In Arabic with English subtitles

Set during the first Gulf War, Lamia, a young girl from Iraq’s Mesopotamian Marshes, lives with her grandmother Bibi and her pet cockerel Hindi in a community struggling to get by under the harsh conditions of a country suffering under sanctions and at war. But under Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship, nothing will stop his mandatory birthday celebrations, including choosing a child from each school class across the land to bake a cake in his honour. Despite Lamia’s best efforts to avoid it, knowing how difficult it will be to source the ingredients, she is picked among her peers to produce the cake, which she must do, or face the consequences.

Lamia’s quest for the ingredients takes her from the rural marshlands into the city of Baghdad, allowing Hadi to explore the gamut of Iraqi society, painting a moving portrait of the resilience of a people caught between authoritarian rule and injudicious American imperialism.

Director

Hasan Hadi

Cast

Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem

DISCOVER + DINE

This showing is part of our season of film and food with Discover + Dine! One ticket will grant you access to the film, as well as a two-course meal, for only £15*. Not only that, but you can take advantage of free parking from 3pm on a Tuesday making the whole experience even more affordable.

You do not need to book a table. Your table will be available from 15:45 and food will be served from 16:00.

DISCOVER + DINE MENU

Main

Fasolia Yabsa (Iraqi White Bean Stew)

(Vegetarian alternative available)

Dessert

'The Presidents Cake'

Tables are exclusively before the film as part of this offer. If you wish to eat after the film please book a standard ticket and order from our regular menu.

Not all dietary requirements may be catered for due to the unique and creative nature of the Discover+Dine menus. We advise that you contact us before booking to check if the dishes are suitable for your requirements Contact Form.