Vancouver audiences got an exclusive look at Oscar contender Sirât this week, courtesy of a screening hosted by Neon at the Vancouver International Film Festival Centre. The film, nominated for both ‘Best International Feature’ and ‘Best Sound’ at the 98th Academy Awards, is generating buzz for its immersive sound design and compelling narrative.
Sirât centers on a father’s desperate search for his daughter, unfolding against the backdrop of a vibrant, real-life rave deep in the mountains of southern Morocco. The film’s unique setting and documentary-style approach have already garnered critical acclaim, and the Academy recognition further solidifies its position as a standout in this year’s international film landscape.
Following the screening, a Q&A session featuring Academy Award nominees Laia Casanovas, Supervising Sound Editor, and Yasmina Praderas, Re-Recording Mixer, offered attendees a deeper understanding of the film’s creative process. The discussion was moderated by Amit Sharma, Head of Creative Operations – North America.
Sharma shared insights gleaned from the Q&A, highlighting the pivotal role sound played in bringing Sirât to life. “The Q&A after the Sirât screening offered some great insight into the film’s creative process,” he noted. “It was clear that sound functioned almost like an additional actor in this documentary-style work.”
Perhaps the most striking revelation from the session was the authenticity of the rave depicted in the film. According to Sharma, the party wasn’t staged; the team lived, shot, and recorded sound over an intense three-day event. This immersive approach demanded a flexible and adaptable production style. The director prioritized capturing as much material as possible on location, later supplementing it with studio recordings in Barcelona.
The collaborative relationship between the sound and music teams was also a key takeaway. Praderas emphasized how closely the score and sound design were developed in tandem, ensuring a seamless integration between the two elements. This synergy allowed for a cohesive and emotionally resonant soundscape that enhances the film’s narrative impact.
Casanovas reflected on the challenges and rewards of working on such a unique project. She highlighted the team’s commitment to maintaining an analog workflow as much as possible, a deliberate choice that contributed to the film’s raw and authentic feel. This dedication to traditional techniques underscores the filmmakers’ desire to capture the energy and immediacy of the real-life rave experience.
The nomination of Casanovas and Praderas marks a significant moment for the Academy, as Sirât features the Academy’s first all-female sound team. This recognition not only celebrates their individual talents but also highlights the growing representation of women in traditionally male-dominated roles within the film industry. A Q&A with the nominated artists, Laia Casanovas and Yasmina Praderas, was previously held on .
The VIFF Centre, consistently ranked among Vancouver’s best cinemas and home to the Vancouver International Film Festival, provided an ideal setting for the screening. The venue’s commitment to showcasing high-quality films and fostering a vibrant cinematic community aligns perfectly with the spirit of Sirât.
Sirât is currently playing at the VIFF Centre on , , , , , , , , , , and . It is also showing at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre on and , and on .
With its compelling story, innovative sound design, and groundbreaking representation, Sirât is poised to make a lasting impression on audiences and industry professionals alike. The film’s success underscores the power of immersive storytelling and the importance of recognizing diverse voices within the film community.
