Director Oliver Laxe Celebrates Life Through Dance in ‘Sirât’
Filmmaker Oliver Laxe is garnering attention for his new art film, ‘Sirât’, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023. The film explores a dance party in a desert setting, amidst themes of apocalypse and human connection. Laxe’s unique approach has resonated with audiences, turning the film into a notable favorite within the festival circuit.
Exploring Themes and Inspirations
During a recent roundtable in Toronto, Laxe shared his philosophical inspiration, drawing on a quote from Friedrich Nietzsche: “I won’t believe in a God who doesn’t dance.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of ‘Sirât’—a celebration of life and movement, even in the face of oblivion. Laxe, who frequents underground raves, reflects on how these experiences connect to humanity’s historical rituals of catharsis.
The film is not just a visual experience; it is designed to be felt. “I really trust in the capacity of images to penetrate into the metabolism of the spectator,” Laxe explains. The film’s vibrant electronic dance music (EDM) soundscape enhances the immersive experience, creating a visceral connection between the audience and the narrative.
A Journey of Artistic Evolution
Laxe’s filmmaking journey is as compelling as his latest work. Growing up in northern Spanish Galicia, he pursued studies in Barcelona and briefly in London but found himself disillusioned by traditional pathways in the film industry. “I was not good,” he recalls. His escape to Tangier, Morocco, where he lived for 12 years, marked a turning point. He collaborated with local children, leading to his debut feature, ‘You Are All Captains’, which won acclaim at Cannes.
With ‘Sirât’, Laxe continues to explore the theme of connection through crisis. The film’s title, which translates to ‘path’ in Arabic, symbolizes its journey from chaotic dance scenes to more grounded moments, reflecting the interplay of human experiences. The narrative involves a father and son searching for a missing daughter among ravers, hinting at deeper themes without overtly focusing on plot.
Laxe emphasizes the importance of raw imagery over scripted dialogue. He crafted scenes inspired by his observations of life, such as trucks speeding through the desert, and brought them to life at actual dance parties. “We were telling them that we were making ‘Mad Max Zero,’ but it was also something more metaphysical,” he describes.
The production, shot on Super 16 film, took the crew through harsh landscapes in Morocco and Spain, creating a visually striking backdrop. Despite the risks associated with filming in such conditions, Laxe insists that this was his least dangerous project compared to previous works that involved intense scenarios, like working with firefighters in his 2019 film, ‘Fire Will Come’.
Ultimately, Laxe’s vision for ‘Sirât’ embodies a sense of hope and community, portraying a group of “wounded people” finding solace in shared experiences. He acknowledges the potential for political interpretations, touching on themes of migration and societal challenges, but insists that the film also celebrates the human spirit’s resilience.
As Laxe reflects on the film’s impact, he notes the audience’s desire to experience the freedom of artistic expression. “People want to feel the freedom of the filmmaker or the auteur,” he says. With plans for future projects already forming, Laxe remains committed to exploring the depths of human emotion through his art. “I just want to grow,” he concludes, hinting at the next steps in his creative journey.
