Neon has secured North American distribution rights to Oliver Laxe’s Sirât following the film’s competition debut at Cannes. The deal, announced on the opening day of the 78th Cannes Film Festival, marks Neon’s fourth competition acquisition this year.
Sirât premiered on May 15, 2025, offering an atmospheric journey into the deserts of southern Morocco. The narrative follows Luis, portrayed by Sergi López, alongside his son Esteban (Bruno Núñez Arjona), as they search for a daughter who vanished amid a desert rave.
Laxe co-wrote the screenplay with Santiago Fillol, melding spiritual symbolism and raw human emotion. Cinematographer Mauro Herce Mira captured the film on Super 16mm, underscoring its tactile, hypnotic quality.
The Spanish-French co-production received €1.2 million in development funding from Spain’s Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts before filming across Teruel and the Moroccan Sahara. Laxe described Sirât as “accessible art with a tribal beat,” emphasizing its fusion of mysticism and music.
Ahead of Cannes, The Match Factory secured international sales rights, setting the stage for broad global interest. Within days of the premiere, Mubi acquired distribution for Italy, Turkey and India, signaling strong regional demand.
In Spain, BTeam Pictures will release Sirât on June 6, 2025, ensuring a timely domestic launch, while French theaters will welcome the film beginning September 3, 2025. Neon’s pursuit of Sirât aligns with its strategy of championing Palme d’Or contenders—following titles such as Parasite and Anatomy of a Fall —and underscores its commitment to bold arthouse fare with awards season potential.
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Early reviews laud Sirât’s blend of existential inquiry and sensory immersion, predicting strong critical support during fall screenings. Industry analysts note that Neon’s hands-on festival scouting continues to yield acclaimed titles. In our review of Sirat, Naser Nahandian gave the movie a strong 9/10!
With a runtime of 115 minutes, Sirât promises a tightly woven, contemplative experience that resonates beyond its desert setting. As the film prepares for its North American rollout, observers will watch how Sirât bolsters Neon’s growing awards season track record.
