Cannes Camera d’Or winning The President’s Cake is a rare film from Iraq and a humorous and poignant debut. Beautifully shot and acted, this playful fable is a timely and bittersweet tale of life under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein as seen through the eyes of a child.
It’s 1990 in Iraq. Across the country people are struggling to survive the war and food shortages. Despite the circumstances, it’s an enforced custom that each school in the country prepares a cake to celebrate Saddam Hussein’s birthday. Nine-year-old Lamia does everything she can to avoid getting picked, but an unlucky classroom draw finds her with the unenviable task of baking the birthday cake for her class. She now has to use her wits and imagination to gather ingredients for the mandatory cake – or face the consequences.
Hasan Hadi’s heartbreaking and heart swelling film, a multiple award winner at Cannes (including the People’s Choice Award), is an unforgettable look at a country crushed by poverty, international sanctions and despotism. But it is also testament to resilience, ingenuity and the power of family and friendship. Beautifully shot and acted, and with a keen sense of time and place, The President’s Cake makes for an exhilarating adventure.
Getting Here and Getting In:
Parking at UWA is free after 5pm. We recommend car parks 1 and 5: check this map.
Allow time for parking: UWA hosts many events and sometimes it takes a little longer to find a space.
Doors open at 6pm. In 2026 the box office will be cashless.
Food and Drink
The pay-bar offers wines, beers, soft and hot drinks, along with chips, chocolate and, importantly, ice creams!
The Somerville Auditorium is also a BYO venue: bring your own picnic and favourite tipple.
We have many picnic tables and grassed areas.
Pre-ordering your gourmet pizza is crucial: order here.
Enjoying your film
The film starts at 8pm until 1 March 2026. From 2 March 2026 the film starts at 7.30pm.
Cushions courtesy of Lotterywest are available.
Seats are not assigned: on your arrival you can reserve a seat with a rug or cushion. Please don't leave single seat gaps.
We have plenty of seating, please do not bring your own.
There are four locations suitable for wheelchair users - please speak to a staff member on your arrival.
Nights can soemtimes be cool, so please rug up.
We treat the Auditorium for mosquitoes, but still bring your preferred mozzie spray.
Lost Property
If you've lost something during your night out, you can report it here.
Visit Perth Festival's website for more information.