Italian
San Sebastian Film Festival: A Cinematic Feast Awaits
A star-studded lineup
The San Sebastian Film Festival is gearing up for an extraordinary edition this September, featuring a compelling mix of Netflix Originals and new films from renowned directors like Mike Leigh, Joshua Oppenheimer, Gia Coppola, and Edward Berger. This year’s competition promises a rich tapestry of storytelling, with big-name directors and ‘A’ list stars such as Tilda Swinton, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Pamela Anderson gracing the screen.
Highlights from the main competition
The end: A post-apocalyptic musical
Joshua Oppenheimer’s The End is set to captivate audiences with its unique blend of post-apocalyptic themes and musical elements. Starring Tilda Swinton, George MacKay, and Michael Shannon, this film promises to be a visual and auditory feast. Watch the trailer.
Conclave: A psychological thriller
Edward Berger, known for his work on “All Quiet on the Western Front,” brings us Conclave, a psychological thriller set in the Vatican. With a stellar cast including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow, this film delves into the dark corridors of power and conspiracy. Watch the trailer.
Hard truths: A family drama
Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths reunites the filmmaker with Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who received an Oscar nomination for her role in ”Secrets & Lies.” This film is described as a ”tough but compassionate intimate study of family life.” Watch the trailer.
The last showgirl: A mother-daughter drama
Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl stars Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis in a poignant tale of a dancer at a career crossroads. The film explores themes of family, identity, and resilience. Watch the trailer.
Netflix Originals in the spotlight
El lugar de la otra: A Chilean debut
Maite Alberdi’s El lugar de la otra marks her debut fiction feature. Produced by Pablo and Juan de Dios Larraín’s Fabula, this film is inspired by real-life events and promises to be a gripping narrative. Watch the trailer.
The man who loved UFOs: An Argentine dramedy
Diego Lerman’s The Man Who Loved UFOs is a dramedy set in the 1980s, revolving around an alien visitation scam. This film is sure to entertain with its quirky premise and engaging storyline. Watch the trailer.
A global cinematic journey
Afternoons of solitude: A Spanish exploration
Albert Serra’s Afternoons of Solitude delves into the spiritual pain and aesthetics of bullfighting, offering a unique perspective on this traditional spectacle. Watch the trailer.
Bound in heaven: A Chinese odyssey
Huh Xin’s Bound in Heaven tells the story of a terminally ill man and a young girl trapped by violence, embarking on a race against time through various cities. Watch the trailer.
Emmanuelle: A provocative adaptation
Audrey Diwan’s Emmanuelle is adapted from Emmanuelle Arsan’s novel, casting a female gaze on one of cinema’s most provocative characters. Watch the trailer.
Last breath: A French investigation
Costa-Gavras’ Last Breath explores the world of palliative care through the interactions of a doctor and his patients, based on the book “Le Dernier Souffle.” Watch the trailer.
I am Nevenka: A Spanish landmark case
Iciar Bollaín’s I Am Nevenka is inspired by a landmark sexual harassment case in Spain, weaving a narrative of power, gender discrimination, and courage. Watch the trailer.
On falling: A British debut
Laura Carreira’s On Falling follows a Portuguese immigrant battling for human connection in a world dominated by an algorithm-driven gig economy. Watch the trailer.
Glimmers: A Spanish family drama
Pilar Palomero’s Glimmers features a top-notch Spanish cast and explores the buried resentments of a woman asked to care for her hospitalized ex-husband. Watch the trailer.
I, addict: An autobiographical journey
Javier Giner and Elena Trapé’s I, Addict is an autobiographical story of Giner’s journey through rehab and his transformation. Watch the trailer.
Querer: A Basque family drama
Alauda Ruiz de Azúa’s Querer returns to an intimate family drama set in the Basque Country, delivering uncomfortable truths about women’s roles in traditional family structures. Watch the trailer.
The red virgin: A Spanish period piece
Paula Ortiz’s The Red Virgin tells the tragic life of Hildegart Rodríguez, a child prodigy raised to be a model for future women. Watch the trailer.
Serpent’s path: A Japanese-French thriller
Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Serpent’s Path is a Paris-set thriller that promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Watch the trailer.
When is fall coming: A French autumnal tale
François Ozon’s When is Fall Coming is a take on autumnal life, featuring a model grandmother whose blissful retirement is disrupted by her grandson. Watch the trailer.
A festival to remember
The 72nd San Sebastian Film Festival, running from September 20-28, promises to be a cinematic extravaganza, showcasing a diverse array of films that span genres, cultures, and narratives. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, intimate family dramas, or post-apocalyptic musicals, this year’s lineup has something for everyone. So, mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of cinema.
