What's Happening?
Iraqi director Hasan Hadi's film 'The President's Cake' has made history by becoming the first Iraqi film to be shortlisted for the International Feature Oscar. The film, which won the Golden Camera for best
first feature at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, is a U.S.-Qatar-Iraq co-production. It features contributions from Romanian talents and highlights the challenges of living under a dictatorship. The film's success has sparked renewed interest in Iraq's film industry, leading to a cinematic cooperation agreement between France and Iraq to support cultural and artistic collaborations.
Why It's Important?
The inclusion of 'The President's Cake' on the Oscar shortlist is a significant milestone for Iraqi cinema, offering international recognition and opening doors for Iraqi filmmakers. This achievement not only boosts the morale of artists in Iraq but also encourages investment and development in the country's film industry. The film's success could lead to increased cultural exchanges and collaborations, enhancing Iraq's global cultural presence. Additionally, it highlights the potential of cinema as a tool for storytelling and cultural diplomacy, providing a platform for voices from regions often underrepresented in global media.
