The San Sebastian 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, which brings together, every year, some of the most influential directors, producers and actors of the moment.
If you want to know more about its history and relevance, or want to discover what surprises await you in 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 Sebastian International Film Festival
The San Sebastian Film Festival was born in 1953 with a humble but very ambitious spirit.
In its beginnings, it started as a modest Spanish-language film festival that, nevertheless, gradually attracted the attention of both local fans and a large part of the national territory, as well as new and independent directors and producers.
Gradually, 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 a par with renowned festivals such as Cannes or Venice.
Throughout its history, the festival’s red carpet has welcomed stars such as Audrey Hepburn, Bette Davis, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Gere and Alfred Hitchcock, who premiered his legendary film “Vertigo” in its theaters.
The event has also become a space of discovery and consecration for emerging filmmakers, as well as a showcase for some of the most innovative and daring works of contemporary cinema.
List of winners of the festival
Every year, dozens of films compete to take home the event’s top prize: the Golden Shell.
Among the historic winners of the coveted award are films of diverse cultures and styles, from social drama to irreverent comedy.
To give a few examples, we highlight Los lunes al sol, by Fernando León de Aranoa, The disaster artist, by actor and director James Franco, or O Corno, signed by Jaione Camborda and awarded with the coveted shell in 2023.
On the other hand, it is worth remembering that many other awards are given at the festival , 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 the new promises of world cinema.
Do you want to make up the jury?
Each year, the San Sebastian Festival Jury brings together some of the most influential personalities 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 in charge of 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 presided over by a leading figure in world cinema, as is the case of directors such as Alexander Payne or Paul Schrader, who have headed the deliberations in recent editions. Apart from this official jury,
San Sebastian International Film Festival 2024
Now that you know the most important general facts about the festival, let’s take a look at all the information available for the 2024 edition:
When is it?
The 72nd edition of the San Sebastian Film Festival is just around the corner, as it will be held from September 20 to 28.
Where is it held?
The galas and main screenings take place at the Kursaal, an imposing contemporary building located on the seafront.
However, the festival extends throughout San Sebastian, with events at the Victoria Eugenia Theater, the Teatro Principal, the Tabakalera, and other emblematic spaces.
Who are the nominees?
Although it is still too early to know the preferred films to win the Golden Shell, The participating films in the official section have been confirmed:
- I am Nevenka – Icíar Bollaín
- The sparkles – Pilar Palomero
- Afternoons of Solitude – Albert Serra
- The cry – Pedro Martín-Calero
- The place of the other – Maite Alberdi
- On Falling – Laura Carreira
- The Last Showgirl – Gia Coppola
- Le dernier souffle / Last Breath – Costa Gavras
- Conclave – Edward Berger
- Bound in Heaven – Xin Huo
- Hebi no michi / Serpent’s Path – Kiyoshi Kurosawa
- The man who loved flying saucers – 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 an audience, you can buy your tickets on the official website of the San Sebastian Festival. However, we recommend that you pay attention to the release date and reserve them in advance, as they may 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, which include tickets, accommodation and complementary activities.
If you decide to come, don’t forget that you can leave your luggage safely and very economically in the LOCK & enjoy! LOCK & enjoy! luggage Lockers, located in the central Plaza Sarriegi.Everything you need to travel around San Sebastian comfortably and without worries!
Who will go to the red carpet?
As every year, the red carpet of the San Sebastian Film Festival will welcome some of the most famous and influential stars of the seventh art.
Among the guests of this edition, the actress Cate Blanchett and the Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, who will receive the Donostia Award in commemoration of his exceptional career, stand out.
Other confirmed artists are Naomi Watts, Javier Bardem, or Johnny Depp (who presents his film Modi – Three Days on the Wing of Madness out of competition) and many other stars of film and television in our country.
