Iraqi debut director wins Cannes Golden Camera, veteran Panahi warns of expectations

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.