Óliver Laxe’s critically acclaimed film “Sirât” is finally arriving in U.S. Theaters, offering audiences a chance to experience the techno-religious odyssey that captivated judges at the Cannes Film Festival and has garnered two Academy Award nominations. The film began a limited release on in Los Angeles and New York City, with a wider national rollout planned for later in February.
“Sirât” follows a father (Sergi López) and his son (Bruno Núñez Arjona) as they search for his missing daughter at a series of raves in the Moroccan desert. The journey takes a surreal turn as they join a group of ravers traveling to a more remote event, all while a backdrop of global unrest – described as a “World War III-like event” – unfolds. The film’s unique blend of electronic music, spiritual searching, and a looming sense of societal collapse has resonated with critics and audiences alike.
The film’s journey to U.S. Screens has been relatively lengthy, premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in before receiving its Academy Award nominations. At Cannes, “Sirât” secured four awards, including the Jury Prize for Laxe and the “Palm Dog” Grand Jury Prize for its canine actors, Pipa and Lupita. The nominations at the Academy Awards include Best International Feature, representing Spain, and Best Sound – a historic nomination as the sound team is the first all-female team to be shortlisted in that category.
While “Sirât” was also shortlisted for Best Casting, Best Cinematography, and Best Music (Original Score), it did not receive nominations in those categories. Kangding Ray’s composition was recognized with a shortlist nod for Best Original Score, highlighting the film’s distinctive sonic landscape.
Currently, “Sirât” is not available on any streaming platforms. However, Neon, the film’s distributor, typically releases its films on Hulu and Kanopy, suggesting that streaming availability will likely follow the theatrical run.
The success of “Sirât” is particularly notable for Neon, which has four films nominated in the Best International Feature category this year – “It Was Just an Accident,” “The Secret Agent,” “Sentimental Value,” and “Sirât.” The only other nominee in the category not distributed by Neon is “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” representing Tunisia.
The film’s production involved a collaborative effort, with Domingo Corral producing through Movistar Plus+ Match Factory. The screenplay is a joint effort between Laxe and Santiago Fillol. The cast, in addition to López and Núñez Arjona, includes Richard Bellamy and Stefania Gadda.
“Sirât” had a qualifying run in November, ensuring its eligibility for awards consideration. In New York City, the film opened at Film at Lincoln Center and IFC Center on , while in Los Angeles, it debuted at Landmark’s Nuart Theatre and AMC Burbank 16. The wider national release will expand access to the film throughout the remainder of February.
The film’s premise, a father and son’s desperate search for a missing daughter amidst the pulsating energy of desert raves, is juxtaposed with the unsettling backdrop of global conflict. This combination of intimate personal drama and broader societal anxieties has positioned “Sirât” as a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience. The film’s exploration of faith, loss, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world is likely to continue generating discussion among audiences and critics alike.
The Academy Awards ceremony will be closely watched to see if “Sirât” can secure a win for Spain in the Best International Feature category, continuing the country’s legacy in the awards. Spain last won the Oscar in this category in with Alejandro Amenábar’s “The Sea Inside.”
