Cannes 2025: A Director's Moving Speech on Cultural Understanding

Cannes 2025: Director's Acceptance Speech Highlights Power of Cultural Exchange The 2025 Cannes Film Festival concluded with a powerful message from Óliver Laxe, director of "Sirāt," who received the Jury Prize (ex æquo). His acceptance speech, captured in a short video, transcends the usual award ceremony formalities, becoming a poignant reflection on cultural understanding. Laxe shared a deeply personal anecdote: "Five years ago, I was at the Jerusalem Film Festival. I took a taxi with a Palestinian driver, and our conversation was striking. He told me he was Palestinian, and I told him I was Spanish. He said something that struck me and it was a quote from the Koran." This simple encounter, recounted with emotion, underscores the director's message about the importance of embracing our differences. His speech continued, emphasizing the role of cinema in bringing together people from diverse backgrounds. "We are made from different tribes, so that you can get to know each other." This statement, delivered with passion, encapsulates the spirit of the festival and the broader message of unity and understanding. The video, though short, carries a powerful message that resonates far beyond the confines of the award ceremony. It's a testament to the unifying power of art and the importance of celebrating cultural diversity.