Oliver Laxe, the acclaimed Spanish director, recently offered a candid glimpse into the deeply personal wellspring of his cinematic creations at the Thessaloniki Film Festival. He revealed that his artistic endeavors are born from a profound sense of vulnerability, self-doubt, and an inherent drive for self-preservation. Laxe passionately articulated his belief that filmmaking transcends mere storytelling; for him, it is a spiritual practice, a form of prayer that facilitates self-discovery and connection with the world. His works frequently explore themes of confronting one's inner self, often set against the stark, introspective backdrop of desert landscapes, reflecting his philosophical approach to both life and art.
Insightful Dialogue: Laxe's Artistic Philosophy Unveiled at Thessaloniki
On November 12, 2026, at the esteemed Thessaloniki Film Festival, Oscar-nominated Spanish director Oliver Laxe engaged in a revealing conversation with programming head Yorgos Krassakopoulos. Laxe, a laureate of the festival's Golden Alexander in 2019 for his film “Fire Will Come,” openly discussed the intricate tapestry of fear, vulnerability, and self-doubt that forms the bedrock of his cinematic journey. He confessed that his career choice was deeply intertwined with a “need to protect” his inherently fragile self. “Many times I am afraid to express what I truly have inside of me. Sometimes, I end up thinking: ‘You make a film that maybe no one will watch, but you can count on becoming a better person through this process.’ And I take the leap,” Laxe shared, highlighting his courage to embrace the unknown in his creative pursuits.
As the curator of the festival's special sidebar, “Welcome to the Desert,” Laxe meticulously selected 17 films spanning from the 1930s to the present, all set in arid landscapes. This curated collection included cinematic masterpieces such as David Lean’s “Lawrence of Arabia” and Dennis Hopper’s “Easy Rider,” alongside two of his own acclaimed works: 2016 Cannes Critics’ Week prizewinner “Mimosas” and his 2025 dual-Oscar-nominated “Sirat.” Laxe eloquently articulated his fascination with the desert, likening it to a profound mirror that compels self-confrontation. “The desert is like a mirror. There, you cannot escape yourself, you cannot hide. You are called to confront what you are really made of,” he observed, emphasizing the desert’s power to strip away distractions and demand presence. He further connected this theme to his personal journey, stating, “I am searching for love. I, too, seek a way to cross the desert. I have wounds.”
Laxe’s latest feature, “Sirat,” which vied for the Palme d’Or at last year’s Cannes Film Festival and was partly filmed in Morocco’s Sahara Desert, exemplifies his philosophy. The film, lauded by Variety’s Jessica Kiang as “a brilliantly bizarre, cult-ready vision of human psychology tested to its limits,” explores the human psyche against the formidable backdrop of the desert. Laxe elaborated on his belief in nature’s “transcendental quality,” asserting that it serves as a powerful reminder of human insignificance in the face of infinity. He reflected on the filmmaking process, noting, “Life has its own way to create images, and sometimes you just need to accept it,” advocating for surrendering to the unexpected beauty that often emerges from uncontrolled moments.
His formative years in Morocco, where he filmed “Mimosas” and “You All Are Captains,” profoundly influenced his worldview and cinematic approach. Encounters with Islamic culture instilled in him a deep empathy and a desire to re-examine the portrayal of “the Other” in film. “We, as Western people, suffer from a great deal of guilt, often choosing to handle it by pointing the finger and blaming ‘the Others,’” Laxe stated, underscoring the ongoing process of decolonization and the importance of genuine connection and transformation through intercultural exchange. He concluded by reiterating the spiritual essence of his craft: “To me, film directing is like a prayer. It is my way to celebrate life’s complexity, express my gratitude for being alive and feel connected with anything occurring around me.” The Thessaloniki Film Festival concluded on November 15, offering a rich platform for such profound artistic dialogues.
Oliver Laxe's discourse at the Thessaloniki Film Festival serves as a powerful reminder that true art often emerges from a place of deep personal vulnerability and introspection. His perspective—that filmmaking can be an act of prayer, a journey of self-discovery, and a means to confront one's deepest fears and wounds—offers a profound lesson for both creators and audiences. It encourages us to view cinematic works not merely as entertainment, but as spiritual quests, reflections of the human condition, and invitations to explore our own inner landscapes. Laxe's emphasis on empathy, embracing the unexpected, and finding beauty in the uncontrolled aspects of life also provides valuable insight into approaching challenges, both artistic and personal, with openness and a sense of wonder.
