San Sebastian Film Festival comes to an end after nine days of screenings

The 71st edition of the San Sebastian Film Festival is about to come to an end, and this year was no exception in terms of the tension and enthusiasm surrounding the delivery of the Golden Shell for best film and the other awards. Over nine days of screenings and events, the festival faced unusual challenges, such as the Hollywood actors’ and screenwriters strike, which impacted the event’s programming. As for the critics’ favorites for the top award of the contest, there are “All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt”, an experimental and poetic work that explores the family ties of Raven Jackson, and “O Corno”, a story set in Francoist Spain directed by Jaoine Camborda. In addition, “MMXX,” a reflection on the lack of listening in times of the pandemic, and “A Journey in Spring,” directed by debutants Peng Tzu-hui Peng and Wang Ping-wen, are also in the crosshairs. While the official section is the main attraction, the parallel sections gained relevance, with works such as the Argentine gastronomic series “Nada”, which features the participation of Robert De Niro, and the documentary about the Spanish musician C. Tangana, entitled “Esta Ambición Desmedida”. However, the most prominent controversy centered on Jordi Evole’s interview/documentary with former ETA leader José Antonio Urrutikoetxea, which led more than 500 personalities, including victims of the Basque organization, to repudiate his projection. With honorary awards given to iconic figures such as Victor Erice and Hayao Miyazaki, the festival says goodbye, leaving film lovers on tenterhooks until the announcement of the winners. The closing ceremony will take place at the Kursaal Palace at 9 p.m. Spanish time. The highlight of the evening will be the screening of “Dance First”, a film that takes us into the life of renowned Irish writer Samuel Beckett. 

Original source in Spanish