The President’s Cake (2025)
Story overview
The President's Cake is a 2025 drama set in 1990s Iraq, following nine-year-old Lamia, who lives with her grandmother Bibi in the historic marshes. On 'draw day' at school, students are selected to bring items for mandatory celebrations of President Saddam Hussein's birthday. Bibi teaches Lamia tricks to avoid being chosen, but when Lamia is assigned the challenging task of baking the birthday cake, she must comply under threat of severe consequences like imprisonment or death.
Parent Guide
A thoughtful drama about a child navigating political oppression in 1990s Iraq. While not graphically violent, the film creates tension through psychological pressure and implied threats. Best for mature children who can process historical context and emotional themes.
Content breakdown
No physical violence shown on screen. The peril comes from implied threats of imprisonment or death if Lamia refuses her assignment. Tense situations involving authority figures and psychological pressure.
Themes of political oppression and implied threats could be disturbing for sensitive children. Scenes of authority figures pressuring a child. The overall atmosphere is tense rather than frightening.
No offensive language noted in the provided information. The film appears to maintain appropriate dialogue for its historical drama context.
No sexual content or nudity indicated. The focus is on family relationships and political themes.
No substance use shown or mentioned in the provided overview.
Emotionally intense themes of fear, oppression, and childhood resilience. The relationship between Lamia and Bibi provides emotional warmth, but the political context creates sustained tension.
Parent tips
This film explores themes of political oppression and childhood resilience in a historical context. It may be suitable for mature children who can understand the seriousness of the situation without becoming overly anxious. Parents should be prepared to discuss the historical setting of 1990s Iraq and the concept of living under authoritarian rule. The film's tension comes from psychological pressure rather than graphic violence, but the implied threats could be disturbing for sensitive viewers.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- What did you like about Lamia and her grandmother?
- How did they help each other?
- What was your favorite part of the movie?
- Why was Lamia afraid of being chosen for the cake?
- How did Bibi try to protect Lamia?
- What would you do if you were in Lamia's situation?
- What does this film tell us about life under Saddam Hussein's rule?
- How does the movie show the importance of family during hard times?
- What historical facts would you like to learn more about after watching this?
- How does the film portray the psychological effects of living under authoritarian rule?
- What commentary does the movie make about childhood innocence in political systems?
- How does the setting in the historic marshes contribute to the story's themes?
Where to watch
Streaming availability has not been announced yet.
Trailer
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