Neon Acquires North American Rights to “Sirât” Following Cannes Debut

In an exciting development for cinema enthusiasts, Neon has secured the North American distribution rights to Oliver Laxe’s highly anticipated film “Sirât”. This announcement comes hot on the heels of the film’s successful debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. With this acquisition, Neon continues its momentum in the indie film scene, having also acquired “The Secret Agent” by Kleber Mendonça Filho and “It Was Just an Accident” from Jafar Panahi, both of which were in competition at the festival.

A Closer Look at “Sirât”

Co-written by Laxe and his frequent collaborator Santiago Fillol, “Sirât” delves into the emotional journey of a father, played by Sergi López, and his son as they embark on a quest to find Mar—his daughter and the boy’s sister—who mysteriously disappeared during one of the intriguing all-night raves deep in the Moroccan mountains. The film promises a gripping narrative filled with high stakes, as the family navigates the vibrant yet chaotic world of electronic music and the unpredictability of the rave scene.

The official synopsis paints a vivid picture: “Surrounded by electronic music and a raw, unfamiliar sense of freedom, they hand out her photo again and again. Hope fades, but they push through and follow a group of ravers heading to one last party in the desert.” This journey will compel them to confront their own limits, making it a profound exploration of familial bonds and the human condition.

Critical Acclaim at Cannes

“Sirât” has garnered attention not just for its engaging plot but also for Laxe’s impressive direction. Critics, including Jessica Kiang from Variety, praised Laxe’s “thrilling directorial confidence,” calling the film a “brilliantly bizarre, cult-ready vision of human psychology tested to its limits.” Such accolades highlight the film’s potential not only as a narrative gem but also as a noteworthy entry in contemporary cinema.

The film is produced by an illustrious team, including Oscar-winning filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, along with Agustín Almodóvar and Esther García of El Deseo. They are joined by a talented group of producers and associate producers, which adds a layer of prestige to the project.

Oliver Laxe: A Visionary Filmmaker

Oliver Laxe is no stranger to the Cannes circuit. His impressive filmography includes titles such as “You All Are Captains,” which won the FIPRESCI Prize in 2010, and “Fire Will Come,” which earned critical acclaim in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes in 2019. Laxe’s filmmaking style is marked by his unique ability to immerse the audience in locations, often utilizing non-actors to create authentic interactions, a technique he continues with “Sirât.”

Neon’s Expanding Festival Footprint

This year, Neon made a significant impact at Cannes with the acquisition of multiple competition titles, including Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value,” which received glowing reviews, and Julia Ducournau’s “Alpha.” The company also picked up Raoul Peck’s “Orwell: 2+2=5,” highlighting their commitment to diverse narratives that challenge and engage audiences.

Notably, Neon’s “Anora,” which debuted at Cannes and took home the esteemed Palme d’Or, adds to their growing repertoire of award-winning films. This success speaks volumes about Neon’s strategy of investing in bold and innovative cinematic voices, as they have now amassed an impressive track record of releasing five consecutive Palme d’Or-winning films.

The deal for “Sirât” was executed by Neon’s VP of Acquisitions, Sarah Colvin, alongside representatives from The Match Factory, ensuring that this gripping tale reaches a wider audience.

Conclusion

As Neon gears up for the North American theatrical release of “Sirât” later this year, audiences can look forward to an unforgettable film that explores not only the mysteries of human connection but also the vibrant culture of raves in Morocco. With its unique blend of emotional depth and stylistic flair, “Sirât” promises to be a standout addition to Neon’s portfolio of groundbreaking cinema.

For more insights on film acquisitions and the latest in independent cinema, check out our articles on Neon’s latest projects, Oliver Laxe’s filmography, and Cannes Film Festival highlights. Stay tuned for updates on the release date and reviews for this must-see film!