The formal story line of this fine film, written and directed by Hasan Hadi, goes something like this –
‘While people across 1990’s Iraq struggle to survive, 9-year old Lamia (Baneen Ahmad Nayyef) has been selected to prepare a cake to celebrate the President’s birthday.
‘In a landscape of fear and scarcity, where basic ingredients are nearly impossible to find, Lamia sets out on a determined journey throughout the big city in search of eggs, flour, and sugar. Accompanied by her grandmother (Waheed Thabet Khreibat), her loyal friend Saeed (Sajad Mohamad Qasem), and her pet rooster Hindi, she navigates vendors and police officers along the way.’
An alternative introduction, far more poetic and drawn from literature, goes like this –
‘Gilgamesh – Mesopotamia – an ancient world. The setting of a bittersweet ancient tale of life under the modern day dictatorship of Saddam Hussein seen through the eyes of a young girl on a quest to obtain the ingredients of a mandatory cake for the President’s birthday.
‘A seemingly impossible task for nine year old Lamia, but with questionable help from her young companion and feathered support from her pet rooster Hindi, she sets out to accomplish just that.’
That’s all you need to know really before you head off to see this film.
Oh, you should also know that you will be accompanied at every other scene by Saddam Hussein.
Oh, sorry, and that on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer, from 74 reviews, the film has a 99% 👌rating!
It really is a fab film. Allegorical. Poetic. Touching. Asks questions about life and death. War and peace. And surviving.
It is beautifully acted by a largely amateur cast. And there are many magical moments as Lamia fearlessly negotiates her way around the city. One challenge presents itself after another. Is everyone a goodie? (No.) Are there some goodies? (Yes.) Will it end well? (You’ll have to see the film and decide for yourself.)
At Cannes, the film won the Camera d’Or, the prize for best first feature. As the New York Times review commented, ‘It’s a striking, mature debut.’
The feature has been filmed digitally but feels like an old fashioned Technicolor film. There is natural light, beautiful colour and shades of grey. Bibi, the grandmother, is literally etched into her scenes. Little details take you by surprise. Facial expressions are often like self contained short stories. And all the time you are thinking about war and its effects. Life and death. Surviving. The characters are suffering under US attacks as they talk and walk.
And as my eyes were glued to the screen of this 1990s Iraq story, I couldn’t stop myself reflecting on the current 2026 US/Israel inflicted Iran war. No doubt, in 30 years time there will be a similar, touching film about the effects of that war too.
Life and death.
War and peace.
Surviving.
See it. Perhaps 1% of you may be disappointed. Maybe.
Opens in cinemas 2 April.
By Michael Barker, Editor, Fremantle Shipping News
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