When Hasan Hadi stepped onto the red carpet at Cannes with his debut feature, The President's Cake, the Golden Camera was placed in his hands, marking a rare triumph for an Iraqi storyteller on the world stage. In the quiet after the applause, veteran Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi approached him, offering a measured caution that resonated with his own journey. He reminded Hadi that an early accolade can become a double-edged sword, amplifying anticipation for a sophomore effort and shaping the lens through which critics and audiences view future work. Panahi's own experience, having navigated that very spotlight decades ago, gave weight to his counsel, turning a celebratory moment into a reflective pause. For Hadi, the advice underscored the delicate balance between seizing the momentum of a breakthrough and staying true to the creative instincts that earned him the honor. The exchange highlighted a generational dialogue within cinema, where seasoned voices guide emerging talent through the pressures that accompany sudden acclaim.