About His Film “The President’s Cake”... Iraq Honors Director and Writer Hassan Hadi Upon His Return from Cannes Film Festival

Baghdad – Al-Sabah Al-Jadeed:In a gesture that reflects pride in Iraqi cinema, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities welcomed Iraqi director and writer Hassan Hadi at Baghdad International Airport following his return from the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where he won two major awards for his film "The President’s Cake."The official reception was attended by Dr. Hassan Al-Sudani, representative of the Prime Minister, Dr. Muntaser Sabah Al-Hasnawi, Director General of the Conference Palace Department at the Ministry of Culture, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and several local and international media outlets—forming a scene that embodied national pride in this artistic achievement and a new milestone for Iraq's cinematic presence on the global stage.Dr. Al-Hasnawi, in a speech on the occasion, conveyed greetings from the Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, and praised the pioneering role of Iraqi artists in bringing Iraq’s voice and stories to the international stage through the language of art. He added:"This accomplishment is not just a celebration of a person or a film, but a celebration of Iraq’s cultural will that continues to create despite the challenges."The official welcome stands as recognition of the great efforts exerted by Hassan Hadi, who through his film, presented a deep and realistic portrayal of the social and political transformations Iraq has undergone—earning widespread critical acclaim and the admiration of both juries and audiences.The Ministry of Culture expressed its pride in this success and reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to support Iraqi creatives and expand their opportunities to participate in international festivals and forums—thus showcasing Iraq’s true cultural and artistic identity to the world.