Celebrating cinematic excellence: San Sebastián Festival’s industry awards

The San Sebastián Festival’s Industry Awards ceremony recently honored some of the most promising projects in the film industry. This year, the spotlight shone on Argentine Francisco Lezama, Uruguayan Daniel Handler, and German director Sara Miro Fischer, who triumphed in various categories. The event highlighted the Europe-Latin America Co-Production Forum and the WIP Latam and WIP Europa strands, showcasing a diverse array of talent and storytelling.

A double win for Francisco Lezama

Francisco Lezama’s “The Two Landscapes” emerged as a standout, securing two awards at the Forum. This marks Lezama’s second major accolade this year, following his 2024 Berlin Golden Bear win for the short film “Un movimiento extraño.” Produced by Argentina’s Pionera Cine, the film delves into religious and family tensions during a crisis within the Catholic Church. The narrative follows Mercedes, a devout sixty-year-old Catholic, who must host her late tenant’s girlfriend and unrecognized daughter. The film explores the clash between traditional Catholic rituals and the growing influence of Evangelism in a small town.

Ikusmira Berriak Award: Maria Elorza’s “Dear Bastiano”

Spanish director Maria Elorza’s “Dear Bastiano” received the Ikusmira Berriak Award, recognizing it as the best project at the prestigious San Sebastián development program. The film is a narrative diptych that treats memory as invention, blending elements of experimental non-fiction. It revolves around a love letter sent during WWII by an Elorza family member, adding layers of political and historical significance.

Mariana Saffon’s “Mar de Leva” wins ArteKino International Award

In the same Forum competition, Colombian filmmaker Mariana Saffon’s “Mar de Leva” clinched the ArteKino International Award. The film, produced by Colombia’s Evidencia Films, marks Saffon’s feature debut. It tells the story of Elena, who prepares for her father’s imminent death while grappling with an unexpected desire to become a mother. Saffon’s previous work, “Between You and Milagros,” won best short film at the 2020 Venice Horizons, showcasing her unique sensibility and personal perspective.

Daniel Hendler’s “A Loose End” takes WIP Latam Industry Award

Berlin Silver Bear-winning actor Daniel Hendler’s third feature as a director, “A Loose End”, won the Industry Award at WIP Latam. The film follows Santiago, a low-ranking policeman who escapes from the Argentine police force to Fray Bentos, a small town across the Uruguay border. Penniless but resourceful, Santiago uses his threadbare uniform to navigate obstacles and seek a fresh start, even dreaming of finding love.

Egeda Platino Industria Award: Nayra Ilic’s “Cuerpo Celeste”

Chilean director Nayra Ilic’s “Cuerpo Celeste” received the Egeda Platino Industria Award. The film tracks the life of Celeste, a teenager coping with her father’s death while her mother faces a personal crisis. Ilic’s debut feature, “Square Meter,” was screened in competition at the Palm Springs Festival in 2011, establishing her as a noteworthy filmmaker.

Sara Miro Fischer’s “Blue Marks” triumphs at WIP Europa

German director Sara Miro Fischer’s “Blue Marks” won both the WIP Europa Industry Award and the WIP Europa Award. The feminist drama, produced by Deutsche Film- und Fernsehakademie Berlin in co-production with Arkanum Pictures and RBB, centers on siblings Rose and Sam. After learning that rape allegations against Sam are true, Rose must navigate her brother’s guilt and its impact on their relationship.

Reflecting on the winners

The San Sebastián Festival’s Industry Awards not only celebrate cinematic excellence but also highlight the diverse and rich storytelling emerging from different corners of the world. Each winning project offers a unique perspective, whether it’s exploring religious tensions, personal crises, or societal issues. These films promise to leave a lasting impact on audiences and the film industry alike.

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