Following its triumphant jury prize win at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival on Saturday night, Oliver Laxe's enigmatic masterpiece "Sirat" has captured the hearts of distributors worldwide. The Match Factory has successfully orchestrated an expansive global rollout for this cinematic marvel.
The film's distribution rights have been secured across a diverse array of international territories, including the United Kingdom and Ireland (Altitude), Latin America (Cine Video y TV), BeNeLux (Cineart), Germany and Austria (Pandora Film), Switzerland (Filmcoopi), Japan (Transformer), South Korea (Challan), Taiwan (Andrews Film), Australia and New Zealand (Madman Entertainment), Poland (New Horizons), Sweden (TriArt Film), Norway (Fidalgo), Finland (Cinema Mondo), Greece (Feelgood Entertainment), Portugal (Nitrato Filmes), Former Yugoslavia (MCF MegaCom), Romania (Transilvania Film), Czech Republic and Slovakia (Aerofilms), Hungary (Cirko Film), and the Baltics (A-One Films). Negotiations for additional territories are currently underway, ensuring that "Sirat" will continue to reach audiences far and wide.
Earlier this week, Neon acquired the rights to release the film in North America, while Mubi will handle distribution in Italy, Turkey, and India. In Spain, BTeam Pictures is set to premiere the film on June 6, and Pyramide will distribute it in France, further cementing its status as a globally celebrated work of art.
At its core, "Sirat" tells the hauntingly beautiful story of a father, played by the renowned Sergi López, and his son, who embark on a deeply personal journey into the unknown. As described in its official synopsis, they arrive at a rave nestled deep within the rugged mountains of southern Morocco, driven by an unyielding quest to find Mar—the daughter and sister who vanished months ago amidst the chaos of one of these relentless, sleepless gatherings. Surrounded by pulsating electronic music and an intoxicating sense of raw freedom, they tirelessly distribute her photograph, their hope waning yet their determination unwavering. Pushing through despair, they follow a group of ravers toward what may be their last chance—a final party in the desert. As they delve deeper into the burning wilderness, their journey forces them to confront not only the vast expanse of the desert but also the inner limits of their own souls.
Critics at Cannes were quick to laud "Sirat," with Variety's Jessica Kiang hailing it as a "brilliantly bizarre, cult-ready vision of human psychology tested to its limits." She praised its ability to defy conventional narrative and genre boundaries, crafting a singular experience that resonates profoundly with audiences. Through its daring exploration of identity, loss, and redemption, "Sirat" emerges as a testament to Oliver Laxe's unparalleled vision and artistic prowess.
