Agnes Moser Volland
Revenge, rebirth and road trips are themes that emerged from filmmakers at the Cannes Film Festival 2025.
Collage of movie posters.
From political thrillers to coming-of-age dramas, the 2025 Cannes Film Festival showcased stories about family, power, survival and more. Here are this year’s major award winners.
1. Sirât
France, Spain
Poster for the movie Sirat.
Winner of the Jury Prize and Best Soundtrack, “Sirât” is a road trip film from Spanish-French director Oliver Laxe. Blending existential themes with apocalyptic sci-fi flair and backed by a haunting techno score, the film follows a father navigating Morocco’s southern deserts in search of his daughter, who vanished at a rave. The title, “Sirât,” is an Arabic word meaning “path” or “bridge.” The Jury Prize is typically awarded to a film recognized for its originality, one that challenges viewers to think more deeply. “Sirât” will be released in Spain on June 6 and in France on September 3.
2. It Was Just an Accident (Un Simple Accident)
Iran, France, Luxembourg
Poster for the movie un simple accident.
“It Was Just an Accident” won this year’s Palme d'Or, the top award at Cannes. Directed by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi and loosely inspired by his time in prison, the thriller follows a group of former inmates who encounter a man who once terrorized them as an executioner. Now, they must decide whether or not to take revenge. The film reflects on the characters’ pasts, where they were jailed for minor offenses like anti-government propaganda and endured brutal torture. It is set for release in France on September 10.
3. Sentimental Value (Affeksjonsverdi)
Norway
Poster for the movie sentimental value.
Winner of the Grand Prix, the festival’s second-highest award, this Norwegian drama from director Joachim Trier follows two estranged sisters, Nora and Agnes, who reunite after their mother’s death to confront their deadbeat filmmaker father. When he returns to shoot a movie in their childhood home, he tries to mend his relationship with Nora by offering her the lead role. “Sentimental Value” explores themes of abandonment, artistic legacy and reconciliation. It will be released on August 10 in France and on September 12 in Norway.
4. The Secret Agent (O Agente Secreto)
Brazil
poster for the movie Agente Secreto.
Directed by Brazilian filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho, this political thriller won Best Director and Best Actor. Set in 1977 during the final years of Brazil’s military dictatorship, “The Secret Agent” follows Marcelo, a teacher targeted by government hitmen, who leaves Sao Paulo for his hometown, Recife. As Recife’s Carnival unfolds, Marcelo realizes his city is no longer the peaceful haven he once knew. The film examines how people respond to totalitarian regimes—whether they resist or submit. It released on May 18.
5. The Little Sister (La Petite Dernière)
France, Germany
Poster for the movie The Little Sister.
Winner of Best Actress, this coming-of-age film tells the story of Fatima, the youngest daughter of Algerian immigrants, as she leaves her suburban life behind to attend university in Paris. The film follows her journey of self-discovery as she navigates adulthood while honoring her past. Directed by French filmmaker Hafsia Herzi, the film is set for release on October 1 in France.
6. Resurrection (Kuangye Shidai)
China, France
Poster for the movie Resurrection.
This sci-fi dystopian drama from Chinese director Bi Gan won the Special Jury Award. Set in a future where people have lost the ability to dream, “Resurrection” explores what happens when imagination disappears — and what it takes to reclaim it. Told in six chapters spanning 100 years and blending genres, the film takes viewers on a surreal journey through space and time. It was released on May 22 in France.
Agnes Moser Volland
Agnes is a student at UC Berkeley majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies and minoring in Creative Writing, with a research focus on road trip culture in America. She currently writes for BARE Magazine and Caravan Travel & Style Magazine. She is working on a novel that follows two sisters as they road trip down Highway 40, from California to Oklahoma. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in journalism, publishing, or research.