Oliver Laxe’s latest film, ‘Siraat,’ caused a stir at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, impressing critics and audiences alike with its bold metaphoric storytelling and striking visuals. Set in an endless desert, the landscape becomes much more than just a backdrop—it’s a key player in the unfolding drama. The film’s success owes much not only to its ambitious script but also to its phenomenal choice of filming locations. These settings give the movie its unique, oppressive yet mesmerizing atmosphere, keeping viewers on edge until the very end.
Known for his relentless pursuit of authenticity, Oliver Laxe remained true to his vision this time as well. He chose real, nearly untouched corners of Spain and Morocco to tell the story of a father and son searching for a missing daughter amidst the chaos of the underground rave scene. Let’s retrace the steps of the film crew and discover where the magic of ‘Siraat’ was brought to life.
Aragon: The Spanish Sahara of Cinema
The Spanish region of Aragón served as the starting point for many key scenes, its arid landscapes providing the perfect backdrop for a desert setting. The film’s iconic opening rave party was shot in the unique Rambla de Barrachina gorge in Teruel province. This area, spanning around 65 hectares with its rugged ravines and ochre-colored soil, strikingly resembles the scenery of the Sahara. It’s here, amid these almost otherworldly vistas, that the wild electronic fiesta unfolds, setting the tone for the entire story.
But Teruel contributed more than just this location. The tense scene involving cars crossing a water obstacle was filmed at Laguna de Tortajada, while one of the film’s most shocking moments was captured in the Villarquemado quarry. The crew also found suitable spots in Zaragoza province. Filming took place in the El Planerón nature reserve in the municipality of Quinto and in the Barranco de la Foz de Safrane gorge, bringing together a cohesive and convincing desert visual space.
The crew’s Moroccan adventure
To ensure maximum authenticity, some of the filming was moved to Morocco. The main base for the crew became the city of Errachidia, located in the southeast of the country and serving as a gateway to the real desert. From here, the filmmakers ventured deeper into the country, constantly discovering new and striking landscapes. Key Moroccan locations included the town of Er-Rich, the desert surroundings of Erfoud, and the Bouarfa region, where a technically challenging and dramatic train scene was filmed. These places, known for their harsh climate and inhospitable conditions, helped the cast and crew fully experience the hardship and despair faced by the characters on their journey.
The Mystery of the Title and the Depth of the Story
At the heart of ‘Sirata’ is a father named Luis and his son Esteban. They embark on a perilous journey across the desert in search of their daughter and sister, Mar, who vanished without a trace during an underground rave. The film explores generational and cultural conflict as the protagonists enter the unfamiliar world of electronic music and nomadic youth. Their search for the girl becomes a path of transformation, filled with uncertainty and challenging trials.
The film features an international cast, reflecting the diversity of characters the protagonists encounter. The lead roles are played by Sergi López (Luis) and Bruno Núñez (Esteban). The movie also stars Jade Uquiche, Tonin Janvier, and others. The title “Sirat” is of Arabic origin and translates as “path” or “trail.” In Islamic tradition, the term carries deep meaning, signifying both a physical journey and an inner quest for truth. It also refers to the narrow bridge that, according to belief, separates paradise from hell. This symbolism perfectly encapsulates the harrowing journey that awaits the characters in Oliver Laxe’s film.
