New Trailers: Sirat (2025) by Óliver Laxe

"Sirat (2025)": A Spiritual and Radical Journey into the Moroccan Desert

Description: From acclaimed director Óliver Laxe ("Mimosas," "Fire Will Come"), "Sirat (2025)," a Spanish-French co-production, is a mystical road movie set against the stark beauty of the southern Moroccan desert. The film follows a father and son on a desperate search for their missing daughter/sister, a journey that takes them into the heart of underground desert rave culture and becomes a profound exploration of spirituality, loss, and the unexpected paths to connection. Starring Sergi López and Bruno Núñez, "Sirat" is described by Laxe as his "most political" and "most radical" work yet.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32298285/

Link Review: https://variety.com/2025/film/global/oliver-laxe-sirat-cannes-trailer-1236388167/

About movie: https://en.unifrance.org/movie/61849/sirat

Detailed Summary: "Sirat" plunges viewers into a mesmerizing and at times unsettling quest led by a father searching for his daughter who has disappeared in the vast deserts of southern Morocco. Accompanied by his son, their search is not a conventional one, leading them into the ephemeral and intense world of desert raves. As they navigate this unfamiliar landscape and its transient inhabitants, the boundaries between the real and the spiritual begin to blur. The film is expected to be a visually stunning and atmospheric experience, utilizing the expansive desert environment to reflect the internal journeys of the characters. Against the backdrop of underground parties and the raw elements, the father and son confront their grief, their relationship with each other, and perhaps find unexpected forms of solace or understanding in this remote and mystical setting. The narrative is anticipated to be less about finding a straightforward answer and more about the transformative nature of the search itself.

Plot Summary:

• A father searches for his missing daughter in the southern Moroccan desert.

• His son accompanies him on this journey.

• Their search leads them into the world of underground desert raves.

• The film explores their emotional and potentially spiritual journey amidst the desert landscape.

• The narrative focuses on the search and its impact rather than necessarily a simple resolution.

The plot is a quest narrative that evolves into a deeper exploration of internal landscapes and the surrounding environment.

Director's Vision: Óliver Laxe, known for his visually striking and contemplative films often set in challenging natural landscapes, describes "Sirat" as his "most political" and "most radical" film, aiming to create "accessible art with a tribal beat." His vision involves using the evocative setting of the Moroccan desert and the unexpected element of underground rave culture to explore themes of spiritual seeking and the hidden currents beneath the surface of society. Laxe shot the film on Super 16mm, suggesting a deliberate aesthetic choice to imbue the film with a specific texture and feel. He aimed to blend professional actors like Sergi López with non-professional cast members, likely seeking an authentic and raw quality in the performances. The film is intended to be a sensory and immersive experience, drawing the audience into the characters' journey and the unique atmosphere of the desert rave scene.

Themes:

• Search and Quest: The literal search for the missing daughter serves as the central driving force, but it also represents a deeper, more spiritual quest for meaning or understanding.

• Father-Son Relationship: The shared journey in a challenging environment will likely explore the dynamics and complexities of the relationship between the father and son.

• Spirituality and Mysticism: The film's title "Sirat" (referencing an Islamic concept of a bridge) and its desert setting suggest an engagement with spiritual themes and a sense of the mystical.

• Underground Culture: The inclusion of desert raves highlights a hidden, counter-cultural element within the traditional landscape, exploring themes of escape, community, and alternative ways of life.

• Loss and Grief: The disappearance of the daughter is the catalyst for the journey, and the film will likely delve into the emotional impact of loss on the father and son.

• The Power of Landscape: The vast and often unforgiving desert environment is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the characters' experiences and the film's overall mood.

Key Success Factors:

• Óliver Laxe's Acclaimed Filmography: Laxe's previous films, "Mimosas" (Cannes Critics' Week Grand Prize) and "Fire Will Come" (Cannes Un Certain Regard Jury Prize), have established him as a distinctive voice in international cinema, creating anticipation for his latest work.

• Intriguing and Unique Premise: The combination of a father-son search, the Moroccan desert, and underground raves is a highly original and captivating concept.

• Cannes Official Competition Selection: Being selected for the main competition at the Cannes Film Festival is a significant honor that guarantees major international attention and critical scrutiny.

• Sergi López's Involvement: The presence of a well-regarded actor like Sergi López in a leading role adds to the film's appeal and is a departure for Laxe, who has often worked with non-professional actors.

• Visually Evocative Setting: The Moroccan desert offers a naturally stunning and atmospheric backdrop for a film.

Summary Short: A father and son search for their missing daughter in the mystical southern Moroccan desert, a journey that leads them into the world of underground raves in this new drama from director Óliver Laxe.

Awards and Nominations: "Sirat (22025)" has achieved significant early recognition by being selected for the Official Competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where it premiered on May 15, 2025. This places it in contention for the prestigious Palme d'Or and other major awards at the festival. As of its premiere date, specific wins or nominations beyond its Cannes Competition selection are not yet widely reported.

Critics Reception: Comprehensive critical reviews for "Sirat (2025)" are not yet widely available as the film just had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2025. However, its selection for the prestigious Official Competition at Cannes indicates a high level of anticipation and initial positive assessment from the festival's selection committee.

• Early Mentions from Cannes: Reports and previews leading up to the Cannes premiere have highlighted the film as a highly anticipated return for Óliver Laxe to the festival's main competition. The intriguing premise of a father-son search in the desert colliding with underground rave culture has been noted. Critics and industry observers are eager to see how Laxe's signature style, known for its contemplative nature and striking visuals, will engage with this new narrative and setting.

Overall Critics Reception: As of its premiere, the critical reception is just beginning to form. The film's inclusion in the Cannes Official Competition suggests it is a work of significant artistic merit and is expected to be a major talking point among critics at the festival. A clearer picture of the critical consensus will emerge as reviews are published in the days and weeks following its premiere.

Reviews: Detailed reviews from film critics are expected to be published following the film's premiere and as it screens at other festivals and gains wider distribution.

• Cannes Film Festival Reviews: The initial and most significant reviews will come from critics attending the Cannes Film Festival. These reviews will provide the first in-depth analysis of the film's direction, performances, themes, and overall impact.

Overall Reviews: As of its premiere date, a comprehensive overview of reviews is not possible. The critical response will become clearer as more reviews are published by various international media outlets.

Production: "Sirat (2025)" is a Spanish-French co-production involving several production companies: Los Desertores Films AIE, Telefónica Audiovisual Digital (Spain), Filmes Da Ermida (Portugal - although not explicitly listed as a co-production country in all sources, Laxe has worked with Portuguese producers before and this company is listed in some credits, suggesting potential involvement), El Deseo (Pedro and Agustín Almodóvar's production company - Spain), Uri Films (Spain), and 4A4 Productions (France). The film was co-written and directed by Óliver Laxe. Principal photography took place in the deserts of southern Morocco and in Teruel and Zaragoza, Spain, from May to July 2024. The film was notably shot on Super 16mm film, contributing to its aesthetic.

Production Companies:

• Los Desertores Films AIE (Spain)

• Telefónica Audiovisual Digital (Spain)

• El Deseo (Spain)

• Uri Films (Spain)

• 4A4 Productions (France)

• Filmes Da Ermida (Potentially Portugal, listed in some credits)

Sales Companies:

• The Match Factory (Germany) - Handling international sales for the film, responsible for selling distribution rights to various territories worldwide.

Distribution Companies:

• BTeam Pictures (Spain) - Theatrical distributor in Spain (scheduled for June 6, 2025).

• Pyramide Distribution (France) - Theatrical distributor in France.

• International distribution in other territories will be handled by companies that acquired the rights from The Match Factory. Specific international distributors are not yet widely listed.

Release Date on Streaming: Information about a specific streaming release date for "Sirat (2025)" is not yet available. Its availability on streaming platforms will follow its theatrical and festival runs and will depend on the distribution agreements in place in various territories.

Theatrical Release: "Sirat (2025)" had its world premiere in the Official Competition of the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2025. It is scheduled for a theatrical release in Spain on June 6, 2025, distributed by BTeam Pictures, and in France by Pyramide Distribution. Further international theatrical release dates will depend on distribution acquisitions.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• From an Acclaimed Director: Óliver Laxe is known for his unique cinematic vision and critically successful films, making "Sirat" a highly anticipated work.

• Cannes Official Competition Selection: Its inclusion in the main competition at Cannes signifies its high artistic merit and makes it a major film of 2025.

• Intriguing and Original Concept: The blend of a father-son search, desert landscape, and underground rave culture offers a fresh and captivating premise.

• Potential for Visual and Atmospheric Depth: Laxe's style and the film's setting suggest a visually stunning and immersive cinematic experience.

Why to Watch Movie:

• If You Appreciate Art-House and World Cinema: If you enjoy films that are visually striking, thematically rich, and offer unique cultural perspectives, this movie is likely to appeal to you.

• To Experience Óliver Laxe's Latest Work: For those familiar with and appreciative of Laxe's previous films, "Sirat" is a must-see to witness the evolution of his directorial vision.

• For a Film with Festival Buzz: Watching a film that premiered in competition at Cannes offers the opportunity to engage with a work that is at the forefront of international cinema.

• Intriguing Blend of Elements: The combination of a personal search with the backdrop of a mystical desert and underground culture provides a compelling and unusual narrative.

What Movie Trend film is Following:Transnational Co-productions and Location Filmmaking: The film exemplifies the trend of European directors collaborating internationally and utilizing striking, often remote, locations to tell their stories, contributing to a globalized landscape of art-house cinema. It also aligns with a trend of films exploring themes of spirituality and human connection within challenging natural environments.

What Big Social Trend is Following:The Search for Meaning and Belonging in a Disconnected World: While set in a specific cultural and geographical context, the film's themes of searching, loss, and finding connection, potentially within an underground community like a desert rave, resonate with a broader social trend of individuals seeking meaning and belonging in a rapidly changing and sometimes isolating world.

Final Verdict: "Sirat (2025)" is a highly anticipated return for Óliver Laxe to the Cannes Official Competition, promising a visually stunning and thematically rich journey into the southern Moroccan desert. Building on his reputation for creating contemplative and powerful cinema, Laxe's latest film, with its intriguing premise of a father and son searching for a missing daughter amidst underground desert raves, is poised to be a significant work of art-house cinema in 2025. While comprehensive critical reviews are still emerging, the film's selection for Cannes and the director's own description of it as his "most political" and "most radical" suggest a bold and impactful cinematic experience. With the involvement of Sergi López and Laxe's signature style, "Sirat" is a must-watch for cinephiles interested in compelling storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and a unique exploration of spirituality and human connection in an unconventional setting.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Embrace Challenging Locations: Óliver Laxe's filmography, including "Sirat," demonstrates the power of utilizing challenging and visually striking natural landscapes to enhance narrative and atmosphere.

• Explore Spiritual and Philosophical Themes: Don't shy away from incorporating deeper spiritual or philosophical questions into your narratives, as they can add layers of meaning and resonance.

• Blend Professional and Non-Professional Actors: Laxe's approach suggests that combining experienced actors with non-professionals can bring a unique authenticity to the performances.

• Consider Different Film Formats: Shooting on film, like Super 16mm for "Sirat," can contribute significantly to the aesthetic and tactile quality of a movie.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Directors with Distinct Artistic Visions: Continue to support filmmakers like Óliver Laxe who have a clear and unique artistic voice, even if their films are not overtly commercial.

• Promote Films from Diverse Regions and Cultures: Actively seek out and promote films from various countries that offer different cultural perspectives and storytelling traditions.

• Provide Platforms for Art-House and World Cinema: Ensure that film festivals, distributors, and exhibitors continue to provide platforms for art-house and world cinema, which contribute significantly to the diversity and richness of the cinematic landscape.

• Highlight Thematic Depth: When promoting films like "Sirat," emphasize their thematic richness and potential for sparking discussion and reflection among audiences.