Lamia is a nine year-old girl, living with her grandmother in the Mesopotamian marshes during the Gulf War. At school she is shocked to find she has “won” a lottery to select a child who must provide a cake to celebrate Saddam Hussein’s birthday.
International sanctions against Iraq mean that ingredients are scarce and expensive but she knows that dire consequences will result from failure to honour the President. Lamia, with her grandmother, sets off for the city with items that she hopes to barter for the things they need. There she discovers that the old woman has other plans for her.
As well as being a gripping drama, the film shows the remarkable way of life and unique culture of Iraq’s marsh people. The Mesopotamian marshes are now listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Director and writer Hasan Hadi’s film (his debut feature) was awarded the Audience Prize as the most popular film at the 2025 Cannes Festival.
As always, guests are welcome, (£5, cash only) but should phone Dave Howell on 01943 430097 or email secretary@ilkleyfilmsociety.org.uk to ensure admission.
Membership for the new season is still available and further information about the film and the rest of the Film Society season can be found at the society’s new website at www.ilkleyfilmsociety.org