In Iraq, it’s the day when schools choose students to participate in compulsory local events celebrating President Saddam Hussein’s birthday. Nine-year-old Lamia resides in the ancient marshlands with her lively grandmother, Bibi. Before heading to school, Bibi instructs Lamia on smart ways to dodge being picked for the president’s cake. Despite this, when Musa, the strict teacher, selects Lamia for the most difficult job—the birthday cake—she is left with no option but to comply. Declining could lead to imprisonment or even death.