The San Sebastián International Film Festival (or Zinemaldia, as it is known in Basque) is one of the most prestigious events in the world related to the seventh art, bringing together. Each year, some of the most influential directors, producers, and actors of the moment.
If you want to learn more about its history and significance, or discover the surprises awaiting you at this year’s edition. In the following post, we tell you everything you need to know about this spectacular event. Don’t miss it!
History of the San Sebastián International Film Festival
The San Sebastián Film Festival was born in 1953 with a humble yet very ambitious spirit.
In its early days, it began as a modest contest of Spanish-language films that, nevertheless, attracted the attention of both local fans and a large part of the national territory, as well as young and independent directors and producers.
Little by little, the event gained more and more followers and popularity, to the point of being recognized as a Category A event by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) in 1957, placing it on par with renowned festivals such as Cannes or Venice.
Throughout its history, the festival’s red carpet has hosted stars like Audrey Hepburn, Bette Davis, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Gere, and Alfred Hitchcock, who premiered his legendary film Vertigo in its theaters.
Additionally, the event has become a space for the discovery and consecration of emerging filmmakers, as well as a showcase for some of the most innovative and daring works in contemporary cinema.
List of Festival Winners
Each year, dozens of films compete to take home the event’s top prize: the Golden Shell.
Among the historic winners of this coveted award are films from diverse cultures and styles, ranging from social drama to irreverent comedy.
To name a few examples, we highlight Mondays in the Sun by Fernando León de Aranoa, The Disaster Artist by actor and director James Franco, and O Corno, directed by Jaione Camborda, which won the coveted shell in 2023.
On the other hand, it’s worth noting that the festival awards many other prizes, such as the Silver Shell for Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress, as well as the Horizontes Latinos and New Directors Awards, which recognize emerging talents in world cinema.
Who Makes Up the Jury?
In each edition, the San Sebastián Festival jury gathers some of the most influential figures in the world of cinema.
Over the years, renowned directors, actors, screenwriters, film critics, and various industry experts have been invited to be part of the panel responsible for awarding the prizes. In fact, in each edition, the jury is carefully selected to ensure a fair and representative evaluation of the participating films.
This jury is usually chaired by a prominent figure in world cinema, as has been the case with directors like Alexander Payne or Paul Schrader, who led the deliberations in recent editions. Apart from this official jury, there are other specialized committees for specific categories, such as Horizontes Latinos, which highlights the best productions from Latin American cinema.
San Sebastián International Film Festival 2024
Now that you know the most important general facts about the festival, let’s take a look at all the available information for the 2024 edition:
When is it?
The 72nd edition of the San Sebastián Film Festival is just around the corner, as it will take place from September 20th to 28th.
Where is it held?
The galas and main screenings take place at the Kursaal, an imposing contemporary building located by the sea.
However, the festival extends throughout San Sebastián, with events at the Victoria Eugenia Theater, the Principal Theater, the Tabakalera, and other iconic venues.
Who are the nominees?
Although it is still too early to know the favorite films to win the Golden Shell, the participating films in the official section have been confirmed:
- Soy Nevenka – Icíar Bollaín
- Los destellos – Pilar Palomero
- Tardes de Soledad – Albert Serra
- El llanto – Pedro Martín-Calero
- El lugar de la otra – Maite Alberdi
- On Falling – Laura Carreira
- The Last Showgirl – Gia Coppola
- Le dernier souffle / Last Breath – Costa Gavras
- Cónclave – Edward Berger
- Bound in Heaven – Xin Huo
- Hebi no michi / Serpent’s Path – Kiyoshi Kurosawa
- El hombre que amaba los platos voladores – Diego Lerman
- Hard Truths – Mike Leigh
- The End – Joshua Oppenheimer
- Quand vient l’automne / When Fall Is Coming – François Ozon
How to Get Tickets?
If you wish to attend as a member of the public, you can purchase your tickets on the official website of the San Sebastián Festival. However, we recommend staying alert for the release date and reserving them in advance, as they can sell out quickly.
For those looking for a more exclusive experience, there are passes that allow access to a selection of screenings throughout the festival. There are also special packages for students, industry professionals, and tourists, including tickets, accommodation, and complementary activities.
If you decide to come, don’t forget that you can safely and economically store your luggage at LOCK & enjoy! baggage lockers, located in the central Plaza Sarriegi. Everything you need to explore San Sebastián comfortably and without worries!
Who Will Walk the Red Carpet?
As in previous years, the red carpet at the San Sebastián Film Festival will welcome several of the most famous and influential stars in the film industry.
Among the guests at this edition are actress Cate Blanchett and Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, who will receive the Donostia Award in recognition of their exceptional careers.
Other confirmed artists include Naomi Watts, Javier Bardem, or Johnny Depp (who will present his film Modi – Three Days on the Wing of Madness out of competition), along with many other film and television stars from our country.
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