The 73rd San Sebastian Film Festival has announced an impressive lineup for its main competition, featuring films from acclaimed directors such as Edward Berger, Claire Denis, and James Vanderbilt. Taking place from September 19-27, 2023, the festival is regarded as the largest film event in the Spanish-speaking world, celebrating both established and emerging talent.
Among the films competing for the coveted Golden Shell, the festival introduced a diverse selection, including works by Dolores Fonzi, Joachim Lafosse, Olmo Omerzu, and Xiaoyu Qin. This latest announcement adds to an already robust Official Selection that blends high-profile European auteurs with new voices from Latin America and Asia.
Highlighted Films in Main Competition
One of the standout films, Ballad of a Small Player, directed by Edward Berger, features Colin Farrell in a gripping adaptation of Lawrence Osborne‘s novel set in Macau. The story follows a gambler facing a losing streak, joined by actors Tilda Swinton and Fala Chen. Berger previously competed for the Golden Shell with “Conclave” and garnered international acclaim for his film All Quiet on the Western Front, which won four Oscars.
Another notable entry is The Fence (original title: “Le cri des gardes”) by Claire Denis, a frequent participant at San Sebastian. This film, an adaptation of a play by Bernard-Marie Koltès, explores themes of colonial violence and survival, starring Isaach de Bankolé, Matt Dillon, and Mia McKenna-Bruce. Denis has received multiple accolades at various festivals, including the Fipresci Prize in San Sebastian for her film “High Life.”
Belén, directed by Dolores Fonzi, is another compelling addition. This Argentine filmmaker’s second feature tells the story of a young woman imprisoned in Tucumán after a miscarriage, addressing issues of injustice and reproductive rights. Fonzi also stars in the film alongside Camila Plaate and Laura Paredes, marking her return to the festival following her film “Blondi” in 2023.
Further Notable Entries and Special Screenings
Six Days in Spring (original title: “Six jours ce printemps-là”) from Joachim Lafosse explores family dynamics on the French Riviera, focusing on a tragic accident that strains relationships. This marks Lafosse’s third appearance in the main competition, where he previously won the Silver Shell for best director in 2015 with “The White Knights.”
Ungrateful Beings by Olmo Omerzu presents a family drama that reveals deep-seated generational conflicts during a vacation. Omerzu’s previous works have been featured at San Sebastian, including his award-winning film “Winter Flies.”
In a poignant debut, Xiaoyu Qin presents Her Heart Beats in Its Cage (original title: “Jianyu Laide Mama”), a drama based on the true story of a woman reuniting with her son after serving ten years in prison for killing her husband. Qin previously won accolades for his documentary work at the Shanghai Festival.
Lastly, Nuremberg, directed by James Vanderbilt, stars Rami Malek as Douglas Kelley, a psychiatrist assessing Nazi war criminals on the eve of the Nuremberg trials. The film adapts Jack El-Hai‘s book “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist,” showcasing Vanderbilt’s ability to tackle historical narratives.
In addition to the main competition, two significant films will be shown as Special Screenings. In-I in Motion, directed by Juliette Binoche, revisits her acclaimed hybrid dance and theatre production alongside choreographer Akram Khan. Binoche is a celebrated actress, having won an Academy Award and multiple international accolades.
The second Special Screening, Climbing for Life (original title: “Teppen no mukou ni anata ga iru”) by Junji Sakamoto, tells the inspiring story of Junko Tabei, the first woman to conquer Mount Everest. Sakamoto’s previous works have also garnered acclaim at San Sebastian.
As the festival approaches, anticipation builds for the diverse array of films that will be showcased, highlighting the creativity and talent of filmmakers from around the globe. The San Sebastian Film Festival remains a vital platform for cinematic storytelling, poised to celebrate its rich legacy this September.
