Sony Pictures Classics has acquired all rights in North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, South East Asia and India to Iraqi drama The Pre
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired all rights in North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, South East Asia and India to Iraqi drama The President’s Cake, winner of the Camera d’Or and Directors’ Fortnight People’s Choice Award at this month’s Cannes festival.
Written and directed by Hasan Hadi as his feature debut, the film is set in 1990s Iraq, where a nine-year-old girl uses her wits and imagination to make the cake all schools are mandated to prepare to celebrate the birthday of the country’s president.
The film is produced by Leah Chen Baker with executive producers including US screenwriter Eric Roth and director Marielle Heller. The project was made in association with Missing Piece Films, Working Barn Productions, Maiden Voyage Pictures and Spark Features.
The acquisition was negotiated between UTA Independent Film Group, WME Independent and Sony Pictures Classics. Films Boutique represents international sales.
In a statement, Sony Pictures Classics said: “Winning the Camera d’Or in a year with so many formidable directorial debuts and winning the Audience Award in the Directors’ Fortnight, Hasan Hadi’s The President’s Cake is the surprise hit of this year’s festival. In the tradition of major Cannes discoveries, these ovations and critical acclaim mark the beginning of a fresh voice destined to thrill audiences everywhere.”
Hadi added: “Since childhood, Sony Pictures Classics has been the go-to name for quality cinema and original storytelling. It’s a dream come true – and a true honor – to now be part of that legacy. Their incredible history of championing international films and commitment to theatrical releases makes them the perfect home for The President’s Cake.”
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