The President’s Cake (original title: Mamlaket al-qasab) is a powerful drama film directed and written by Hasan Hadi. The film stars Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, and Sajad Mohamad Qasem. This emotional story shows life in 1990s Iraq through the eyes of a young girl and uses real locations to feel honest and true.
Set in 1990s Iraq, the story follows 9-year-old Lamia. She is chosen to bake the President’s birthday cake for her school. If she fails, she could face serious punishment. With help from her grandmother, Lamia travels from her village to the city to find rare ingredients. This simple task turns into a risky journey.
The movie is set to release on February 27, 2026. The film is backed by Maiden Voyage Pictures, Missing Piece Films, and Spark Features.
Table of Contents
When and Where Was The President’s Cake Filmed?
| Film Name | The President’s Cake |
|---|---|
| Genres | Drama |
| Filming Locations | Iraq, Iraqi Marshlands, select Middle East locations |
| Filming Dates | 2023–2024 (reported) |
| Cinematography by | Tudor Vladimir Panduru |
| Release Date | February 27, 2026 |
The President’s Cake was filmed mainly in Iraq, using real villages, marshlands, and city areas. The team wanted the film to look real and close to history. Natural light and real homes were used to show everyday life during the 1990s.
📍Iraqi Marshlands (Mesopotamian Marshes)
Many early scenes showing Lamia’s home village were filmed in the Iraqi Marshlands. These areas helped show her simple life with her grandmother. The calm water, reed houses, and open skies made the story feel natural and emotional. This location highlights both beauty and hardship.
📍Baghdad and Nearby Urban Areas
Several city scenes were filmed in Baghdad and nearby areas. These scenes show crowded markets, buses, and strict rules of the time. The city setting contrasts strongly with the quiet marshlands and helps viewers feel Lamia’s fear and pressure during her journey.
📍Rural Southern Iraq Villages
Some school and village scenes were filmed in rural parts of southern Iraq. These locations were chosen to match real school buildings and homes from the 1990s. They helped show daily life under strict control without using sets or studios.
The President’s Cake Behind the Scenes
To make the film feel real, the cast and crew worked with local communities. Many scenes used real locations instead of sets. The child actors were guided gently to keep performances natural.
Some behind-the-scenes moments and festival updates were shared during Cannes Film Festival 2025, where the movie won the Caméra d’Or.
More behind-the-scenes updates may be shared by the filmmakers in the future.
Is There Any Trailer Available for The President’s Cake?
Yes, an official teaser trailer for The President’s Cake is available on Sony Pictures Classics’ official YouTube channel.
The President’s Cake is set to be released on February 27, 2026, by Sony Pictures Classics.
FAQs
Q1: Where was The President’s Cake filmed?
A1: The President’s Cake was filmed mainly in Iraq, including the Iraqi Marshlands, Baghdad, and nearby rural villages.
Q2: Were real locations used in The President’s Cake?
A2: Yes, the film used real homes, schools, and outdoor areas to keep the story honest and realistic.
Q3: When did filming for The President’s Cake begin?
A3: Filming reportedly took place during 2023 and 2024.
Q4: Can people visit the filming locations of The President’s Cake?
A4: Some locations, like parts of Baghdad and the marshlands, are public areas. Visitors should always check local travel and safety rules.
The President’s Cake uses real Iraqi locations to tell a strong and emotional story. From peaceful marshlands to tense city streets, every filming location adds depth to Lamia’s journey. This guide helps you understand where the movie was filmed and why these places matter to the story.
Stay tuned for more updates on filming locations and behind-the-scenes details.
All Image Credit: Sony Pictures Classics YouTube
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