The Colombian-French film La serpiente negra (La couleuvre noire in French) will compete in the 2025 edition of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, which will be held from May 13 to May 24 in Cannes, France.
This year marks the 33rd edition of the festival. La serpiente negra has been selected to compete in the ACID Cannes section, a space dedicated to highlighting and awarding independent films that champion innovative storytelling and unique perspectives. Concurrently, 19 films will vie for the coveted Palme d’Or in the Official Selection.
La serpiente negra, the Colombian-French representative at Cannes
Set in the Tatacoa Desert in Colombia, La serpiente negra tells the story of Ciro, a young man who returns to his homeland after years of absence. Upon arriving, he reunites with his gravely ill mother and faces an environment fraught with tensions and threats. The film delves into themes such as returning to one’s roots, family fragility, and the struggle to survive in a hostile context.
Directed by French filmmaker Aurélien Vernhes-Lermusiaux, this co-production between Colombia, France, and Brazil was filmed between March and April 2024. The cast includes Alexis Tafur, Miguel Ángel Viera, Ángela Rodríguez, Laura Valentina Quintero, and Virgelina Gil.
Awarded sections at the Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival features various sections that recognize different types of cinema. Some of the most notable are:
Official Selection: Includes awards such as the Palme d’Or, the Grand Jury Prize, and the Jury Prize.
Un Certain Regard: Highlights films with original narratives and unique styles.
Cinéfondation: Rewards short films and works by film students.
Caméra d’Or: Honors the best directorial debut.
Critics’ Week: Focuses on discovering new filmmaking talent.
Directors’ Fortnight: Celebrates independent and auteur cinema.
Queer Palm: Recognizes films with LGBTQ+ themes.
ACID Cannes: A section dedicated to independent cinema, championed by the Association for the Distribution of Independent Cinema.
Films selected in the ACID Cannes 2025 section
Nine films have been chosen to compete in the ACID section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. All stand out for their originality, boldness, and commitment to alternative storytelling. The list includes:
L’Aventura (France), directed by Sophie Letourneur
La serpiente negra (La couleuvre noire) (France, Colombia, Brazil), directed by Aurélien Vernhes-Lermusiaux
Drunken Noodles (USA, Argentina), directed by Lucio Castro
Entroncamento (Portugal, France), directed by Pedro Cabeleira
Drifting Laurent (France), directed by Anton Balekdjian, Léo Couture, and Mattéo Eustachon
A Light That Never Goes Out (Finland, Norway), directed by Lauri-Matti Parppei
Obscure Night – “Ain’t I a Child?” (France, Switzerland, Portugal), directed by Sylvain George
Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk (France, Palestine, Iran), directed by Sepideh Farsi