The journey from a compelling story idea to the silver screen is rarely a solitary one. For Iraqi filmmaker Hasan Hadi, the path to bringing his poignant film, The President’s Cake, to life was significantly shaped by the support and creative environment fostered by the Sundance Institute’s labs. More than just a workshop, Hadi describes the experience as “almost spiritual,” a transformative period that allowed him to refine his vision and navigate the complexities of filmmaking with a newfound sense of confidence.
The President’s Cake, which premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and has since been shortlisted for an Oscar, is set in 1990s Iraq and centers around a young girl tasked with baking a cake for Saddam Hussein’s birthday. The film, born from Hadi’s own childhood memories and a desire to grapple with challenging questions of morality and justice, offers a nuanced portrait of a nation struggling under sanctions and a totalitarian regime. Hadi’s story is particularly significant as it represents a rare cinematic voice from a country with a historically limited presence in the global film industry.
The Sundance Labs: A Sanctuary for Creative Growth
Hadi’s experience with the Sundance Institute began with the Director’s Lab, a program designed to provide emerging filmmakers with intensive support and mentorship. Unlike traditional film workshops that can sometimes feel competitive, Hadi emphasizes the uniquely nurturing atmosphere of the labs. “The advisors weren’t there to judge or instill any sense of competition among fellows,” he explained. This supportive environment, he says, was crucial in allowing him to focus on the craft of filmmaking without the pressure of needing to impress. The Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program, established over 40 years ago, has a long history of championing independent filmmakers and fostering a rigorous creative process, as detailed on the Sundance Institute website.
This freedom from judgment, Hadi notes, unlocked a deeper level of learning. “It’s like, OK, I’m not here to impress someone. No one is caring about me having the most impressive shot. It very much is about learning,” he shared. The labs provided a space to experiment, to fail, and to learn from mistakes without fear of criticism. This extended to all aspects of filmmaking, from working with actors and cinematographers to refining the editing process. “All this comes suddenly to life in a very lovely but also protective environment,” Hadi said. The labs, he added, often felt “therapeutic,” opening up new perspectives on both his script and his own life.
A Community Built on Support, Not Competition
A key element of the Sundance Labs’ success, according to Hadi, is the selfless dedication of the creative advisors. These experienced industry professionals volunteer their time not to showcase their own expertise, but because they genuinely believe in the power of a quality story and want to help emerging artists thrive. “It comes from a place of love and interest to make your project better, to make you as an artist better,” Hadi explained. This mentorship, he believes, is particularly invaluable for filmmakers from countries like Iraq, where established cinematic infrastructure and support systems are lacking.
Hadi’s film is groundbreaking in several respects. He asserts that The President’s Cake is the first Iraqi film to tell a story from this specific period of Iraqi history, a period whose impacts are still felt today. The film’s authenticity stems from its Iraqi perspective, featuring Iraqi actors, a script written by an Iraqi writer, and being entirely shot on location in Iraq. This commitment to representing Iraqi voices resonated with the Sundance Institute, which, according to Hadi, actively supports the creation of cinema in countries where it struggles to exist. “They are supporting [creating] cinema in a country that really struggles with that,” he stated.
The Importance of Institutional Support for Emerging Voices
The support from Sundance wasn’t merely logistical; it was a validation of Hadi’s vision and a crucial catalyst for bringing his story to the world. “I really hope not only the government of the country or the state but also the community of artists understands how valuable this is for us,” Hadi urged. He emphasized that the support he received from the Institute enabled him to accelerate the film’s production, something that would have been significantly more challenging without external assistance. The lack of such support within Iraq itself underscores the importance of international organizations like Sundance in nurturing emerging cinematic talent.
The late Robert Redford, a co-founder of the Sundance Institute, famously said, “Everyone has a story.” This belief, Hadi notes, remains at the heart of the Institute’s artist programs. “Being part of this community means that people are interested or want to be told [our stories],” he said. He recalls feeling a surge of hope and possibility upon entering the lab for the first time, realizing that his film had a genuine chance of being made, even before securing funding. The 2022 Directors, Screenwriters and Native Labs, as reported by Deadline, included Hadi among its selected fellows, further demonstrating the Institute’s commitment to diverse voices.
A Film Rooted in Iraqi Reality
Hadi hopes that The President’s Cake will offer audiences a window into the realities of life in Iraq during the 1990s, transporting them to a time and place often absent from mainstream cinema. He envisions the film as a story about love, friendship, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit, set against the backdrop of a politically turbulent era. “It’s a film about love, strength of friendship, sacrifice — all that. And obviously politics are there, but it comes from the context,” he explained. The film’s power, he believes, lies in its ability to offer an authentic and nuanced perspective on a complex historical period.
The Sundance Institute’s commitment to supporting independent filmmakers extends beyond financial assistance. As highlighted on their website, the Institute’s programs encourage experimentation and risk-taking, creating a space where artists can push boundaries and explore new forms of storytelling. This emphasis on artistic freedom is particularly crucial for filmmakers like Hadi, who are challenging conventional narratives and bringing underrepresented voices to the forefront.
The success of The President’s Cake, from its premiere at Cannes to its Oscar shortlist inclusion, is a testament to the power of collaboration, mentorship, and the unwavering belief in the importance of telling diverse stories. Hadi’s journey underscores the vital role that institutions like the Sundance Institute play in nurturing emerging talent and amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard.
As of March 8, 2026, The President’s Cake continues to garner critical acclaim and is currently in consideration for several awards. The film’s distribution plans are ongoing, with updates expected in the coming months. Readers interested in learning more about the film and the Sundance Institute’s programs are encouraged to visit the Sundance Institute website. What are your thoughts on the importance of supporting independent filmmakers and diverse voices in cinema? Share your comments below and join the conversation.