Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Oliver Laxe’s 'Sirât' Emerges as a Cannes 2025 Palme d’Or Contender

The desert-set odyssey, blending raw 16 mm visuals and a techno-driven soundscape, has captivated critics with its existential allegory and sensory intensity.

L'équipe de «Sirat» à Cannes ce vendredi 16 mai.
Image
A Cannes, ce vendredi 16 mai.
Image

Overview

  • Sirât, Oliver Laxe’s fourth feature, premiered at Cannes 2025 to critical acclaim and is now viewed as a strong Palme d’Or contender.
  • The film follows a father and son searching for a missing daughter through desert raves and nomadic journeys in southern Morocco.
  • Shot on 16 mm film, the movie’s granular visuals and Kangding Ray’s experimental techno score create a visceral, immersive experience.
  • The narrative draws on the Islamic concept of the Sirât bridge, framing the characters’ physical quest as a metaphorical journey through existential trials.
  • Scheduled for theatrical release on September 3, Sirât has been praised for its bold fusion of sensory experimentation and spiritual depth.