San Sebastián Wrap: From Jolie to Gaza Protests and U.S. Film Influence Questions

Stars and Their Impact at the San Sebastián Film Festival

The San Sebastián Film Festival, known for its vibrant atmosphere and mix of sun and intensity, concluded on a high note with a series of notable Spanish-world productions and a lineup of prominent stars. Angelina Jolie made waves by delivering a performance in the French-language film "Couture," which marked a new chapter in her career as she spoke about her connection to her home country, the U.S., stating she "loves" but "doesn't recognize" it. Colin Farrell reflected on his past struggles with addiction and how it influenced his performance in "Ballad of a Small Player." Meanwhile, Jennifer Lawrence, honored with the Donostia Award, discussed broader societal issues in Lynne Ramsay's "Die My Love," highlighting the challenges faced by mothers.

Trading and Market Momentum

Despite not having the same formal market structure as Toronto, San Sebastián has shown significant momentum in its informal market. Antonio Saura from sales agency Latido Films noted that there was a strong presence of international executives, including French, Italian, and German representatives. Although many deals remain undisclosed, the festival continues to attract attention and investment. Patrick Wachsberger of 193 posed a question about U.S. film sales at Toronto, to which Roeg Sutherland of CAA Media Finance responded with confidence that all films would eventually find their way to the U.S. market.

Buzz Titles and Critical Acclaim

Several films stood out during the festival, capturing the audience's attention and critical acclaim. Dolores Fonzi's "Belén" was particularly well-received and has been selected as Argentina's Oscar submission. The Czech dark comedy "Ungrateful Beings" drew laughter and applause, while Alauda Ruiz de Azua's "Sundays" and José Luis Guerin's "Happy Valley Stories" were praised by local critics for their exploration of family dynamics and global resonance.

U.S. Dominance and Changing Trends

The influence of U.S. cinema is gradually waning, as European powerhouses take center stage. Executives from companies like Fremantle, Mediawan, and Studio TF1 attended the Creative Investors' Conference, signaling a shift in the industry landscape. Roeg Sutherland of CAA Media Finance highlighted this change, noting that the world is no longer centered on American films. This shift is also reflected in the financing of European films, with challenges in securing funding due to the high costs and difficulties in obtaining tax credits in the U.S.

Spain and Latin America's Influence

San Sebastián has long been a platform for Spanish-speaking cinema, and this year's festival emphasized that trend. Five of the top films in the El Diario Vasco critics' poll are Spanish-language, showcasing the strength of regional cinema. Streaming services like Movistar Plus+ and Netflix have played a significant role in supporting these films, aiming for local market impact. A big Cannes win can boost local audiences, as seen with Movistar Plus+'s "Sirât."

Political Statements and Protests

The festival also served as a platform for political statements, with Pedro Almodóvar, Javier Bardem, and other filmmakers joining protests against the Gaza conflict. Banners reading "Stop the Genocide, Cinema with Palestine" were displayed, reflecting the festival's commitment to social issues. This issue is expected to remain a focal point at future festivals as long as the conflict persists.

Notable Deals and New Projects

Several significant deals were announced at the festival, including Wagner Maura joining Sandra Delgado's "The Outsider" as an executive producer. Daniel Burman is set to shoot a feel-good dramedy series titled 'So Far So Good.' Other projects include Dani de la Orden's upcoming film 'El Director,' based on a non-fiction book, and Lali Espósito starring in Benjamín Naishtat's 'Glaxo.' Additionally, RT Features is producing Michael Almereyda's "Zero K," featuring Caleb Landry Jones and Peter Sarsgaard.

International Collaborations and Acquisitions

International collaborations and acquisitions highlight the festival's global reach. Atrescine announced a multi-year deal with Bowfinger Int'l Pictures, while Netflix acquired rights to the Catalan bio-film "Gènesi." Film Factory joined director Daniel Monzón's "Pray for Us," and Paulo Branco is producing "Aqui," based on J.M. Coetzee's "Jesus" trilogy. Bitters End acquired sales rights to "Sai: Disaster," and "Emilia Pérez" star Adriana Paz is set to headline "My Life With Him (Che)."

Regional Highlights and Emerging Talent

Regional films and emerging talent received significant attention, with Filmax acquiring Basque historical epic "Karmele" and the series "Mouths of Sky." Spain's Amore Cine joined Chile's Maquina on Valeria Hofmann's "Dæmon," and Brazil's Sambaqui Cultural boarded Chilean Camilo Becerra's "The Sky That We Paint." These collaborations underscore the festival's role in fostering international cinematic partnerships.

Conclusion

The San Sebastián Film Festival continues to be a vital event for filmmakers and industry professionals, offering a platform for diverse voices and innovative storytelling. As the festival moves forward, it remains a beacon for cultural exchange and artistic expression, shaping the future of global cinema.