San Sebastian’s WIP Europa Lineup Unveiled: Films From Seyhmus Altun, Nino Akhvlediani, Jurgis Matulevicius and Sarah Miro Fischer

As a seasoned movie buff with over three decades of cinematic exploration under my belt, I must say that this year’s WIP Europe lineup at San Sebastian International Film Festival is nothing short of intriguing! The diversity and depth of the stories being presented are a testament to the richness of global storytelling.


As a cinephile and frequent attendee of film festivals, I eagerly anticipate the announcements of the selected titles for each event. Having attended WIP Europe several times before, I can attest to the high caliber of films that have been presented there. With San Sebastian unveiling the four titles set to pitch at this year’s sidebar, I am excited to see what fresh and innovative stories await me at this year’s festival. As someone who values the opportunity to discover new voices in cinema, I can’t wait to immerse myself in the rich tapestry of filmmaking talent that will be on display at WIP Europe from September 23-25.

Previously, individuals who attended WIP Europe have been associated with films that later competed at the Annecy event by Maria Trenor’s production “Rock Bottom,” as well as two movies screened in the Berlinale Panorama: Tonia Noyabrova’s “Do You Love Me?” and Michael Fetter Nathansky’s “Every You Every Me.” This year, these same films will be shown once again in the Zabaltegi-Tabakalera section at San Sebastian.

As a passionate cinephile with years of experience in the film industry, I find myself excited about this year’s WIP Europe Industry Award. The opportunity to receive post-production services, English subtitles, and Spanish distribution for my work is not only an honor but also a crucial step towards reaching a wider audience. Winning the WIP Europe Award means more than just the €10,000 ($10,900) cash prize; it represents validation from industry professionals who recognize the potential of my film. I’ve been through the struggles and triumphs of independent filmmaking, and this award offers a chance to turn my dreams into reality.

Below, we look at the four titles set for this year’s WIP Europe lineup.

“In a Grove,” Nino Akhvlediani (Georgia)

In the early 1900s, director Akhvlediani’s third film, titled “In a Grove,” portrays four generations cohabiting in Tbilisi. Upon his brother’s enigmatic demise, Levan, who was studying abroad in Germany, returns home to unravel the mystery of his brother’s death. However, each person he meets provides a distinct account of the events, and astonishingly, every story appears credible.

“China Sea,” Jurgis Matulevicius (Lithuania)

The most recent work by Matulevicius, a previous European Discovery Award nominee at the European Film Awards, revolves around a martial arts champion who is kicked out of his nation’s team due to excessive aggression. Without direction, he seeks shelter in a restaurant called China Sea, which belongs to his closest friend, and attempts to forge a fresh path in life. Lithuania’s Film Jam collaborates with Poland’s Lava Films, the Czech Republic’s Bionaut, and Taiwan’s Ma Studios on this production.

“Blue Marks,” Sarah Miro Fischer (Germany)

As a survivor of sexual assault myself, I found this feminist drama produced by Deutsche Film- und Fernsehakademie Berlin, in co-production with Arkanum Pictures and RBB, to be both poignant and powerful. The story revolves around siblings Rose and Sam, whose relationship is shattered when it’s revealed that the rape allegations against Sam are true. I could relate to Rose’s struggle to cope with her brother’s guilt, as it mirrored my own feelings towards my abuser.

“Memento Non Mori,” Seyhmus Altun (Turkey)

In this narrative tale, events unfold following a devastating chemical fire that engulfs a rural farming community. A resilient young girl grapples with the long-term ecological consequences and her father’s indifference towards her aspirations for education. Last year, it was honored with the distinction of being the first full-length fiction film to receive production support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey. As a creative endeavor, it has been part of the M2 Lab in Turkey and underwent script development workshops at Film Independent in the United States.

WIP Europe receives backing from several companies including Best Digital, BTeam Pictures, Deluxe Content Services Spain, Dolby Labs, Laserfilm Cine y Video, Nephilim Producciones, and No Problem Sonido.

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2024-08-13 12:47