As a film critic with a strong background in European cinema, I have had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of some truly groundbreaking and thought-provoking films over the years. The upcoming lineup of films from Spain, the UK, Chile, Argentina, and France is no exception.
As a film enthusiast who has attended several international film festivals over the years, I am thrilled to share my excitement about this year’s San Sebastian Film Festival lineup. With two Netflix Originals and fresh productions from esteemed directors Mike Leigh, Joshua Oppenheimer, Gia Coppola, and Edward Berger, the competition for the coveted Golden Shell is promising to be a fierce one. The diverse range of talents and storytelling styles is sure to offer an unforgettable cinematic experience. I can hardly wait to immerse myself in these artistic masterpieces and witness the magic unfold on the big screen.
This festival’s main competition is especially attractive to big-name directors such as Oppenheimer with Tilda Swinton in “The End,” and Gia Coppola with Jamie Lee Curtis and Pamela Anderson in “The Last Showgirl,” while Berger’s “Conclave” boasts an impressive cast featuring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini.)
Destination: Toronto and Telluride, followed by San Sebastián, the film “The End” directed by Oppenheimer features Tilda Swinton, George MacKay, and Michael Shannon. This movie is set in a post-apocalyptic era, but instead of being grim, it’s described as a melodious “Golden Age.”
The “Conclave” film, helmed by director Edward Berger of “All Quiet on the Western Front” fame, is a suspenseful drama penned by Peter Straughan. It’s an adaptation of Robert Harris’ 2016 novel of the same title. Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow star in this intriguing production.
Leigh’s “Hard Truths” brings back Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who earned an Oscar nod for her role in Leigh’s 1996 film “Secrets & Lies.”
“The Final Performer” is a heartfelt drama revolving around the complex relationship between a mother and daughter. This captivating series features Pamela Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kiernan Shipka, Billie Lourd, Dave Bautista, and Brenda Song. The plot unfolds as Anderson’s character stands at a career turning point when her long-running Las Vegas show comes to an end after 30 years on stage.
1. “Two Netflix Originals include ‘El lugar de la otra,’ a fiction debut by two-time Chilean Oscar nominee Maite Alberdi (‘The Eternal Memory’ and ‘The Mole Agent’), produced by Pablo and Juan de Dios Larraín’s Fabula (‘El Conde,’ ‘Spencer’), and ‘The Man Who Loved UFOs,’ a dramedy from Argentina’s Diego Lerman. This film revolves around a fictitious alien visitation hoax in the 1980s.”
At the San Sebastian Film Festival, there’s no restriction on Netflix titles competing. The director, José Luis Rebordinos, along with his team, selects the most intriguing films they find for the competition.
In Latin America, Netflix frequently supports well-known filmmakers who have previously showcased their work at the San Sebastián Film Festival. For instance, Lerman presented “A Sort of Family” there in 2017, claiming the Jury Prize, and returned in 2022 with “The Substitute.”
In addition, the competition features new films by renowned French directors such as Costa Gavras with “The Last Breath,” Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s “Serpent’s Path” set in Paris, and François Ozon’s “When Fall is Coming.”
The 72nd San Sebastian Festival runs Sept. 20 -28.
San Sebastian Main Competition
As it currently stands, more titles to come.
“Afternoons of Solitude,” (Albert Serra, Spain)
As a passionate cinema enthusiast, I’d like to share my perspective on delving into the profound emotional turmoil and aesthetics of bullfighting through the eyes of a matador. In this captivating documentary by a renowned Spanish filmmaker who made waves in Cannes with “Pacifiction,” we witness the creation of fleeting beauty amidst raw brutality as man and beast collide.
“Bound in Heaven,” Huh Xin (China) or Xin Huo
“Conclave,” Edward Berger (U.K., U.S.)
In a suspenseful thriller produced by Focus Features, Academy Award winner Berger, the story unfolds within the hallowed walls of the Vatican. Cardinal Lawrence (portrayed by Ralph Fiennes) is entrusted with overseeing the selection of a new Pope. However, as he becomes embroiled in a clandestine plot, he stumbles upon a hidden truth that could potentially shatter the Church’s bedrock.
“The End,” (Joshua Oppenheimer)
As a movie enthusiast, I’m excited to share that Neon, the production company behind this film, is making its fiction debut with acclaimed American documentarian, Oppenheimer. Known for “The Act of Killing” and “The Look of Silence,” both Academy Award nominees, this director is at it again. The story revolves around one of the last remaining families on earth, living in luxury beneath the ground. Final Cut for Real produces, while Wild Atlantic Pictures from Ireland, The Match Factory from Germany, Dorje Film from Italy, Moonspun Films from the U.K., and Anagram from Sweden all co-produce.
“Emmanuelle,” Audrey Diwan (France)
“Last Breath,” Costa-Gavras (France)
“I Am Nevenka,” Iciar Bollaín, (Spain)
Bollaín and Isa Campo, the co-writers of “Maixabel” (2021), penned this groundbreaking film inspired by a notable sexual harassment case in Spain that occurred in 2001. Their compelling script explores themes of power, gender bias, and the strength to stand alone. “Maixabel” is now available for sale through Film Factory.
“On Falling,” Laura Carreira, (U.K.)
A Portuguese immigrant, fighting for human connections in a gig economy ruled by algorithms, produces this film through Sixteen Films and Bro Cinema. Goodfellas handles the sale, while Carreira, based in Scotland, takes charge as the director. Another fresh debut.
“Glimmers,” Pilar Palomero, (Spain)
A renowned Spanish acting duo, headed by Patricia López Arnaíz and Antonio de la Torre, tell the story of a woman asked by her daughter to look after her long-absent ex-husband in the hospital. As she reconnects with him, she unearths deep-rooted grudges. According to Palomero, this is his largest production yet and an exploration of the scars we carry and leave behind, shaping our identities.
“Hard Truths,” Mike Leigh, (U.K., Spain)
A movie advertised as a “gritty yet empathetic exploration of family experiences.” Leigh’s production company Thin Man Films and The Mediapro Studio collaborate on producing this film, while Cornerstone Films manages its international distribution.
“I, Addict,” Javier Giner, Elena Trapé
“The Last Showgirl,” Gia Copolla (U.S.)
“El lugar de la otra,” Maite Alberdi (Chile)
A Netflix Original titled “EbMaster” is directed by Sergio Armstrong (known for “Neruda”) and is based on Alia Trabucco’s novel “Las Homicidas,” or “Women who Kill.” This film tells the true story of Maria Carolina Geel, a novelist who fatally shot her lover in shocking circumstances at the Hotel Crillón during the early ’50s. According to EbMaster reports, this is the focus of the movie.
“The Man Who Loved UFOs,” Diego Lerman (Argentina)
An Argentinian filmmaker with acclaimed works like “Suddenly” and “The Invisible Eye,” Lerman, brings his second Netflix Original production. The story follows a journalist who receives an invitation to the Argentine countryside for a reported alien encounter. Leonardo Sbaraglia, known for his roles in “Wild Tales” and “Pain and Glory,” stars in this intriguing film. Campo Cine and Bicho Films are producing it.
“Querer,” Alauda Ruiz de Azúa (Spain)
“The Red Virgin,” Paula Ortiz (U.S., Spain)
“Serpent’s Path,” Kiyoshi Kurosawa (Japan, France)
“The Wailing,” Pedro Martín Calero, (Spain, Argentina, France)
1. A suspenseful film titled “The Presence,” crafted by the rapidly advancing Madrid production company Caballo Films (“The Beasts,” “La ruta”), marks the feature film debut of Martín Calero. His previous work includes music videos for Weeknd like “Secrets,” car commercials such as the Honda Civic –Up advertisement that creates a sense of dizziness, and short fiction pieces, including “Julius Cesar.”
“When is Fall Coming,” François Ozon (France)
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2024-07-30 12:52