‘Sirat’ and ‘Sentimental Value’ Win Top Honors at Palm Springs Film Festival

Sirât Makes Waves at Palm Springs International Film Festival

Sirât, a Spanish film directed by Oliver Laxe, has emerged as a surprising contender for the Academy Award after leading all international features in mentions on the shortlists announced last month. The film continued its upward trajectory by winning the prestigious Best International Feature Film award at the 37th Palm Springs International Film Festival.

The festival, held in the desert, revealed its juried award winners on Sunday. A panel of international critics awarded the top honor to Sirât, praising it for its "portrait of a father’s devotion to his son and daughter." The jury also commended Laxe for his "electric sense of aliveness" as the film explores themes of "death and the hereafter."

In addition to Sirât, several other films received recognition at the event. Egypt’s Happy Birthday, directed by Sarah Goher, was honored with the Best International First Feature award for its "endearing portrayal of contemporary Egypt through the eyes of a child." Meanwhile, the screenplay for Sentimental Value, written by Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt, won the Best International Screenplay prize for a story that intertwines "love, family, art, and memory."

Acting honors were given to the ensemble cast of Left-Handed Girl—Nina Ye, Janel Tsai, and Shi-yuan Ma—for their "admirable naturalism." Slovak actor Milan Ondrík also received an acting award for his performance in Father, which was praised for bringing "a palpable sense of grief" to a narrative shaped by burnout, mental health, and loss.

Honoring Documentary and Debut Films

The Best Documentary award went to Natchez by Suzannah Herbert, which the jury recognized for its examination of "the bustling industry of Antebellum tourism on the Mississippi" and its exploration of history as "an ever-evolving site of contention." A special mention was also given to Yanuni by Richard Ladkani, which the jury described as "deftly balancing the personal story of a tireless activist with the turbulent political context in which she works."

The New Voices New Visions Award, which celebrates standout debut and second features, was presented to 3670 by Joonho Park, a South Korean drama. The jury highlighted the film’s "subversive and culturally distinctive take on the familiar coming out narrative" through the perspective of a gay North Korean defector. The film was called "an illuminating, sensitive, and relatable new chapter for queer and global cinema."

Eva Libertad’s Spanish film Deaf received a special mention, while Runa Simi, directed by Augusto Zegarra, won the Ibero-American Award for the best film from Latin America, Spain, or Portugal. A special mention was also given to It Would Be Night in Caracas, directed by Mariana Rondón and Marité Ugás.

Expanding the Festival Experience

The Palm Springs International Film Festival ran from January 2 to 12, showcasing 178 films from 72 countries and territories, including 53 premieres. This year’s program featured submissions from 44 countries for the International Feature Film Oscar, alongside various sections such as Talking Pictures, New Voices New Visions, Modern Masters, Queer Cinema, True Stories, and World Cinema Now.

As the festival continues to highlight diverse voices and stories, it remains a key platform for emerging talent and groundbreaking cinema. With its growing influence and reputation, the event is set to play a significant role in shaping the future of global filmmaking.