23/05/2025 - CANNES 2025: The feature debut by Iraq’s Hasan Hadi is the viewers’ favourite, while Belgian director Valery Carnoy’s movie has scooped the Europa Cinemas Label and the SACD Coup de Cœur Award

Handed out for the second time ever, the Audience Award at the 57th edition of the Directors’ Fortnight (which unspooled as an integral part of the 78th Cannes Film Festival) served to single out The President’s Cake, the feature debut by Iraq’s Hasan Hadi. Produced by Iraq, the USA and Qatar, the movie, which is sold overseas by German sales agent Films Boutique, unfolds in Saddam Hussein's Iraq. While people struggle daily to survive under the sanctions, nine-year-old Lamia must use her wits to gather ingredients for the mandatory cake to celebrate the president’s birthday or face the consequences – prison or death.

Another feature debut ended up winning two prizes, as Wild Foxes [+see also:
film review
interview: Valéry Carnoy
film profile] by Belgium’s Valéry Carnoy (toplined by Samuel Kircher) took home the Europa Cinemas Label (handed out by a jury of exhibitors to the best European film in the parallel section) and the Coup de Cœur des Auteurs Award from SACD (which recognises a French-language title). Produced by Julie Esparbes for Belgian outfit Hélicotronc and co-produced by Inès Daïen Dasi for Paris-based firm Les Films du Poisson, Wild Foxes is being sold abroad by The Party Film Sales.

Here is the full list of winners:

Audience Award
The President’s Cake - Hasan Hadi (Iraq/USA/Qatar)

Europa Cinemas Label
Wild Foxes [+see also:
film review
interview: Valéry Carnoy
film profile] - Valéry Carnoy (Belgium/France)

SACD Coup de Cœur des Auteurs Award
Wild Foxes - Valéry Carnoy

(Translated from French)