Iraqi Director Gains International Recognition at DGA Awards
In a significant moment for Arab cinema, Iraqi director Hasan Hadi has gained international recognition with a nomination from the Directors Guild of America (DGA). His debut feature film, “The President’s Cake,” is shortlisted for the award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in a First-Time Theatrical Feature Film.
The film, set in 1990s Iraq, tells the gripping story of a young girl named Lamia. She is given a daunting, mandatory task: to prepare a birthday cake for the nation’s leader. This simple assignment becomes a high-pressure race against time as Lamia scrambles to gather the necessary ingredients, facing the looming threat of severe consequences should she fail. Through this intimate narrative, Hadi explores themes of authority, fear, and childhood innocence under a repressive regime.
Hadi’s nomination places him among an impressive slate of first-time directors, including Eva Victor for “Sorry, Baby,” Alex Russell for “Lurker,” Charlie Polinger for “The Plague,” and Harry Lighton for “Pillion.”
The recognition from the DGA, a cornerstone of the American film industry, marks a major milestone in Hadi’s career and shines a spotlight on Iraqi storytelling. Furthermore, “The President’s Cake” continues its awards season momentum, having also been shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
The DGA’s main feature film category showcases the year’s most acclaimed directors, with nominees including Guillermo del Toro for “Frankenstein,” Chloe Zhao for “Hamnet,” Ryan Coogler for “Sinners,” Josh Safdie for “Marty Supreme,” and Paul Thomas Anderson for “One Battle After Another.” Hadi’s inclusion in this prestigious arena underscores the global resonance of his work.
This nomination is more than a personal achievement; it is a testament to the growing reach and artistic power of cinema from the Middle East. Hasan Hadi’s voice, and the poignant story of Lamia, are now being celebrated on one of the world’s most prominent cinematic stages.
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