The Galician film Sirat, by Oliver Laxe, did not win the Bafta for best non-English language film, a prize that went to the Norwegian Sentimental Value. The ceremony crowned One Battle After Another. After failing to secure distinctions at the Europeans or Golden Globes, Sirat's hopes in Spanish cinema are focused on its eleven Goya nominations. Additionally, it is in the running for the Oscar for best international film.
Landscape Capture and Direct Sound as Technical Pillars of 'Sirat' 🎥
The technical work of Sirat is based on cinematography that takes advantage of the natural light of the Atlas Mountains, shot on 16mm to obtain an organic texture. The sound, recorded almost entirely directly, builds an immersive atmosphere where the wind and silence are narrative elements. This stylistic decision prioritizes sensory authenticity over more elaborate post-production resources.
The (Realistic) Path to Awards is Steeper than the Atlas 🏔️
It seems that Sirat's journey through awards season is a lesson in cinematic realism. While other films collect statuettes, Laxe and his team practice the art of patience, a genre they master. With each gala that passes, the Goya nomination seems more like a warm and familiar refuge. The million-dollar question remains: will the Oscar have a better ear for the sound of the desert than the Baftas?