Exciting Films Announced for San Sebastian Film Festival 2023
The San Sebastian Film Festival is gearing up for its 73rd edition, taking place from September 19 to 27. This prestigious event, the largest film festival in the Spanish-speaking world, has unveiled an impressive lineup of films competing for the coveted Golden Shell. Among the highlights are Edward Berger’s “Ballad of a Small Player,” Claire Denis’ “The Fence,” and James Vanderbilt’s “Nuremberg.”
This year’s competition showcases a diverse array of talent, with notable films from directors including Dolores Fonzi, Joachim Lafosse, Olmo Omerzu, and Xiaoyu Qin. In addition to the main competition, the festival will feature special screenings of Juliette Binoche’s directorial debut, “In-I in Motion,” a documentary reflecting on her collaboration with choreographer Akram Khan, and Junji Sakamoto’s “Climbing for Life,” a biopic celebrating pioneering mountaineer Junko Tabei.
Main Competition: Newly Announced Titles
“Ballad of a Small Player” (Edward Berger, U.K.)
After his success with “Conclave” at last year’s festival, which earned accolades including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, Edward Berger returns with “Ballad of a Small Player.” Starring Colin Farrell as a gambler facing a losing streak, the film also features Tilda Swinton and Fala Chen. Berger’s previous work, “All Quiet on the Western Front,” won four Oscars, including Best International Film.
“The Fence” (“Le cri des gardes,” Claire Denis, France)
Renowned director Claire Denis, who previously won the Fipresci Prize at San Sebastian with “High Life,” presents “The Fence.” This adaptation of Bernard-Marie Koltès’ play explores themes of colonial violence and survival, featuring a talented cast including Isaach de Bankolé, Matt Dillon, and Mia McKenna-Bruce.
“Belén” (Dolores Fonzi, Argentina)
Argentine actress and director Dolores Fonzi returns with her sophomore feature, “Belén.” This poignant film tells the story of a young woman imprisoned in Tucumán after a miscarriage, shedding light on issues of injustice and reproductive rights. Fonzi stars alongside Camila Plaate and Laura Paredes, marking her return to San Sebastian after her film “Blondi” (2023).
“Six Days in Spring” (“Six jours ce printemps-là,” Joachim Lafosse, Belgium, France, Luxembourg)
Set on the picturesque French Riviera, this family drama by Joachim Lafosse delves into the complexities of familial relationships following a tragic accident. This marks Lafosse’s third appearance in the main competition, where he previously won the Silver Shell for Best Director.
“Ungrateful Beings” (Olmo Omerzu, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Croatia, France)
In this family drama, a vacation reveals deep-seated generational conflicts. Olmo Omerzu previously showcased his talent at San Sebastian with “Family Film” and has won accolades at other festivals, including the Best Director award at Karlovy Vary.
“Her Heart Beats in Its Cage” (“Jianyu Laide Mama,” Xiaoyu Qin, China)
Xiaoyu Qin makes his fiction debut with this gripping drama based on the true story of a woman reuniting with her son after ten years in prison. Qin previously garnered the Best Documentary award at the Shanghai Festival for “The Verse of Us.”
“Nuremberg” (James Vanderbilt, U.S.)
Rami Malek stars in this historical drama as Douglas Kelley, a psychiatrist assessing 22 Nazis before the Nuremberg Trials. Written by James Vanderbilt, known for “Zodiac” and “The Amazing Spider-Man,” the film adapts Jack El-Hai’s book “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist.”
Special Screenings: Out of Competition
“In-I in Motion” (Juliette Binoche, France)
This documentary from Juliette Binoche revisits her innovative dance-theater collaboration, “In-I,” with choreographer Akram Khan. Binoche, an Academy Award-winning actress, received the Donostia Award for career achievement in 2022.
“Climbing for Life” (“Teppen no mukou ni anata ga iru,” Junji Sakamoto, Japan)
Celebrating the life of Junko Tabei, the first woman to conquer Mount Everest, Junji Sakamoto’s film highlights Tabei’s remarkable journey. Sakamoto’s previous work, “Face,” received critical acclaim and awards, including a Best Director prize from the Japanese Academy.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see a blend of established filmmakers and emerging talents at the San Sebastian Film Festival!
