Feb 15 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Oliver Laxe: "The strongest criticisms ‘Sirat’ has received are a symptom that I have done my job well"

Galician filmmaker Oliver Laxe discusses the polarizing reception of his film 'Sirat' and reflects on the role of art and spirituality in modern culture.

Oliver Laxe, a prominent Galician filmmaker, has garnered attention and polarizing reactions to his latest film, 'Sirat', which has recently been awarded at Cannes and received multiple nominations for the Oscars and Goya awards. In his conversation with El País, he expresses that these harsh criticisms are a sign of his effective work, challenging audiences to consider deeper messages in his film. Laxe's perspective aligns with a broader cultural commentary, positing that contemporary viewers often consume art without profound reflection, and his work aims to provoke thoughtful engagement.

Living in a remote village in Lugo, Laxe embraces his identity, describing himself as having a wild and unmanageable quality. He attributes this to a Dionysian spirit, suggesting that he resonates with punk ethos in a modern context. His film's themes touch upon not just artistry, but also spiritual experiences that may clash with conventional narratives. Laxe’s reflections reveal an artistic mission that extends beyond entertainment, fostering connections to fundamental human experiences and encouraging his audience to explore unfamiliar territories through cinema.

Through 'Sirat', Laxe stands at the intersection of tradition and modernity, confronting audiences with complex ideas that resonate with those seeking depth in filmmaking. His insights provide a glimpse into the mind of a creator who challenges not only the cinematic landscape but also societal norms around cultural consumption. The dialogue surrounding his work showcases the tensions between mainstream acceptance and artistic innovation, marking Laxe as a significant figure in contemporary cinema.

📡 Similar Coverage