actors, including the child actors, add a layer of realism to this miraculous story, creating a deep sense of empathy. Director Hasan Hadi’s decisive final scene delivers both joy and sorrow with a restrained touch, leaving a lasting impression in the audience’s memory. (PARK Sungho)