“Sirāt” Arrives in Latvian Cinemas with Oscar Nominations

Latvian audiences will have the opportunity to experience director Oliver Laxe’s critically acclaimed film, “Sirāt,” starting February 20, 2026. The Spanish-French co-production has garnered significant international recognition, including two Academy Award nominations for Best International Feature Film and Best Sound [Variety].

A Journey Through the Moroccan Desert

“Sirāt” follows Luis (Sergi López) as he embarks on a search for his missing daughter, Mar, traveling to a music festival in the Moroccan desert with his son, Esteban. The film depicts their encounters with individuals seeking escape and confronting existential challenges [Wikipedia].

The Meaning Behind the Title

The film’s title, “Sirāt,” holds deep cultural significance. In Islamic tradition, as-sirāt refers to a metaphorical bridge over hell to paradise, described as “finer than a hair and sharper than a sword.” Within the film, this bridge symbolizes the path between Morocco and Mauritania, set against the backdrop of the Sahara desert [LSM.lv].

Creative Vision and Influences

Director Oliver Laxe, known for his previous works “Mimosas” and “Free Will,” drew inspiration from Abbas Kiarostami’s “Taste of Cherries” in creating “Sirāt.” The film explores themes of human authenticity and responses to profound crises. It’s described as a cinematic experience blending rave culture with visual artistry and a techno score by Kangding Ray [LSM.lv].

International Acclaim and Latvian Release

“Sirāt” has received widespread international acclaim, including five wins from nine nominations at the European Film Awards [LSM.lv]. In Latvia, the film will be distributed by A-One Films Latvia and screened at Splendid Palace, K Suns, and Kino Bize cinemas. It will be shown in Spanish and French with Latvian and English subtitles, and is rated 16+ [LSM.lv].

Special Screenings and Events

“Sirāt” was screened at the second modern film festival, “Bear, Lion and Branch.” Cinemas will also host special screenings related to the film’s Oscar nominations, offering additional viewing opportunities [LSM.lv]. Screenings are scheduled to begin on February 20th across various Latvian cinemas.