It’s “draw day” across Iraq, when schools select students for the honour of bringing items to their mandatory local celebrations of President Saddam Hussein’s birthday. Nine-year-old Lamia lives in the historic marshes with her spirited grandmother, Bibi. Before school, Bibi teaches Lamia clever tricks to avoid being chosen for the president’s cake. However, when Musa, the authoritative teacher, calls Lamia’s name for the most challenging task—the birthday cake—she has no choice but to accept. Refusing could mean imprisonment or even death.
Banin Ahmad Nayef
as Lamia
Sajad Mohamad Qasem
as Saeed
Waheed Thabet Khreibat
as Bibi
Rahim AlHaj
as Jasim
