San Sebastián Film Festival: A Catalan showcase
The San Sebastián Film Festival has always been a beacon for cinematic excellence, and this year, Catalonia takes center stage with an impressive 27 titles. From documentaries to feature films, Catalonia’s presence is undeniable. Let’s dive into the highlights of this year’s festival.
Main competition: A blend of artistry and storytelling
Afternoons of solitude
Albert Serra returns with Afternoons of Solitude, a contemplative piece that follows star bullfighter Andrés Roca Rey. Known for his unique cinematic voice, Serra approaches this film with a sense of respect and innocence, aiming to capture the essence of the bullfighter’s world without prejudice. Watch the trailer.
Glimmers
Pilar Palomero, celebrated for her works Schoolgirls and La Maternal, brings us Glimmers. This film, featuring Patricia López Arnaíz and Antonio de la Torre, delves into the complexities of familial relationships. A woman is asked by her daughter to care for her estranged, hospitalized ex-husband. Palomero describes it as a reflection on the marks left on us and those we leave behind. Watch the trailer.
Hard truths
Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths offers a compelling narrative centered around his Secrets & Lies star. This film, which received positive feedback at Toronto, is a prickly portrait that promises to be a significant addition to Leigh’s illustrious career. Watch the trailer.
The wailing
The Wailing is a genre film that promises depth and intrigue. Starring Ester Expósito, this film follows Andrea, who begins to hear mysterious wailing, connecting her to events from 20 years ago. Directed by Pedro Martín Calero, known for his work in music videos and commercials, this film is a promising debut. Watch the trailer.
Horizontes Latinos: Exploring Latin American narratives
Maybe it’s true what they say about us
This thriller delves into generational trauma and accountability. Psychiatrist Ximena’s daughter returns transformed from a retreat, only for her baby to vanish within a sect. The investigation that follows unravels deep-seated mysteries. Watch the trailer.
New directors: Fresh voices in cinema
Surfacing
Cecilia Atán and Valeria Pivato’s Surfacing is a simmering account of a woman torn between her misguided son and the happiness she found during his incarceration. This film promises a deep emotional journey, produced by Argentina’s Tarea Fina and Spain’s Tandem Films. Watch the trailer.
Velodrome: High-energy narratives
Celeste
Celeste follows Sara, a tax inspector on the brink of retirement, who gets a chance to prove a Latina pop star’s tax evasion. Starring Carmen Machi, this thriller promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Watch the trailer.
Zinemira: Celebrating Basque culture
Ciento volando
Set in the Chillida Leku sculpture park, Ciento Volando captures the extraordinary mix of art and nature. Directed by Arantxa Aguirre, this documentary is a visual delight, exploring the intersection of human creativity and natural beauty. Watch the trailer.
RTVE Gala: Spotlight on Spanish cinema
Escape
Rodrigo Cortés’ Escape stars Mario Casas and Anna Castillo. This film is a unique mix of genres, telling the story of a man desperate to be sentenced to jail. It’s an exciting escape narrative told in reverse, promising a thrilling cinematic experience. Watch the trailer.
May I speak with the enemy
This biopic focuses on the Spanish Civil War years of Miguel Gila, a pioneer of stand-up comedy in Spain. Produced by Pecado Films and Arcadia Motion Pictures, this film promises to be a poignant exploration of history and humor. Watch the trailer.
Made in Spain: Celebrating national talent
Little loves
Celia Rico returns with Little Loves, a film that explores the mother-daughter relationship. This film, which won accolades at Malaga, is produced by Arcadia Motion Pictures and promises to be a heartfelt narrative. Watch the trailer.
Holy mother
Set in the 9th century, Holy Mother is a historical drama that delves into the complexities of faith and power. Produced by Oberon Cinematográfica and Wanda Visión, this film promises to be a visually stunning and thought-provoking piece. Watch the trailer.
Personal reflections: A festival for the senses
As a cinema enthusiast, the San Sebastián Film Festival is a treasure trove of narratives that challenge, inspire, and entertain. Each film offers a unique perspective, whether it’s the introspective journey of a bullfighter, the emotional complexities of familial relationships, or the thrilling escape of a desperate man. This festival is not just a showcase of films; it’s a celebration of storytelling in its purest form.
For TV series and music lovers, the festival also offers a glimpse into the broader cultural landscape, with narratives that resonate beyond the screen. The inclusion of links to trailers and information pages ensures that you can dive deeper into each story, experiencing the full spectrum of emotions and insights that these films offer.
the San Sebastián Film Festival is a reminder of the power of cinema to connect us, to make us reflect, and to inspire us to see the world through different lenses. Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or a casual viewer, there’s something here for everyone. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let the magic of cinema transport you to new worlds.# Exploring the latest in cinema and TV series
Emma: A tale of resilience and faith
In the heart of medieval Europe, Emma emerges as a newly appointed abbess, tasked with the formidable challenge of repopulating frontier lands bordering Muslim territories. This historical fable, crafted by the visionary writer-director-producer Antonio Chavarrías, known for works like “Susanna” and “The Chosen,” delves deep into the political intrigue and harsh elements of the time. The narrative is a testament to human resilience and faith, making it a must-watch for history enthusiasts and drama lovers alike. Emma
A house on fire: A dark Catalan family farce
Produced by Sábado, the minds behind “Crazy About You,” A House on Fire is a dark Catalan family farce that has garnered bullish reviews from Spanish critics. The screenplay, penned by Eduard Sola, co-writer of “Burning Body,” adds depth to the narrative, making it a notable box office breakout in Spain. With its unique blend of humor and drama, this film is a refreshing addition to the genre. A House on Fire
Mamífera: A poignant Spanish drama
Mamífera, directed by Liliana Torres and produced by Distinto Films and Edna Cinema, is an engaging Spanish drama about an unexpected pregnancy. The film, which won a Special Jury Award for Performance at SXSW, is hailed for its well-acted and compelling narrative. For those who appreciate heartfelt stories, this film is a gem. Mamífera
Nina: A blend of classic and contemporary
Inspired by Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull” and infused with elements of classic Westerns and Douglas Sirk-style melodrama, Nina is the breakout second feature from Andrea Jurrieta. Starring Patricia López Arnaiz and Darío Grandinetti, this film is a captivating blend of genres that showcases the talents of young Spanish directors. Nina
Norberta: A fresh look at transsexuality
Directed by newcomers Sonia Escolano and Belén López Albert, Norberta is a provocative and emotional LGBTQ+ dramedy. Set in a working-class neighborhood, the story follows Norbert, a 65-year-old who needs to pull off a big heist to pay for his sex change. This film offers a fresh perspective on transsexuality in later life, making it a significant addition to contemporary cinema. Norberta
Saturn return: A radical biopic
Saturn Return, directed by Isaki Lacuesta, is a radical biopic that subverts traditional tropes while remaining a crowd-pleaser. Inspired by the Spanish indie rock band Los Planetas, this film swept the prize board at the Malaga Festival. Its unique narrative and engaging storytelling make it a standout in the biopic genre. Saturn Return
To laugh, to sing, perhaps to cry: A subversive chronicle
To Laugh, To Sing, Perhaps to Cry is a rough-remake of Fassbinder’s “Ali: Fear Eats the Soul,” directed by Marc Ferrer. This film melds comedy, melodrama, and musical elements to create a laugh-out-loud portrait of a Barcelona district. It builds to a subversive chronicle of a hidden city, making it a unique cinematic experience. To Laugh, To Sing, Perhaps to Cry
Rock bottom: A trippy animated romance
Rock Bottom is a trippy portrayal of the romance between Bob, a famous rock musician, and Alif, a talented visual artist. Delivered through lush and vibrant rotoscoped 2D animation, this film explores the creative vortex and darker side of 1970s’ hippie culture in Mallorca and New York. It’s a visually stunning and emotionally rich film that stands out in the animation genre. Rock Bottom
Tiempo de silencio y destrucción: A personal take on a literary giant
Tiempo de Silencio y Destrucción offers a personal take on Luis Martin-Santos, one of Spain’s greatest last-century novelists. Directed by Joan López Lloret and produced by Marta Esteban, this film delves into the life and works of Martin-Santos, providing a deep and insightful look at his contributions to literature. Tiempo de Silencio y Destrucción
Tattoo, the first adventure of Pepe Carvalho: A classic crime novel adaptation
In San Sebastian’s Classics showcase, Tattoo, the First Adventure of Pepe Carvalho is the first feature of Bigas Luna, adapting the first crime novel from Manuel Vázquez Montalbán. This film introduces Carvalho, Spain’s most famous gumshoe, and sets the stage for Luna’s flamboyant directorial style. It’s a must-watch for fans of classic crime dramas. Tattoo, the First Adventure of Pepe Carvalho
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, these films offer a diverse range of genres and narratives that promise to captivate and inspire. Whether you’re drawn to historical dramas, dark comedies, or radical biopics, there’s something here for everyone. Dive into these stories and explore the rich tapestry of contemporary and classic cinema.