‘The President’s Cake’ Director Hasan Hadi’s Makes History With First-Ever Iraqi Title to Land on the International Feature Oscar Shortlist

When Iraqi helmer-writer Hasan Hadi nabbed the Golden Camera for best first feature at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival with “The President’s Cake,” Iranian director Jafar Panahi, winner of the main competition, offered some advice. “Be careful,” he said, “I got that award 30 years ago and it raised ex…