Blessed by warm but hardly sweltering late summer sun — and no typical Basque txirimiri drizzle so common to other editions — the 74th San Sebastián also marks the last under festival director José Luis Rebordinos, who since 2011 has brought stability, sponsors, industry build and a close relationship to Cannes.
Fittingly enough, the hallmark of this year’s 74th edition is a phenomenon which Rebordinos has contributed significantly to — the build of Spain’s film and TV industry.
Just before San Sebastián, Los Javis “La Bola Negra” won the TIFF People’s Choice Award, boosting no end its status in the Oscars race. During San Sebastián, Spain scored five nominations for the International Emmy Awards and the Spain Film Commission announced that Spanish film and TV production hit an all-time high of €5.68 billion ($6.6 billion) in 2025.
10 takeaways from this year’s edition:
Buzz Titles
International Hurts
Europe Courts New Money
Highflying Movistar Plus Unveils New Slate
AI: Independent Industry Figures Don’t Say No
Spain Preeminent at San Sebastián
Not to Be Missed Clara Simón’s Latest Film, ‘Flamenco’
The best Spanish film showcased at San Sebastián with a preeminent director on hand didn’t even play in a festival section. On Tuesday, Clara Simón attended an ICEX showcase, to walk an audience Energized by three electric flamenco set-pieces, “Flamenco” talks of artistic and family legacy, in highly emotional terms. Like another short, from Rasalía director also talks about one thing which sets Spain apart: the still resilient deep impact of popular culture which has proved far more resilient in Spain than almost any other part of Europe. Such is part of Spain’s magic.
A San Sebastián Standout: ‘El Castillo’
And the Deals
*Martin Scorsese mentee Celina Murga (“The Freshly Cut Grass”) is prepping her next pic, “The Rehearsals,” about how caring for someone can also bring love, connection and a renewed sense of life.
*Mikel Gurrea’s awaited “Saints,” toplined by “The Beloved” star Victoria Luengo, was swooped on by M-Appeal in a deal announced just before the festival.
*Latido Films has picked up international sales rights to “Flamenco Sketches,” from double San Sebastián Golden Shell winner Isaki Lacuesta
*Mexico’s Sula Films has boarded Tatiana Huezo’s anticipated “Galerna,” a top Industry Award winner at San Sebastián from “Roma” producer Pimienta Films
*Another Golden Shell contender, Chinese filmmaker Ah Biao’s feature debut “Border,” was picked up for sales by Paris-based Reel Suspects.
*New Regency acquired international rights to “Genesi,” detailing in part Ferran Adria’s transformation of El Bulli restaurant into a haute cuisine legend. Netflix will release in Spain, Europe, Latin America and the U.S.
*Lee Kang-sheng, Miranda de la Serna and Marcelo Subiotto are set to star in RT Features’ ‘Bodies of Summer,’ from Berlin winner Iván Fund (“The Message”).
*Filmax has swooped on Javier Giner’s “This Solitude,” one of the buzziest feature debuts at this year’s San Sebastián.
*Txintxua Films (“Intimacy”) boarded “This Is the Memory I Would Like to Have of Mom” a San Sebastián Forum title from Berlin Perspectives first Ffeature winner Martínez Bucio (“The Devil Smokes”).
*El Sol Ermitaño launched at San Sebastián with pic in post title “Lovers Go Home,” which went on top the festival’s Industry Awards.
*In a second San Sebastián deal, Latido Films will rep world sales on “200 Lives, Paco Rabal,” a bio of the Spanish screen legend narrated by Rabal himself.
*Again working a San-Sebastián-Busan axis, Taiwanese coming-of-age drama “Will You Still Be My Friend” was boarded for sales by Moveria.
