Leah Chen Baker and Hasan Hadi
The President's Cake directed by Grad Film alum Hasan Hadi and produced by alum Leah Chen Baker received the Caméra d'Or and People's Choice audience award at the 78th Festival de Cannes.
“This award is not only a tribute to this film but also to my people. Today, thanks to you, we are making history: it is the first time an Iraqi film has ever received an award at the Festival de Cannes," Hadi said.
Synopsis: While people struggle daily to survive under sanctions in Saddam's Iraq, nine-year-old Lamia must use her wits to gather ingredients for the mandatory cake to celebrate President Saddam Hussein's birthday or face the consequences—prison or death.
Read more at Cannes.