San Sebastian International Film Festival

San Sebastian International Film Festival is Now Accepting Submissions for its 64th

Sydney Levine — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 00:11:15 GMT

Films can now be submitted for pre-selection to participate in the 64th edition of the San Sebastian International Film Festival.

All films submitted will be considered for all of the sections making up the festival's program, with the exception of Films in Progress and the International Film Students Meeting, which will have their own specific calls for submissions in the months of May and June respectively. Films for these sections should NOT be submitted to the festival yet.

Feature films submitted for pre-selection will be accepted until 18 July 2016.

The 64th edition of the San Sebastian International Film Festival will take place September 16-24

All information regarding the general rules and regulations of participation, the rules and regulations of the different sections and the online submission form can be found on the festival's official website: www.sansebastianfestival.com

Eleven Films Presented at the 63rd San Sebastian Festival Receive 39 Goya Award Nominations

Sydney Levine — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 15:00:00 GMT

The Academia de las Artes y Ciencias Cinematográficas de España has announced the nominees for the 30th edition of the Goya Awards, to be presented on February 6.

The finalist with most nominations is "La Novia" (The Bride) , which had its world premiere in the Zabaltegi section at the last edition of the San Sebastian Festival. The film by Paula Ortiz is nominated in twelve categories: Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress (Inma Cuesta), Best Actor (Asier Etxeandia), Best Supporting Actress (Luisa Gavasa), Best New Actor (Álex García), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Music, Best Sound, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction and Best Makeup and/or Hairstyles.

"Truman," the film by Cesc Gay which competed in the Official Selection and won the best actor award for Ricardo Darin and Javier Cámara at the last edition, earned six nominations: Best film, Best Director, Best Actor (Ricardo Darin), Best Supporting Actor (Javier Cámara), Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing.

The winner of the best actress award at the last Festival, Yordanka Ariosa for Agustí Villaronga’s "El Rey de La Habana" (The King of Havana), received a Best New Actress nomination alongside another two in the Best Cinematography and Best Adapted Screenplay categories.

Another two titles screened in the Official Selection have landed nominations: "Amama" (When a Tree Falls) for Best New Actress (Iraia Elias), and the film by Álex de la Iglesia, "Mi Gran Noche" (My Big Night) , premiered out of competition, which competes for the Best Art Director, Best Costume Design, Best Sound and Best Special Effects Goya Awards.

Another two titles that premiered in this year’s Zabaltegi section are also among the finalists. Álvaro Longoria’s "The Propaganda Game" is nominated for best documentary, while Fernando Colomo competes for the best new actor award with his movie "Isla Bonita."

Dani de la Torre’s "El Desconocido" (Retribution) , screened in the Velodrome section, garnered eight candidacies: Best New Director, Best Actor (Luis Tosar), Best Supporting Actress (Elvira Mínguez), Best Original Screenplay, Best Production Supervision, Best Editing, Best Sound and Best Special Effects.

Furthermore, Borja Cobeaga's "Negociador" (Negociator), which premiered in the Zabaltegi section at the 62nd edition of the Festival, landed a nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

"Un Otoño Sin Berlin" (An Autumn without Berlin) by Lara Izagirre, opening film of the Zinemira section, also got a nomination for Best new Actress for Irene Escolar.

Two films that also screened at the San Sebastian Festival compete for the Best Foreign Film in the Spanish Language Award: Pablo Trapero’s "El Clan" (The Clan) screened in the Pearls section following its premiere at the Venice Festival; and Salvador del Solar’s "Magallanes" winner of the Films in Progress Award at the 62nd edition of the Festival, before going on to form part of this year’s Horizontes Latinos selection.

Another three nominated were programmed as part of the Made in Spain section, following their premiere at the Malaga Festival: Daniel Guzmán’s "A Cambio de Nada" (Nothing in Return) , with six nominations, Leticia Dolera’s "Requisitos Para Ser Una Persona Normal," with three candidacies and Gracia Querejeta’s "Felices 140" (Happy 140) , which competes for two awards.

In Defense of Iranian Director Keywan Karimi

Sydney Levine — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 23:30:00 GMT

The San Sebastian Festival recently released a categorical rejection of the sentence handed down by the Iranian Revolutionary Court to Kurdish film director Keywan Karimi of 223 lashes and 6 years in prison.

The young filmmaker, aged 30, was convicted on October 13th, 2015 for “propaganda against the regime” and “insulting the sacred” in Shahin Najafi’s music clip and in the documentary “Writing on the City”. Neither of these audiovisual works has been released and both were confiscated by the police from his hard drive.

Keywan Karimi participated in the XII International Film Students Meeting in San Sebastian in 2013 with his work "The Adventure of a Married Couple"

With this statement, the San Sebastian made its protest known and asks the world of film for its support in condemning this situation. You can sign a petition supporting the filmmakers HERE.

Here is an interview with the filmmaker in relation to his film "The Adventures of a Married Couple"

Spain Shortlists Three Films as Potential Oscar Submissions

Carlos Aguilar — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 09:44:06 GMT

This morning the Spanish Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences announced a shortlist of three films as potential Oscar submissions, one of these will be selected as the official entry later this month. The list is somewhat surprising given the great pool of films at hand, some of which included internationally renowned Spanish talent. However, it seems like the Spanish Academy went with three interesting choices, two of which have received extensive festival play and another by a filmmaker who represented the country not too long ago.

READ MORE: Recent Spanish Cinema Los Angeles 2015 Announces First Lineup of Films

These are the three candidates:

"Felices 140" (Happy 140)

Dir. Gracia Querejeta
ISA: Latido Films
U.S. Distribution: None Yet

Starring widely known actress Maribel Verdú ("Y Tu Mamá También") and an impressive ensemble cast, the latest film by Gracia Querejeta centers on a woman who has just won the lottery and decides to take her closest friends and family on a trip to celebrate her 40th birthday. Soon she will discover that becoming a millionaire has changed the way her loved ones perceive her. The filmmaker's previous feature "15 Years and One Day" represented her homeland at the 86th Academy Awards.

"Loreak" (Flowers)

Dir. Jon Garaño & Jose Mari Goenaga
ISA: Film Factory Entertainment
U.S. Distribution: None Yet

This Basque-language drama juxtaposes the lives of three women affected by a single death and connected by something as simple as a bouquet of flowers. "Loreak" was awarded in Palm Springs and San Sebastian, played at countless festivals including Miami, Seattle, and FICG in LA just last week, and earned a surprising Best Film nomination at this year's Goya Awards. If selected, the film would become the first-ever Basque-language Spanish Oscar submission.

"Magical Girl"

Dir. Carlos Vermut
ISA: Films Distribution
U.S. Distribution: None Yet

By far the most awarded of the pre-selected films, Vermut's dark tale about a desperate father trying to grant his ill daughter's last wish, which involves obtaining the dress used by a popular Japanese TV character, is also the most unique. "Magical Girl" was crowned Best Film at last year's San Sebastian Film Festival, while Vermut also took home the Best Director award. Numerous festivals, including Palm Springs and Rotterdam, and five Goya Award nominations followed, with Bárbara Lennie winning the Best Leading Actress trophy.

63rd San Sebastian Festival to Honor Emily Watson With Career Award

Aubrey Page — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 15:05:25 GMT

READ MORE: San Sebastian Film Festival Announces 2015 Titles

Since her devastating film debut in Lars Von Trier's "Breaking the Waves," Emily Watson has received much well-deserved praise for her acting achievements in films such as "Hilary and Jackie," "Punch Drunk Love" and "Angela's Ashes." Now, the acting powerhouse will be honored for her impressive career with the Donostia Award at the 63rd San Sebastian International Film Festival on September 25. Watson next appears in Baltasar Kormákur's upcoming film "Everest," which opens in U.S. theaters on September 18.

The festival also unveiled the lineup for their "Made in Spain" series, a selection of the best Spanish productions of the year. See the list of programmed titles below.

"A Cambio de Nada" ("Nothing in Return), dir: Daniel Guzmán

"Las Altas Presiones" ("The High Pressures"), dir: Ángel Santos

"El Camí Més Llarg Per Tornar A Casa" ("The Long Way Home"), dir: Sergi Pérez Gomez

"Hablar" ("Talk"), dir: Joaquín Oristrell

"Los Héroes Del Mal" ("The Heroes of Evil"), dir: Zoe Berriatúa

"Felices 140" ("Happy 140"), dir: Gracia Querejeta

"Mortdalo Y Filemon Contra Jimmy El Cachondo" ("Mortadelo & Filemon: Mission Implausible", dir: Javier Fesser

"Requesitos Para Ser Una Persona Normal" ("Requirements to be a Normal Person"), dir: Leticia Dolera

"Rey Gitano" (Gipsy King), dir: Juanma Bajo Ulloa

"Sexo fácil, Películas Tristes" ("Easy Sex, Sad Movies"), dir: Alejo Flah

"Torrente 5: Misión Eurovegas", dir: Santiago Segura

READ MORE: 63rd San Sebastian International Film Festival Unveils Zinemira Program

14th Film Students Meeting at San Sebastian Film Fest

Sydney Levine — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 19:00:00 GMT

Once again the San Sebastian Festival and Tabakalera will present the International Film Students Meeting, an event seeking to shed light on the work of students from film schools across the world. The 193 short films submitted for this 14th Meeting represented 89 schools in 35 countries: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Georgia, Germany, Netherlands, Hungary, India, Iran, Israel, Lithuania, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA and Venezuela.

The Meeting will take place at Tabakalera (Duque de Mandas, 52), from September 22 -25 after its inauguration at the European Capital of Culture 2016 hub (Easo, 43). The selected short films will be presented at sessions open to the general public and Festival guests.

Short Film and Schools Selected

"Black Friday"

Roxana Stroe (ROMANIA)

National University of Theatre and Film (Romania)

In the Communist era, queueing for food is something normal. After a long wait on an empty stomach, Mihail doesn't receive his food ration. The next day he tries to be the first in line.

"Dona i Ocell" (Woman and Bird)

Nicolás Gutiérrez Wenhammar (Spain)

Bande à Part, Escuela de Cine de Barcelona (Spain)

A young 17 year old girl finds a bird trapped in the factory where she works. She decides to take it home and care for it, until she finally sets it free again. She starts wondering about her decision to escape the terrible atmosphere she lives in to seek her own freedom.

"El Enemigo" (The Enemy)

Aldemar Matias (Cuba)

Escuela Internacional de Cine y TV (EICTV) (Cuba)

In a fumigation centre in Havana, Mayelín has the thankless task of doling out fines to citizens who have the dengue mosquito in their homes. With a demanding boss and conflictive workers, Mayelín will have to impose her authority to gain respect.

"Espagnol Niveau 1" (Spanish Level 1)

Guy Dessent (Belgium)

Haute École Libre de Bruxelles / INRACI (Belgium)

Víctor, a young Belgian-Uruguayan boy, returns to Belgium. In order to be able to receive his family allowances, he has no option but to enroll in a Spanish course at level 1 and pretend not to know a word of his mother tongue.

"Group B"

Nick Rowland (UK)

National Film and Television School (United Kingdom)

It is 1986, the peak of high-octane Group B rally driving. Known for its incredibly dangerous off-road races, notorious lack of crowd control, and some of the most powerful and sophisticated cars the world has ever seen.

"Kav Hebron" (Statione)

Nitzan Zifrut (Israel)

The School of Audio and Visual Art, Sapir College (Israel)

Ruthi is stationed in Hebron. When her soldier friends ask her to spend the weekend with them she agrees. But during their 3 days together she understands the impossibility of existing as a woman in the military system. The realization pushes her to break her promise and reveal herself as she really is.

"L'Offre" (The Offer)

Mïra Pitteloud (Switzerland)

Haute école d'art et de design - Genève, Département Cinéma / Cinéma du réel (Switzerland)

Sami, a young Swiss-Algerian man, is looking for a work that would match his qualifications. He applies for a job at the Swiss intelligence service.

"Los Pájaros Miran Hacia el Norte" (The Birds Look to the North)

PEPE GUTIÉRREZ (MEXICO)

Centro Universitario de Estudios Cinematográficos CUEC-UNAM (Mexico)

Miguel leaves everything he knows and loves to go and work as an illegal immigrant in the United States. His wife Mónica suffers his absence in silence. The memories and the nostalgia are always there.

"Nueva Vida" (New Life)

Kiro Russo (Argentina - Bolivia)

Universidad del Cine (Argentina)

Mysteries, worries and dreams of a new life.

"Strach" (Fear)

Michal Blasko (Slovakia - Czech Republic)

The Academy of Performing Arts Bratislava (Slovakia)

Marek is a young boy who witnesses a violent attack in a bus He is able to shoot the whole incident on his cell phone, but his fear and conscience prevent him from doing the right thing.

Volando Voy (I'll Fly Higher)

Isabel Lamberti (Netherlands)

Netherlands Film Academy (Netherlands)

Two young brothers wander around in a big empty world without a clear destination. As society rages on around them at only a few yards distance, it couldn't seem farther away. Together they try to escape reality, but how do you relate to an undeniable world that you don't seem to be part of?

"Wada'" (Prediction)

Khaled Mzher (Germany)

Deutsche Film - und Fernsehakademie Berlin (Germany)

A close relative has disappeared in the Syrian war region. Ibrahim, an instrument maker and family man struggles with his feelings of responsibility towards his family back home. The war is thousands of kilometres away and yet it destroys everything.

Out of competition

The Meeting will also include the out-of-competition screening of three short films. Two of them from the Atelier Ludwigsburg-Paris, a project that fosters international collaboration and production processes. It involves the participation of the film schools La Fémis and the Filmakademie in Baden-Württemberg:

"Fais le Mort"

William Laboury (France - Germany)

Atelier Ludwisburg-Paris

Tom is 16 years old, and he is the whipping boy of Evan who manufactures artisanal weapons. Since he survived the 'spudgun experimentation', he avoids passing by Evan's place. Only, Evan doesn't want to stop already as it just started to make fun ...

"French Fries"

Luzie Loose (Germany - France)

Atelier Ludwisburg-Paris

Nina is from Berlin, Fabien is from Paris and they are united by always being separated. They can never stay in one place for a long time. Torn apart between wanderlust, self-fulfillment and settling down they are looking for a new way to live their relationship. Fabien wants to fully commit to Nina – but she just got offered a great job in another city.

The third one is part of the collaboration between the San Sebastian Film Festival and BioBioCine Festival Internacional de Concepción Chile. A Festival, that as well as the Meeting does, it fosters the film students’ exchange of experiences and knowledge in the audiovisual field.

"Francesca"

Sebastián Palominos (Chile)

Escuela de Comunicación DuocUC (Chile)

Francesca is a transsexual in an unsteady relationship with Marcelo, who leaves her when she finds out that he had another woman. Just then, her old friend Paula reappears in a deplorable state and heavily pregnant. Francesca takes her into her home.

Awards

A specific jury, consisting of one student from each of the schools selected to compete and chaired by a well-known figure from the movie world, will choose the winner of the International Film Students Meeting award, going to the director of the winning short film.

The Panavision Award, carrying a complete camera package including RED Epic camera and Primo standard lenses for four weeks of filming, or a voucher worth €10,000 for renting any kind of Panavision material, for the winning director.
The Freak Agency / Feelsales Award that includes the free submissions of the winner film to 50 international film festivals selected by the team of Freak and Worldwide sales agreement except for the school's country of origin.
The BioBioCine - Duoc UC Award, with which the winning short film of the Meeting will be directly selected to participate in the next edition of BioBioCine Festival Internacional Concepción Chile.
The Jury will also name the three directors who will have the possibility to participate with their works in the Short Film Corner at the next Cannes Festival.

A specific jury will give the Orona Award to the most cutting-edge short film of the Meeting, with an endowment of € 5,000. This Jury will consist of students from Basque schools, coordinated by a professor from the Mondragon University, and chaired by the Orona Fundazioa's Development Director.

A representative from the TorinoFilmLab will be in charge of awarding one of the directors taking part in the Meeting with the Torino Award, with which the winner will be guaranteed attendance to a TorinoFilmLab program within 2 years after the award is given.

'Mad Max: Fury Road' Beats Arthouse Faves For FIPRESCI Grand Prix

Kevin Jagernauth — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 14:04:50 GMT

While Warner Bros. has "Black Mass," "Our Brand Is Crisis," and "Creed" on their awards season slate, it must be noted that if they haven't been figuring out a game plan for "Mad Max: Fury Road," maybe now is the time. Critics and audiences have been vocal supporters of the picture, but now it has added a film festival laurel to it shelf.

George Miller's movie has won the FIPRESCI Grand Prix award which will be presented to the director at The San Sebastian Film Festival. The wall-to-wall action movie beat out heavy hitters including László Nemes’ "Son Of Saul" which picked up four awards at Cannes, Hou Hsiao-hsien’s Cannes Best Director winner "The Assassin," and Jafar Panahi’s "Taxi." That is not an easy crowd to compete against and it's a rather remarkable achievement.

“You could have knocked me over with a feather! It’s lovely to have this great cohort of critics acknowledge our collective labours in this way.” Miller said (via Screen Daily).

You can buckle in with "Mad Max: Fury Road" which is on Blu-ray this week, and below, check out via Collider at one of the featurettes about the making of the Doof Wagon.

LatinoBuzz: San Sebastian Films in Progress: 3 from Chile, 1 Venezuelan, 1Uruguayan, 1Brazilian

Sydney Levine — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 16:30:00 GMT

113 films from 20 countries were submitted to the Films in Progress 28 initiative at the San Sebastian Film Festival. The final selection includes: "Aquí no ha pasado nada" (Much Ado About Nothing) by Alejandro Fernández Almendras (Chile),whose previous film, "To Kill a Man," won numerous prizes at international festivals and represented Chile at the Oscars last year; "Era o Hotel Cambridge" (The Cambridge Squatter) by Eliane Caffé (Brazil - France), "La Emboscada" (The Ambush) by Daniel Hendler (Uruguay - Argentina), "La Princesita" (The Princess) by Marialy Rivas (Chile - Argentina - Spain), "Rara" by Pepa San Martín (Chile - Argentina) and "Sobrevivientes de Rober Calzadilla" (Venezuela - Colombia).

Films in Progress gains strength as a not-to-be-missed gathering for Latin American production. Four of the films presented last year at San Sebastian, in Films in Progress 26, will be screened at this year’s Festival: Eugenio Canevari’s "Paula" will compete in the New Directors section and Jayro Bustamante’s "Ixcanul,"which has just been announced as Guatemala's Oscar submission, will screen in the Horizontes Latinos section, having won the Silver Bear – Alfred Bauer Award at the Berlin Festival.

Salvador de Solar’s "Magallanes," winner of the Films in Progress Industry Award and Aly Muritiba’s "Para minha amada morta" (To My Beloved), will also compete for the Horizontes Award. And another of the films presented last year, Sergio Castro’s "La mujer de barro" (The Mud Woman), was programmed in the Berlin Festival’s Forum section.

Among the projects revealed at the Toulouse event last March, Pablo Agüero’s "Eva no duerme" (Eva doesn't sleep) is programmed in the official competition; Sebastián Brahm’s "Vida sexual de las plantas" (Sex Life of Plants) is part of the New Directors selection; and Lorenzo Vigas’s "Desde allá" (From afar) will be presented in Horizontes Latinos after having participated in the official competition at the Venice Festival.

"Aquí No Ha Pasado Nada" (Much Ado About Nothing)

Alejandro Fernández Almendras (Chile)

Young, daring and lonely, Vicente spends his life at his parent’s home by the beach. These are days of relaxation, sea and partying with anyone who’s up for it. But one night of alcohol and flirting will change his life forever; he is accused of a hit-and-run crime in which a fisherman is killed. "I wasn’t driving", he says, but his memories are hazy and he says the boy at the wheel was the son of an influential politician. Power, manipulation and guilt will send his sweet summer holidays careering towards a bitter end. This is the third time the director has participated in Films in Progress. His previous film, "Matar a un hombre" (To Kill a Man), landed the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Festival.

"Era o Hotel Cambridge" (The Cambridge Squatter)

Eliane Caffé (Brazil - France)

The Cambridge Squatter shows us the unusual situation of the Brazilian homeless and refugees who squat together in an abandoned building in downtown Sao Paulo. The daily tension caused by the threat of eviction reveals the dramas, the joys and the different points of view of the squatters.

"La Emboscada" (The Ambush)

Daniel Hendler (Uruguay - Argentina)

Martin Marchand throws himself into the political contest. As a result of his work in the social media, a traditional political structure invites him to join their list. Martin calls in technicians and advisors to create his campaign image. Over a weekend, immersed in the bucolic setting of a country house, they get down to designing the leader’s image. But an infiltrator seeking to obtain information on the coming electoral alliance creates an atmosphere of mistrust. The film, with the working title of "El Palomar," participated in the I Europe-Latin America Co-production Forum.

"La Princesita" (The Princess)

Marialy Rivas (Chile - Argentina - Spain)

A film inspired by true events in Southern Chile. A family sect only has one purpose and belief: a new order is necessary. Tamara, 11, is responsible for procreating the leaders of the new world. Disgruntled with her "lot”, Tamara’s sexual exploration with a boy in her year at school will have unexpected consequences, marking her violent transition from childhood to womanhood. Tamara will gain her freedom in a way she had never imagined. Marialy Rivas’s previous film, "Joven y alocada," participated in Films in Progress and landed awards at Sundance and Bafici, among other festivals.

"Rara"

Pepa San Martín (Chile - Argentina)

A story inspired by the case of a Chilean judge who lost the custody of her children for being a lesbian, told from the point of view of her eldest daughter Sara, aged 13. The screenplay is based on true events that could be related as a tale of lawyers and courthouses, lawsuits, claimants, defenders and victims, but instead, it will be the story of a family.

"Sobrevivientes"

Rober Calzadilla (Venezuela - Colombia)

1988. The town of El Amparo. Border with Colombia. Chumba and Pinilla survive an armed assault in the channels of the Arauca River in which fourteen of their companions are killed in the act. The Venezuelan Army accuses them of being guerrilla fighters and tries to seize them from the cell where they are being watched over by a policeman and a group of locals to prevent them from being taken away. They say they are simple fishermen, but pressure to yield to the official version is eye-watering.

Awards:

Films in Progress Industry Award : The companies Daniel Goldstein, Deluxe Spain, Dolby Iberia, Laserfilm Cine y Video, Nephilim producciones, No Problem Sonido and Wanda Visión will assume the post-production of a film until obtaining a DCP subtitled in English and its distribution in Spain

63rd San Sebastian International Film Festival Unveils Zinemira Program

Zack Sharf — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 14:30:05 GMT

READ MORE: San Sebastian Film Festival Announces 2015 Competition Titles

The 63rd San Sebastian International Film Festival has announced the eight films that will compete for the Irizar Basque Film Award in this year's Zinemira program. The section is dedicated to films produced in the Basque country and includes four world premieres. The Irizar Award will be decided by a specific jury and comes with €20,000 gross for the producers of the winning film.

Additionally, makeup artist Karmele Soler will be honored with the Zinemira Award at the Basque Film Gala on September 22. Soler was born in San Sebastian and became an apprentice of the makeup artist Romana González on José Luis Garci's film, "Sesión continua" (1984). Her work includes foreign titles such as "También la lluvia (Even the Rain)," "Sin vergüenza (No Shame)" and "Palmeras en la nieve (Palm Trees in the Snow)."

The full Zinemira program lineup is below. Synopses provided by the San Sebastian Film Festival.

"UN OTOÑO SIN BERLÍN"

Lara Izagirre

World premiere – Basque Film Gala

June returns to the town of her birth by surprise after spending time abroad. The return home will be painful: her family and her first love, Diego, have changed. She too has changed, and repairing the broken ties won’t be easy. But just like the autumn wind, June will take the place by storm.

"DISTRICT ZERO"

Jorge Fernandez Mayoral, Pablo Tosco, Pablo Iraburu Allegue

What’s in a refugee’s mobile phone? Their recollections, their memory, their identity, contact with the world they’ve left behind. This film narrates everyday life in a mobile phone repair shop in the Zataari refugee camp.

"GURE SOR LEKUAREN BILA"

Josu Martinez

World premiere

Hasparren, 1956. Amid great expectation, a documentary in the Basque language about the Basque Country was released in the local cinema. In the following months it was screened in other Basque and French towns on both sides of the border, and even in Paris, San Francisco and Dakar. But suddenly it disappeared from sight and everyone forgot about it. Sixty years later, filmmaker Josu Martinez sets out to find it.

READ MORE: San Sebastian Film Festival to Feature 35 Films in 'Japanese Independent Cinema 2000-2015' Retrospective

"JAI ALAI BLUES"

Gorka Bilbao Ramos

World premiere

A documentary narrating the incredible story of the Jai Alai through its most iconic characters. A great many similarities can be drawn between the biography of our characters and the actual history of the Jai Alai. Beginnings in humble surroundings, huge successes all over the world in pelota courts packed to the hilt with distinguish publics, losses of identity due to adapting a traditional game to societies with completely different values...

"#JAZZALDIA50"

Carlos Rodriguez

The San Sebastian Jazz Festival looks back over its 50 years of history in this documentary with comments from some of its leading figures and images of extraordinary concerts forever engraved on the memory.

"POS ESO (POSSESSED)"

Sam Orti Marti

Feature film directorial debut from the animation movie director, Sam. La Trini, a world-famous Flamenco dancer, leaves the tablaos in deep depression after her husband’s death. Damian, her 8 year-old son, is possessed by an evil demon who prompts him to commit horrendously cruel and bloody acts.

"SANCTUAIRE / SANCTUARY"

Oliver Masset-Depasse

A film about two adversaries who will learn to know and respect one another, despite their differences: Domingo Iturbe, "Txomin", head of the ETA military apparatus, and Grégoire Fortin, adviser to Mitterrand’s Minister of Justice.

"WALLS"

Pablo Iraburu Allegue, Migueltxo Molina Ayestaran

World premiere

The world is increasingly more divided by walls. There are human beings on either side of them. The question is not whether their existence is absurd or logical, whether they can be avoided or not, but to demonstrate that the people on both sides are basically exactly the same.

READ MORE: Ethan Hawke and Emma Watson Thriller 'Regression' to Open the 63rd San Sebastian Festival

More Titles Added to Official Selection in Competition and New Directors at San Sebastian

Sydney Levine — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 18:00:00 GMT

The San Sebastian Festival is almost here and three new competing titles have recently joined those previously announced for the Official Selection. Chinese director Liu Hao returns to San Sebastian with "Back to the North," five years after competing in the Official Selection with "Addicted to Love;" the Belgian moviemaker Joachim Lafosse will present his new film, "The White Knights;" and Peter Sollett will bring to the Festival the film "Freeheld," starring Julianne Moore, Ellen Page, Michael Shannon, Josh Charles and Steve Carrell.

For its part, the New Directors section closes with inclusion of the Swedish production, directed by Peter Grönlund, "Thieves Honor."

Official Selection

"The White Knight"

Joachim Lafosse (Belgium - France)

Joachim Lafosse brings to the screen the Zoe’s Ark controversy which made headlines in 2007: a story about the limits of the right of interference. Jacques Arnault, head of Sud Secours NGO, is planning a high impact operation: he and his team are going to exfiltrate 300 orphans victims of Chadian civil war and bring them to French adoption applicants. Françoise Dubois, a journalist, is invited to come along with them and handle the media coverage for this operation. Completely immersed in the brutal reality of a country at war, the NGO members start losing their convictions and are faced with the limits of humanitarian intervention.

"Freeheld"

Peter Sollett (U.S.A)

Julianne Moore, Ellen Page, Michael Shannon, Steve Carrell and Josh Charles star in this film based on true events. The true love story of Laurel Hester and Stacie Andree and their fight for justice. A decorated New Jersey police detective, Laurel is diagnosed with cancer and wants to leave her hard earned pension to her domestic partner, Stacie. However the county officials, Freeholders, conspire to prevent Laurel from doing this. Hard-nosed detective Dane Wells, and activist Steven Goldstein, unite in Laurel and Stacie’s defence, rallying police officers and ordinary citizens to support their struggle for equality.

"Back to the North"

Liu Hao (China)

Xiao Ai is diagnosed with a terminal illness and does not have long to live. She is concerned that her parents will become a "lost family" and have no one to take care of them after her death, so she decides to persuade them to have another child... The latest film by Liu Hao, who competed at San Sebastian in 2010 with "Addicted to Love."

New Directors

"Thieves Honor"

Peter Grönlund (Sweden)

An intense social drama about a woman's struggle for survival on the margins of society. When street pusher Minna can't pay her rent she cheats a few young criminals on a drug deal and takes the money. She happens to meet Katja, the mother of a child who has been taken from her by the social authorities.

63rd San Sebastian Film Festival Announces Progress 28 Program and Director Retrospective

Zack Sharf — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:05:56 GMT

READ MORE: Ethan Hawke and Emma Watson Thriller 'Regression' to Open the 63rd San Sebastian Festival

The 63rd San Sebastian Film Festival will honor filmmakers Merian C. Cooper (1893-1973) and Ernest B. Schoedsack (1893-1979) with a retrospective cycle dedicated to their films.

The duo earned icon status as the directors of "King Kong" (1933), though their careers started earlier with documentaries such as "Grass: A Nation's Battle for Life" (1925) and "Chang" (1927), and fantasy adventure films like "The Four Feathers" (1929). After the success of "Kong," they would continue to explore special effects in epics like "Dr. Cyclops" (1940) and "Mighty Joe Young" (1949). The retrospective will be accompanied by the publication of a book dedicated to the two filmmakers, coordinated by Quim Casas.

In addition the directors' retrospective, the festival has also announced the six films that will play in the Films in Progress 28 program, which takes place September 21-23. The final titles include:

"Aquí no ha pasado nada (Much Ado About Nothing)" by Alejandro Fernández Almendras (Chile)

"Era o Hotel Cambridge (The Cambridge Squatter)" by Eliane Caffé (Brazil - France)

"La emboscada (The Ambush)" by Daniel Hendler (Uruguay - Argentina)

"La Princesita (The Princess)" by Marialy Rivas (Chile - Argentina - Spain)

"Rara" by Pepa San Martín (Chile - Argentina)

"Sobrevivientes" by Rober Calzadilla (Venezuela - Colombia)

The 63rd San Sebastian Festival will run from September 18-26.

READ MORE: San Sebastian Film Festival Announces 2015 Competition Titles

Latinobuzz: Horizontes Latinos at the San Sebastian Film Festival

Sydney Levine — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 16:00:00 GMT

The San Sebastian Film Festival will once again present, in its 63rd edition, some of the most outstanding Latin American films of the year. The Horizontes Latinos program will include 14 productions from Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Cuba, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. Films that have competed or premiered at important international festivals, but which have not yet been screened at a Spanish festival or had their commercial release in the country.

The selected films compete for the Horizontes Award, decided by a specific jury and coming with €35,000, of which €10,000 will go to the director of the winning film, and the remaining €25,000 to its distributor in Spain.

The section will open with Pablo Larraín’s "El Club," Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the last Berlin Festival. The film tells the tale of four men who share a secluded house in a small beach town, sent there to purge the sins they have committed in the past.

Here is the full list of titles screening in this important section:

"El Club" (The Club)

Pablo Larraín (Chile)

Opening Night Film
Pablo Larraín won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the last Berlin Festival with this film. Four men share a secluded house in a small beach town, sent there to purge the sins they have committed in the past.

"600 Millas" (600 Miles)

Gabriel Ripstein (Mexico)

"El Abrazo de la Serpiente" (Embrace of the Serpent )

Ciro Guerra (Colombia - Argentina - Venezuela)

Premiered at the Cannes Festival Directors’ Fortnight, the latest film from Ciro Guerra tells the epic story of the first contact, encounter, approach, betrayal and, eventually, life-transcending friendship, between an Amazonian shaman and two Western explorers.

"El Botón de Nácar (The Pearl Button)

Patricio Guzmán (France - Chile - Spain )

Chilean filmmaker Patricio Guzmán talks to us in his latest documentary about water, the cosmos and ourselves, human beings. It all begins with the discovery of two mysterious buttons in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Chile.

"Chronic"

Michel Franco (Mexico - France)

David is a nurse who works with terminally ill patients. Efficient and dedicated to his profession, he develops strong and even intimate relationships with each person he cares for. But outside of his work David is ineffectual, awkward, and reserved. Best Screenplay Award-winner at the Cannes Festival.

"Desde Allá" (From Afar)

Lorenzo Vigas (Venezuela)

Armando, aged 50, looks for young men in the streets of Caracas and pays them to come back to his house with him. He also regularly spies on an older man with whom he seems to have ties from the past. One day he meets Elder, aged 17, leader of a small band of thugs. Competitor in the Official Selection of the Venice Festival.

"Las Elegidas" (The Chosen Ones)

David Pablos (Mexico - France)

David Pablos’s second film took part at the San Sebastian Co-production Forum in 2014 and premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of Cannes Festival. Sofia, 14 years old, is in love with Ulises. Because of him, in spite of him, she is forced into a prostitution ring in Mexico. To set her free, Ulises will have to find another girl to replace her.

"Ixcanul"

Jayro Bustamante (Guatemala - France)

María, a 17 year-old Mayan girl, lives and works with her family in a plantation on the Guatemalan plateau. Her days go by uneventfully until her parents arrange her marriage to the estate foreman, Ignacio. A film that landed a special mention at the last edition of Films in Progress and competed at the Berlin Festival, where it won the Alfred Bauer Award.

"Magallanes"

Salvador Del Solar (Peru Argentina- Colombia - Spain)

Winner of Films in Progress at last year's Festival. Magallanes recognises a woman getting into a taxi. It's Celina, the young peasant girl he randomly arrested more than twenty years ago, when he was a soldier. They both have unfinished business. And for Magallanes, this is an opportunity to redeem himself. Damián Alcázar, Magaly Solier and Federico Luppi play the leading parts.

"La Obra del Siglo" (The Projcxt of Century)

Carlos M. Quintela (Cuba -Argentina- Germany -Switzerland)

Amidst a mosquito plague, Leonardo, struggling with the breakdown of his relationship, moves back to live with a grandfather who fights with everyone and everything, and a father living with the melancholy of the unfinished. Tiger Award-winner at the last Rotterdam Festival.

"Pulina"

Santiago Mitre (Argentina- Brazil- France)

Paulina decides to leave her brilliant law career to teach in a downtrodden Argentinian region. In a hostile atmosphere, she will set about her pedagogical mission, even if it means losing her boyfriend and confrontation with her father. Fipresci Prize-winner at the last Cannes Festival Critics’ Week.

"Para Minha Amada Morta" (To My Beloved)

Aly Muritiba (Brazil)

Fernando is a good man who takes care of his only child, Daniel, a shy and sensitive boy. Following the death of his wife Ana, every night Fernando recalls their love as he sorts out his beloved dead spouse’s belongings. One day he finds a VHS tape that will change everything. This movie participated in the Films in Progress section at the last Festival. The film took part at the Co-Production Forum in 2014.

"Te Prometo Anarquía" (I Promise You Anarchy)

Julio Hernández Cordón (Mexico - Germany)

Julio Hernández Cordón’s new film was selected for the Locarno Festival Competition. Miguel and Johnny have known each other since childhood. They spend their time skateboarding and having fun. To make easy money and continue skateboarding, they sell their own blood clandestinely. They turn the ploy into a business, until a major transaction doesn't turn out as they'd expected.

"La Tierra y la Sombra" (Land and Shade)

César Augusto Acevedo (Colombia- Chiles - Brazil - Netherlands - France)

Winner of the Caméra d’Or at the Cannes Festival, after having participated at the San Sebastian Co-Production Forum in 2013, this film portrays a family as they try to repair the fragile ties that bind them in the face of their imminent disappearance, brought about by the overwhelming power of progress.

San Sebastian Film Festival to Feature 35 Films in 'Japanese Independent Cinema 2000-2015' Retrospective

Kaeli Van Cott — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 14:46:26 GMT

READ MORE: San Sebastian Film Festival Announces 2015 Competition Titles

The 63rd San Sebastian Film Festival will have a retrospective focusing on independent cinema produced in Japan over the last 15 years. The category will include works from both first-time directors as well as some of the country's most experienced.

The "Japanese Independent Cinema 2000-2015" retrospective is organized by the San Sebastian Festival, CulturArts-IVAC (Valencia), the Filmoteca Vasca, the San Telmo Museum and the San Sebastian European Capital of Culture 2016. The retrospective will also be accompanied by the publication of a book by Shozo Ichiyama, a Japanese producer and director of programming at the Tokyo Filmex International Film Festival.

The titles for the retrospective include:

1. "H Story" (2001)- Directed by Nobuhiro Suwa

2. "Sora no ana" ("Hole in the Sky") (2001)- Directed by Kazuyoshi Kumakiri

3. "Border Line" (2002)- Directed by Sang-il Lee

4. "Rokugatsu no hebi" ("A Snake of June") (2002) - Directed by Shinya Tsukamoto

5. "Akarui mirai" ("Bright Future") (2003)- Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa

6. "Baka no hakonube" ("No One's Ark") (2003)- Directed by Nobuhiro Yamashita

7. "Vibrator" (2003)- Directed by Ryuichi Hiroki

8. "Kanaria" ("Canary") (2004)- Directed by Akihiko Shiota

9. "Osoi hito" ("Late Bloomer") (2004)- Directed by Go Shibata

10. "Aru asa soup wa" ("The Soup, One Morning") (2005)- Directed by Izumi Takahashi

11. "Bashing" (2005)- Directed by Masahiro Kobayashi

12. "A Stranger of Mine" (2005)- Directed by Kenji Uchida

13. "Tarachime" ("Birth–Mother") (2006)- Directed by Naomi Kawase

14. "Hito no sex wo warauna" ("Sex Is No Laughing Matter") (2007)- Directed by Nami Iguchi

15. "Jitsuroku rengo sekigun" ("United Red Army") (2007)- Directed by Koji Wakamatsu

16. "Juyonsai" ("Fourteen") (2007)- Directed by Hiromasa Hirosue

17. "Sad Vacation" (2007)- Directed by Shinji Aoyama

18. "Ai no mukidashi" ("Love Exposure") (2008)- Directed by Sion Sono

19. "Passion" (2008)- Directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi

20. "Seishin" ("Mental") (2008)- Directed by Kazuhiro Soda

21. "Parade" (2009)- Directed by Isao Yukisada

22. "Yellow Kid" (2009)- Directed by Mariko Tetsuya

23. "Fuyu no kemono" ("Love Addiction") (2010)- Directed by Nobuteru Uchida

24. "Heaven's Story" (2010)- Directed by Takahisa Zeze

25. "Kawa no nakakara konnichiwa" ("Sawako Decides") (2010)- Directed by Yuya Ishii

26. "Saudade" (2011)- Directed by Katsuya Tomita

27. "Fugainai boku wa sora o mita" ("The Cowards Who Looked to the Sky")- Directed by Yuki Tanada

28. "Kirishima bukatsu yametatteyo" ("The Kirishima Thing")- Directed by Daihachi Yoshida

29. "Mujin chitai" ("No Man's Zone") (2012)- Directed by Toshi Fujiwara

30. "Sakura namiki no mankai no shita ni" ("Cold Bloom") (2012)- Directed by Atsushi Funahashi

31. "Hotori no sakuko" ("Au revoir l'été") (2013)- Directed by Koji Fukada

32. "Iya monogatari" ("The Tale of Iya") (2013)- Directed by Tetsuichiro Tsuta

33. "Miss Zombie" (2013)- Directed by Sabu

34. "Soko nomi nite hikari kagayaku" ("The Light Shines Only There") (2014)- Directed by Mipo Oh

35. "Sharing" (2014)- Directed by Makoto Shinozaki

The 63rd San Sebastian Festival will run from September 18-26.

The San Sebastian Festival Selects 14 Films for Horizontes Latinos Program

Kaeli Van Cott — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 15:34:35 GMT

READ MORE: San Sebastian Film Festival Announces 2015 Competition Titles

The 63rd San Sebastian Film Festival has selected 14 films to compete in the Horizontes Latinos Program, which highlights outstanding Latin American cinema. This year's selections were chosen from Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Cuba, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. Films in the Horizontes Latinos Program have competed or premiered at prominent international film festivals, but they have not been screened at a Spanish festival or had their commercial release in Spain.

Recipients of the Horizontes Award, which is decided on by a specific jury, will win €35,000, of which €10,000 will go to the director of the winning film and the remaining €25,000 to its Spanish distributor. This year, the section will open with Pablo Larraín's "El Club," which took home the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the 2014 Berlin Film Festival.

Check out all of the titles for this year's Horizontes Latinos program below, with synopses courtesy of the San Sebastian Film Festival:

"El Club" ("The Club") - Opening Night Film
Director: Pablo Larraín

Pablo Larraín won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the last Berlin Festival with this film. Four men share a secluded house in a small beach town, sent there to purge the sins they have committed in the past.

"600 Millas" ("600 Miles")

Director: Gabriel Ripstein

Arnulfo Rubio, a young gun trafficker between the United States and Mexico, is being followed by ATF agent Hank Harris. After a risky mistake by Harris, Rubio makes a desperate decision: he smuggles the agent to Mexico. Best First Feature Award in the Panorama section of the Berlin Festival.

"El abrazo de la serpiente" ("Embrace of the Serpent")
Director: Ciro Guerra
Premiered at the Cannes Festival Directors’ Fortnight, the latest film from Ciro Guerra tells the epic story of the first contact, encounter, approach, betrayal and, eventually, life-transcending friendship, between an Amazonian shaman and two Western explorers.

"El botón de nácar" ("The Pearl Button")
Director: Patricio Guzmán
Chilean filmmaker Patricio Guzmán talks to us in his latest documentary about water, the cosmos and ourselves, human beings. It all begins with the discovery of two mysterious buttons in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Chile.

"Chronic"
Director: Michel Franco
David is a nurse who works with terminally ill patients. Efficient and dedicated to his profession, he develops strong and even intimate relationships with each person he cares for. But outside of his work David is ineffectual, awkward and reserved. Best Screenplay Award-winner at the Cannes Festival.

"Desde allá" ("From Afar")
Director: Lorenzo Vigas
Armando, aged 50, looks for young men in the streets of Caracas and pays them to come back to his house with him. He also regularly spies on an older man with whom he seems to have ties from the past. One day he meets Elder, aged 17, leader of a small band of thugs. Competitor in the Official Selection of the Venice Festival.

"Las elegidas" ("The Chosen Ones")
Director: David Pablos
David Pablos’s second film took part at the San Sebastian Co-production Forum in 2014 and premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of Cannes Festival. Sofia, 14 years old, is in love with Ulises. Because of him, in spite of him, she is forced into a prostitution ring in Mexico. To set her free, Ulises will have to find another girl to replace her.

"Ixcanul"
Director: Jayro Bustamante
María, a 17 year-old Mayan girl, lives and works with her family in a plantation on the Guatemalan plateau. Her days go by uneventfully until her parents arrange her marriage to the estate foreman, Ignacio. A film that landed a special mention at the last edition of Films in Progress and competed at the Berlin Festival, where it won the Alfred Bauer Award.

"Magallanes"
Director: Salvador del Solar
Winner of Films in Progress at last year's Festival. Magallanes recognises a woman getting into a taxi. It's Celina, the young peasant girl he randomly arrested more than twenty years ago, when he was a soldier. They both have unfinished business. And for Magallanes, this is an opportunity to redeem himself. Damián Alcázar, Magaly Solier and Federico Luppi play the leading parts.

"La obra del siglo" ("The Project of the Century")
Director: Carlos M. Quintela
Amidst a mosquito plague, Leonardo, struggling with the breakdown of his relationship, moves back to live with a grandfather who fights with everyone and everything, and a father living with the melancholy of the unfinished. Tiger Award-winner at the last Rotterdam Festival.

"Paulina"
Director: Santiago Mitre
Paulina decides to leave her brilliant law career to teach in a downtrodden Argentinian region. In a hostile atmosphere, she will set about her pedagogical mission, even if it means losing her boyfriend and confrontation with her father. Fipresci Prize-winner at the last Cannes Festival Critics’ Week.

"Para minha amada morta" ("To My Beloved")
Director: Aly Muritiba
Fernando is a good man who takes care of his only child, Daniel, a shy and sensitive boy. Following the death of his wife Ana, every night Fernando recalls their love as he sorts out his beloved dead spouse’s belongings. One day he finds a VHS tape that will change everything. This movie participated in the Films in Progress section at the last Festival. The film took part at the Co-Production Forum in 2014.

"Te prometo anarquia" ("I Promise You Anarchy")
Director: Julio Hernandez Cordon
Julio Hernández Cordón’s new film was selected for the Locarno Festival Competition. Miguel and Johnny have known each other since childhood. They spend their time skateboarding and having fun. To make easy money and continue skateboarding, they sell their own blood clandestinely. They turn the ploy into a business, until a major transaction doesn't turn out as they'd expected.

"La tierra y la sombra" ("Land and Shade")
Director: Cesar Augusto Acevedo
Winner of the Caméra d’Or at the Cannes Festival, after having participated at the San Sebastian Co-Production Forum in 2013, this film portrays a family as they try to repair the fragile ties that bind them in the face of their imminent disappearance, brought about by the overwhelming power of progress.

Exclusive 'The Apostate' Poster Provides First Look at Dark Coming-of-Age Tale

Sarah Choi — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 15:43:02 GMT

Indiewire is excited to present the intriguing portrait poster for Federico Veiroj's San Sebastian competitor "The Apostate" ("El Apostata). The image says it all with the film's protagonist Gonzalo Tamayo, played by Alvaro Ogalla, at the forefront gripping a cross in his hand.

"The Apostate" provides a darkly comedic take on the coming-of-age genre through the story of Gonzalo, a young man who struggles to free himself from the faith of his father and confront his tumultuous past riddled with guilt and desire.

The film will premiere at the San Sebastian Film Festival in September.

READ MORE: 15 Spanish Films Make the Cut at 59th San Sebastian Film Festival

Kutxabank-New Directors Section Announced for San Sebastian Film Festival

Sarah Choi — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 14:55:52 GMT

The San Sebastian Film Festival has announced the 13 titles competing for the Kutxabank-New Directors Award, which will be decided by a specific international jury and carry a prize of 50,000 euro. The section will present first or second works by filmmakers from all over the world and shed light on new emerging talent.

The competing titles for the New Directors Award are as follows:

"After Eden" (Canada)
Dir: Hans Christian Berger

"Barash" (Israel)
Dir: Michal Vinik

"One of Us" (Austria)
Dir: Stephan Richter

"Granny's Dancing on the Table" (Sweden, Denmark)
Dir: Hanna Skold

"Iona" (UK, Germany)
Dir: Scott Graham

"Thirst" (Bulgaria)
Dir: Tsotsorkova Svetla

"The New Kid" (France)
Dir: Rudi Rosenberg

"Parasol" (Belgium)
Dir: Valery Rosier

"Paula" (Argentina, Spain)
Dir: Eugenio Canevari

"Pikadero" (Spain, UK)
Dir: Ben Sharrock

"Family Film" (Czech Rep., Germany, Slovenia, France, Slovakia)

"Stay With Me" (South Korea)
Dir: Jinwoo Rhee

"Sex Life of Plants" (Chile)
Dir: Sebstian Brahm

READ MORE: 15 Spanish Films Make the Cut at 59th San Sebastian Film Festival

San Sebastian Film Fest Lineup Revealed: No Spanish Women Directors in Competition Section

Laura Berger — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 20:00:00 GMT

A total of zero features directed by women will screen in the Spanish-nationality competition section of the 63rd San Sebastian Film Festival this September. The Spanish nationality lineup for Spain's most prominent festival includes only two female-helmed films (out of a lineup of 19): Mercedes Moncada's documentary “Mi querida España" and Paula Oritz's “La Novia." Both appear in the Zabaltegi category, described (quite vaguely) by the fest as an "open, heterogeneous section showcasing the biggest and best movies of the year."

Variety summarizes “Mi querida España" as "a questioning vision of democratic Spain through the interviews of respected journalist Jesus Quintero." “La Novia" focuses on a deeply unhappy bride-to-be.

There is a tendency to idealize Europe as a more progressive and enlightened enclave, but according to Francine Raveney, the Executive Director of the European Women's Audiovisual Network, stats on women directors are similarly dismal there as they are here in the US. Approximately ten percent of box-office successes in Europe are directed by women. So the fact that a major European film festival has not one film in a competition category directed by a woman isn't quite as surprising as you might expect -- though it remains just as inexcusable.

Here's the complete Spanish nationality lineup of the San Sebastian Film Festival as posted by Variety.

The San Sebastian Film Festival will take place this year on September 18-26.

[via Variety]

San Sebastian Film Festival Announces 2015 Competition Titles

Sarah Choi — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 15:24:03 GMT

The San Sebastian Film Festival is now entering its 63rd year of showcasing some of the most interesting filmmakers in the Spanish-speaking world. Exciting new voices from both Spain and Latin America will be heard through the Basque Country-based festival and contribute even more to the rich and prolific history of Spanish cinema.

The Official Selection category finds big-name Spanish filmmakers like Asier Altuna, Cesc Gay, Marc Recha, Federico Vierog and Augusti Villaronga competing for the Golden Shell prize with their respective films. The category will also include Argentinian director Pablo Aguero and his film, "Eva No Duerme." The titles in competition for the Golden Shell are as follows, with synopses courtesy of the San Sebastian Film Festival:

"Amama: When A Tree Falls" (Spain)
Dir: Asier Altuna
A family tale of conflict between the urban and rural worlds, past and present, parents and children. Two different ways of understanding life, and a grandmother who observes the world from deeply eloquent silence. Starring Iraia Elias, Amparo Badiola, Ander Lipus, Manu Uranga, Kandido Uranga and Klara Badiola.

"The Apostate" (Spain, Uruguay, France)
Dir: Federico Veiroj
The third feature film by Federico Veiroj tells the tale of a young boy desperate to escape the faith passed down from his parents as he looks back over his past, his scars, the marks left by guilt and desire. Starring Álvaro Ogalla, Bárbara Lennie, Marta Larralde, Joaquín Climent and Vicky Peña.

"Un Dia Perfecte Per Volar" (Spain)
Dir: Marc Recha
Marc Recha presents his latest film, starring his son Roc and Sergi López. In a lonely spot, a boy flies a kite made by his father. It's windy and the boy needs an adult to help him untangle it from the vegetation and keep it flying. In the middle of nature, they tell a special tale.

"Eva No Duerme" (Spain, Uruguay, France)
Dir: Pablo Aguero
Evita Perón just died. She is the most beloved, but also hated political figure of Argentina. An expert is in charge of her embalming. After years of hard work, he achieves a remarkable work. Meanwhile in Argentina coups follow each other and some dictators want to remove Evita’s legacy from the people’s memory. Her body would become the stake of clashes during 25 years. 25 years during which Evita has been the most powerful figure than any other living politician.

"The King of Havana" (Spain, Uruguay, France)
Dir: Augusti Villaronga
Agustí Villaronga adapts the novel of the same name by Pedro Juan Gutiérrez. Recently escaped from reformatory, young Reinaldo takes to the streets of Havana in the harsh 90s of the Cuban "special period". A scoundrel with few scruples faced with getting by every day. Starring Maykol David, Yordanka Ariosa and Hector Medina.

"Truman" (Spain, Uruguay, France)
Dir: Cesc Gay
Gay's new film, starring Ricardo Darin and Javier Cámara, revolves around the relationship between two friends: Julian receives an unexpected visit from his friend Tomás, who lives in Canada. For four intense days, the two men, accompanied by Julian's faithful dog, Truman, will share emotional and surprising moments prompted by Julián's complicated situation.

The New Directors category will showcase two co-productions with Spain: "Paula," directed by Argentinian director Eugenio Canevari, and "Pikadero," by Scottish filmmaker Ben Sharrock.

The Zabaltegi section showcases other outstanding titles that are national productions from Spanish directors. The titles included in the section are as follows:

"One Day I Saw 10,000 Elephants" (Spain, Uruguay, France)
Dir: Alex Guimera

"Isla Bonita" (Spain)
Dir: Fernando Colomo

"Mi Querida España" (Spain)
Dir: Mercedes Moncada

"The Bride" (Spain, Turkey, Germany)
Dir: Paula Ortiz

"The Propaganda Game" (Spain)
Dir: Alvaro Longoria

"Duellum" (Spain)
Dir: Tucker Davila Wood

The Horizontes Latinos section will include two Spanish co-productions: Chilean filmmaker Patricio Guzman's documentary "The Pearl Button" and Salvador Del Solar's film "Magallane."

Last but not least, the festival will feature several screenings from Spanish directors. Alex de la Iglesia will present his latest film, "Mi Gran Noche," out of competition, while special screenings will showcase premieres of Imanol Uribe's film "Far From The Sea" and Pere Joan Ventura's documentary "No Estamos Solos." Dani de la Torre's film "El Desconocido" will also receive a special screening in the Anoeta Velodrome on the big screen.

READ MORE: San Sebastian Film Festival Responds to Planned Strike to Protest Austerity Programs

The 14th International Film Students Meeting is Now Open for Registration

Sydney Levine — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 18:00:00 GMT

The 14th International Film Students Meeting, co-organized by the San Sebastian Festival and Tabakalera-International Contemporary Culture Centre of San Sebastian, provides an exchange of audiovisual experiences and knowledge at one of the most important movie events in the world.

The Meeting has the backing of the San Sebastian European Capital of Culture 2016 initiative given that it is an obvious exponent of the cultural and artistic work that it wishes to promote.

Young filmmakers can show their short films, attend meetings with professionals, workshops and the master class.

The selected short films will be screened at showings open to the general public and Festival guests as well as by professionals from the audiovisual industry who can provide advice to the students presenting their works. Jointly they will watch and comment on the films generating an interesting discussion about film theory and practice. They will also have the opportunity to get to know and experience how the film industry works firsthand.

Each candidate school can present three short films all of them produced during the 2013/2014 or the 2014/2015 school years. Around 14 schools will be chosen to take part in the Meeting with screenings of the works chosen from the three presented for selection.

A specific jury, consisting of students from the participating school and chaired by a personality from the world of film will choose the winner of the Panavision Award, the Freak Agency / Feelsales Award and the BioBioCine – Duoc UC Award going to the director of the winning short.

This same Jury will also choose the three directors who will have the opportunity to participate with their short films in the next Cannes Festival Short Film Corner.

A specific jury, consisting of students from Basque schools, coordinated by a professor from the Mondragon University and chaired by the Orona Fundazioa's Developing Director, will grant the Orona Award to the most cutting-edge film. The award will be given to the short film’s director.

Last but not least, a representative of the TorinoFilmLab will award one of the directors with the Torino Award.

Projects can be now be registered . The registration form and other information on the International Film Students Meeting is available on the official Festival website, and on the official Tabakalera website. The deadline to summit a short films is July 1st.

Films in Progress 27 Toulouse Submissions Open Through January the 30th of 2015

Sydney Levine — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 13:00:00 GMT

Films in Progress 27 will take place on the 26th and 27th of March within the framework of the 27th edition of the festival Cinélatino, Rencontres de Toulouse.

Since 2002, this double event jointly organized by the festivals of Toulouse and San Sebastián, presents an annual selection of 12 works-in-progress in two sessions: 6 films in Toulouse in march and 6 films in San Sebastián in September.

Films in progress promotes the cooperation between the producers of the selected works-in-progress and European partners to make the films reach screens and audiences across the world. With more than 400 professionals, among the most influential on the European and international level, taking part each year to these two sessions, Films in Progress is the unmissable and strategic meeting point with Latin American films and professionals connected to Latin America.

In the last years, Films in Progress have contributed efficiently to the finalization, difusion and commercialization of the most remarkable Latin American films: "Tony Manero" by Pablo Larraín, "Gloria" by Sebastián Lelio, "Sangre" by Amat Escalante, "Clandestine Childhood" by Benjamín Ávila, "La Sirga" by William Vega, "La Playa" by Juan Andrés Arango, "Bad Hair" by Mariana Rondón, "Historia del Miedo" by Benjamin Naishtat, "To Kill a Man" by Alejandro Fernández Almendras...

Film in Progress is a label that generates trust between the community of professionals from both sides of Atlantic Ocean.

Awards

Three prizes will be awarded in Film in Progress 27

Toulouse Films in Progress Award consists of 58.850 € of post-production services to be done in France, offered by prestigious organizations: a grant from the CNC, a residence in Paris by the CCAS, sound post-production by Mactari, technical works from Titra TVS, color correction program by Firefly, auditorium and material for calibration from Commune Image and the coordination of the post-production by Eaux vives.
Ciné + Award consists in the guarantee that Cine + Broadcast will be the French distributor of the winning film. It will be purchased for 15.000 euros.
European Distributors and Exhibitors Award consists in the promotion of the winning film in the networks of the 130 distributors of Europa Distribution and the 2.000 members of the CICAE.

Submission of a work-in-progress

The feature films presented must be a minority or major Latin American production
The length of the feature film in its final version must be over 60 minutes
The film must be at the post-production stage (minimum first cut)
The cut that is presented for evaluation must last a minimum of 45 minutes
The cut presented for evaluation must be subtitled in English if it is not Spanish-speaking
There is no charge of fees for the registration
The application must be done online: here
Dead line : January the 30th 2015

In the case that the film is selected:

the director and the producer have to be in Toulouse on March 25, 26 and 27 of 2015
the film must be subtitled in English
the screening format is Blu Ray (2 copies for back up)

The selection will be announced in early March 2015.

14 Films Compete in Horizontes Latinos at the San Sebastian Festival

Sydney Levine — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 19:00:00 GMT

Once again the San Sebastian Festival will showcase the best Latin American productions of the year. The program of the Horizontes Latinos section at the 62nd edition includes fourteen productions from Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia. Films that have competed or been presented at important international festivals, but which have not yet been seen at a Spanish festival or commercially released in the country.

The selected films compete for the Horizontes Award, decided by a specific jury and carrying €35,000, of which €10,000 go to the director of the winning film, and the remaining €25,000 to its distributor in Spain.

"Casa Grande"

Fellipe Barbosa (Brazil - U.S.A.)

Set within Rio's social elite, a teenage boy struggles to escape his overprotective parents as his family spirals into bankruptcy. This second movie by Brazil's Fellipe Barbosa was presented in the Official Selection at the Rotterdam Festival.

"Natural Sciences" (Ciencias Naturales)

Matías Lucchesi (Argentina - France)

Presented in the Generation section of the Berlin Festival and winner of the Award for Best Ibero-American Film at the Guadalajara Festival, the first film by Matías Luchesi revolves around a girl who, starting to become a woman, feels the profound need to discover her true identity. She does not know who her father is and she is determined to find him.

"Two Gun Shots" (Dos Disparos)

Martín Rejtman (Argentina - Chile - Netherlands - Germany)

The Argentinian filmmaker Martín Rejtman competed at the Locarno Festival with his latest film. Early one morning, 16 year-old Mariano finds a gun in his house and proceeds to shoot himself twice without giving it a second thought. He survives. Dos disparos (Two Shots Fired) is the tale of how Mariano and his family react to the situation.

"Gente de Bien"

Franco Lolli (France - Colombia)

The feature film debut of Franco Lolli, following several short films to have won awards at several festivals, was presented in the Critics' Week at Cannes. Ten year-old Eric finds himself almost overnight living with Gabriel, his father, who he barely knows. Maria Isabel, the woman Gabriel works for as a carpenter, decides to help and invites them both to the country to spend Christmas with her and her family. However, she fails to foresee all the consequences of taking the child under her wing.

"Güeros"

Alonso Ruiz Palacios (Mexico)

A road movie and coming of age comedy which pays homage to the French new wave, winner of Panorama's First Feature Award in Berlin Film Festival and of Best Cinematography Award and Special Jury Mention in Tribeca Festival. Since the teenager Tomás is clearly too much of a handful for his mother, she packs him off to stay with his big brother who is studying in Mexico City.Tomás has brought a cassette along with him; the tape is part of his father’s legacy and contains the music of Epigmenio Cruz. When the trio learns that their idol is in hospital fading fast and alone, they set off in their rusty heap of a car to pay their last respects to this one-time rock star.

"History of Fear" (Historia del Miedo)

Benjamín Naishtat (Argentina - France - Germany - Uruguay - Qatar)

Following its screening in Films in Progress at last year's San Sebastian Festival, Benjamín Naishtat's first film competed at the Berlin Festival and won Best Film at the Jeonju Festival. When a heat wave grips the suburbs, blackouts and waves of pollution push the social order to the brink of collapse, forcing each inhabitant to confront his own motives, instincts and fears.

"Jauja"

Lisandro Alonso (Argentina - U.S.A. - Mexico - Netherlands - France - Denmark- Germany)

Viggo Mortensen stars in a film by Lisandro Alonso that competed in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Festival and won the FIPRESCI Award. In 1882, Captain Dinesen arrives in Patagonia from Denmark with his 15 year old daughter Ingeborg to take up an engineering post with the Argentinian army. When Ingeborg falls in love with a young soldier and runs away with him, the Captain ventures into enemy territory to find the couple. A solitary quest that takes us to a place beyond time.

"The Princess of France"(La Princesa de Francia)

Matías Piñeiro (Argentina)

Matías Piñeiro returns to his reflections on the theatre world in this competitor in the Official Selection of the Locarno Festival. A year after his father's death in Mexico, Víctor returns to Buenos Aires with a job for his former theatre company: to make a Latin American series of radio dramas by recording a pilote episode of the last play they put on together.

"La Salada"

Juán Martín Hsu (Argentina - Spain)

The winning film of the Films in Progress Industry Award at last year's Festival is a mosaic of experiences for new immigrants in Argentina. Three tales of people from different races who struggle with loneliness and alienation during "La feria de La Salada".

"The Third Side of the River" (La Tercera Orilla)

Celina Murga (Argentina- Germany - The Netherlands)

The Argentinian director Celina Murga competed in Berlin's Official Selection with this film focused on the seventeen-year-old Nicolas, who lives with his mother and younger siblings in a small provincial city. When his entranged father returns to his life, tensions rise between father and son. Nicolas realizes he has to make radical choices for his own future.

"To Kill a Man" (Matar a un Hombre)

Alejandro Fernández Almendras (Chile - France)

The third film from Chile's Alejandro Fernández Almendras participated in Films in Progress last year and has won awards at several international festivals, including Sundance and Rotterdam. Jorge, a hardworking man, is muggled by Kalule, a neighbourhood delinquent. Jorge’s son, in an attemp to defend his father, is shot by Kalule for what Kalule is sent to prision. When he is released, only wants one thing: revenge.

"Futuro Beach" (Praia do Futuro)

Karim Ainouz (Brazil - Germany)

A love story directed by Karim Aïnouz which competed in the Official Selection at the Berlin Festival. Donato works as a life guard patrolling the spectacular but treacherous Praia do Futuro beach. When he dives into the sea after two men caught in the undercurrent, he saves Konrad, a German vacationing in Brazil, but Konrad’s friend is lost to the sea. While waiting for the body to resurface, a bond grows between donato and Konrad and the initial sexual sparks give way to a deeper,emotional connection. Winner of the Sebastiane Latino Award.

"Refugiado"

Diego Lerman (Argentina- Colombia - France - Poland - Germany)

Presented at the Directors' Fortnight in Cannes, the latest film from Diego Lerman opens when Matías, a 7 year-old boy, finds his mother, Laura, unconscious on the floor on coming home from a birthday party. When Laura comes round, she decides to flee with her son to a shelter for battered women. Seen through the eyes of Matías, we follow their escape and the way everything he knew turns into danger, while Laura looks for a safe place to live.

"August Winds" (Ventos de Agosto)

Gabriel Mascaro (Brazil)

The arrival to a small coastal village in Brazil of a researcher registering the sound of the trade winds and a surprise discovery take Shirley and Jeison on a journey that confronts them with the duel between life and death, loss and memory, the wind and the sea. A first film by Gabriel Mascaró, winner of a special mention at the Locarno Festival.

The Industry Club 62nd Edition of the San Sebastian Festival

Sydney Levine — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 14:30:00 GMT

The Latin American film industry, the Canadian Film Industry, the European Film Industry are the main but not the only participants of the San Sebastian 62nd edition Film Festival’s The Industry Club. The Festival's industry department centralizes and coordinates professional activities, networking with Spanish and Basque producers associations, Latin American film institutes, European professional associations and bodies, etc. n 2013, 1292 professionals from 82 companies in 54 countries attended the Festival.

The main activities organized are the Europe-Latin America Co-Production Forum and Films in Progress. In addition, in collaboration with IBAIA (Association of Independent Audiovisual Production Companies of the Basque Country), it organizes the Lau Haizetara Documentary Co-Production Forum.

At the III Europe-Latin America Co-production Forum 15 developing projects from Europe and Latin America will be presented (with at least 20% of their funding already assured). Those responsible for the works will have the opportunity to present their projects (pitching) and will also enjoy a personalized meeting agenda with industry professionals.

The Forum will similarly act as a meeting point for accredited industry guests at San Sebastian, offering in these three days a place to get together and network. In addition, while the Forum is underway, different talks and round tables will be organized in the San Telmo Museum on current issues in the film industry with a view to fostering the exchange of experiences and knowledge.

In the frame of the Forum, this year the San Sebastian Festival is organizing a Focus on Canada , in collaboration with Telefilm Canada. A delegation of 12 Canadian producers will come to San Sebastian to discover the Festival first hand, establish contacts with professionals and participate both in the Co-production Forum and in the other Industry Club activities.

Films in Progress 26 will yet again this year present six Latin American films faced with difficulties at the post-production stage. These films will be presented to an audience of industry professionals with the aim of obtaining the funding the need for their completion and distribution.

The EGEDA Award for Best Project at the III Europe-Latin America Co-production Forum and the Films in Progress 26 Industry Award will be announced at the Industry Cocktail to round off these three working days.

Meanwhile, and throughout the whole Festival, The Industry Club will have its hub at the Kursaal Centre where it will program a series of presentations, round tables and activities in rooms 8 and 9. The complete program of the Professional Agenda with all activities and their respective times will be announced in the first week of September.

The Industry Club provides all accredited industry professionals with services to make their stay in San Sebastián as productive and satisfactory as possible. They will also have access to the Professional Area of the official website, where they will find information on Festival attendees, contact details of films programmed at the Festival and the Film Library, the technical provider of which is Cinando. Codes of access to the Film Library will be provided in situ at the Industry Club premises at the start of the Festival.

To carry out its activity, The Industry Club enjoys the backing of the Basque Government Department of Economic Development and Competitiveness, the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism and the Creative Europe Program.

For further information: industryclub [AT] sansebastianfestival.com

San Sebastian Festival Spotlights Early Hollywood Filmmaker Dorothy Arzner

Sydney Levine — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 14:30:00 GMT

Dorothy Arzner (1897-1979) was one of a kind in the history of American cinema, the only woman to carve out a professional career as a director in Hollywood's Golden Age. In its 62nd edition, the San Sebastian Festival pays homage to the work of Arzner, today considered a pioneer in women's incorporation to the film industry, proclaimed as a filmmaker of strong style and personality for which she earned undeniable prestige within the Hollywood studio system.

Born in San Francisco but raised in Los Angeles, Dorothy Arzner made her directorial debut with "Fashions for Women" (1927), going on the following year to become the first women ever to direct a talkie with Manhattan Cocktail (1928). Arzner directed 15 films throughout the 30s and the early 40s, working with Hollywood stars such as Clara Bow, Katharine Hepburn, Fredric March, Rosalind Russell, Claudette Colbert, Maureen O'Hara and Joan Crawford in comedies and melodramas with particular focus on female characters. In 1933 she became the first woman to join the Directors Guild of America and was its only female member for several decades. Although her name was progressively forgotten, Arzner's career was ratified in the 60s by feminist movements and received numerous tributes, including one by the Directors Guild of America in 1975. Today her films are not only newly appreciated for being an unusual exception in the history of American film, but also f or their intrinsic values. Arzner left her stamp on several films of refined visual style that questioned traditional sexual roles and the part played by women in society or which, according to certain critics, introduced veiled homosexual undertones to the rigid Hollywood structure of the time.

The retrospective dedicated by the San Sebastian Festival to Dorothy Arzner will feature her twelve surviving films. It is organised together with Filmoteca Española. To accompany the cycle, a bilingual (English and Spanish) book will be published on the filmmaker, written by Judith Mayne.

The Wild Party

Dorothy Arzner (USA) 1929

The explosive Clara Bow (in her first talkie) and the man who would become one of Arzner's favourite actors, Fredric March, star in this surprising and brazen film shot before the Hays Code of censorship was imposed upon Hollywood.

Sarah and Son

Dorothy Arzner (USA) 1930

A melodrama that earned the leading lady, Ruth Chatterton, an Academy Award nomination for her part as an opera singer searching for the son she lost many years ago.

Anybody's Woman

Dorothy Arzner (USA) 1930

A rather daring romantic comedy for its day; a lawyer and a chorus girl waken man and wife after a night on the tiles. All sorts of confusions ensue.

Honor Among Lovers

Dorothy Arzner (USA) 1931

A luxury cast (Claudette Colbert, Fredric March and Ginger Rogers) for a melodrama in which Dorothy Arzner looked at a rather unusual subject for films of the time: sexual harassment in the working environment.

Working Girls

Dorothy Arzner (USA) 1931

Adaptation of a play by the author popular in her day, Vera Caspary, this film represents yet another shrewd look at the world of women by Dorothy Arzner seen through the portrayal of two friends in search of work and a husband.

Merrily We Go to Hell

Dorothy Arzner (USA) 1932

The tale of an alcoholic author and the woman who rescues him is turned in Dorothy Arzner's hands into a romantic comedy taking yet another look at the role of women in a couple's relations.

Christopher Strong

Dorothy Arzner (USA) 1933

Katharine Hepburn embodies one of her typical spirited female characters in this eye-opening melodrama from Arzner, a full-on snub of the nose to the usual roles played by women in classic movies: the love affair between an MP and an aviatrix.

Nana

Dorothy Arzner (USA) 1934

Dorothy Arzner adapted Émile Zola's classic novel into a film to flatter a would-be star soon forgotten by Hollywood, Anna Sten. Set in 19th century Paris, this is a curious foray by the director into period melodrama.

Craig's Wife

Dorothy Arzner (USA) 1936

This melodrama sees another of the big Hollywood stars who worked under the orders of Dorothy Arzner, Rosalind Russell, play a domineering woman who marries a wealthy man for money and power.

The Bride Wore Red

Dorothy Arzner (USA) 1937

Joan Crawford and a spectacular red dress by the famous designer Adrian star in one of Dorothy Arzner's most popular romantic comedies, a tale of love and luxury once again featuring an unforgettable female character.

Dance, Girl, Dance

Dorothy Arzner (USA) 1940

Maureen O'Hara and Lucille Ball wrangle in a professional and sentimental duel set in the world of show business and spiced up with musical numbers.

First Comes Courage

Dorothy Arzner (USA) 1943

Dorothy Arzner's last film was her contribution to the warring efforts of the allies during World War II; a spy story where Merle Oberon brings life to an anti-Nazi resistance worker in Norway who must choose between love and duty.

San Sebastian: Thirteen Films Compete for the Kutxa New Directors Award

Sydney Levine — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 15:30:00 GMT

The selection of films making up the New Directors section has been presented. The Director of the San Sebastian Festival, José Luis Rebordinos, revealed the titles of the films to compete for the Kutxa New Directors Award, decided by a specific international jury. The Award comes with €50,000.

At the coming Festival, the New Directors section will propose thirteen first or second works by a new generation of filmmakers. With this selection and the Kutxa New Directors Award, the San Sebastian Festival maintains its firm commitment to the cinematic talents of the future.

"Chrieg"

Simon Jaquemet (Switzerland)

On a boot camp for kids in the Swiss Alps, four delinquent teenagers have taken over. They have a mission and rush down to the city. Feverish nights full of violence and destruction. Their war. Against grown-ups. Against everything. Against Love.

"In Her Place"

Albert Shin (Canada - South Korea)

A mother and her teenaged daughter living on a rural farm in South Korea take in a mysterious woman from Seoul with the hopes of helping each other repair their damaged lives.

"Cain's Children"

Marcell Gerő (Hungary - France)

Three boys, they all committed murder. After discovering their haunting faces and disturbing stories in a banned prison documentary from 1984, the filmmaker goes out to find them and discovers untold secrets and a Hungary he has never known.

"Name Me"

Nigina Sayfullaeva (Russia)

Two 17-year-old Muscovite girls, Olya and Sasha, are going to Crimea to meet Olya’s father Sergey. At first girls have their fun. Little do they know that the innocent joke they invent will turn into great drama and change their lives forever.

"Limbo"

Anna Sofie Hartmann (Germany)

A small town in rural Denmark; teenager Sara and newly arrived teacher Karen grow a connection amidst projections, quiet expectations and daily life all around. Courage leads to disappointment and when an unexpected event occurs, Karen is left on her own.

"The Mother of the Lamb"

Rosario Espinoza, Enrique Farias (Chile)

Cristina, a 49 year old woman, has spent her entire life caring for her mother Carmen. She re-encounters Sandra, a liberal and open-minded ex-colleague who will show her friend other ways to live.

"Modris"

Juris Kursietis (Latvia - Greece - Germany)

Unable to deal with her teenage son, the boy's mother turns him in for a small crime. But a teenager's life cannot handle police probation. Based on true events.

"A Moonless Night"

Germán Tejeira (Uruguay - Argentina)

On New Year's night, three lonely night owls arrive in a small town way out in the Uruguayan countryside, where they will have the opportunity to change their destiny. A film about love, loneliness, opportunities and the passing of time.

"It´s Not Vigil"

Hermes Paralluelo (Spain - Colombia)

In his new film, Hermes Paralluelo tells a love story. A love story that begins when its lead characters, Antonio and Felisa, have been together for over 60 years and their delicate health means they can no longer care for one another. The prospect of having to move into a home for the elderly looms menacingly on the horizon. The film portrays love in old age, nights of fitful sleep over the worry of loneliness, death and separation from a loved-one. Fear of leaving life in the hands of others and of losing independence.

"Toto and His Sisters"

Alexander Nanau (Romania)

From Emmy-Award winning German-Romanian director Alexander Nanau comes an amazing family love story. Totonel (10) and his sisters are growing up in a poor city suburb, waiting for their mother to come home from prison.

"The Silly Ones and the Stupid Ones"

Roberto Castón (Spain)

Second feature by Roberto Castón, whose movie Ander competed in the Panorama Section at Berlin in 2009. Mario, Paula, Miguel and Lourdes run into one another while looking (some more than others) for a way out of a life they don't like. The situation forces them to make decisions, listening either to their hearts or to the fear of change. They are accompanied in the process by the film's director, played by Roberto Álamo.

"The Lesson"

Kristina Grozeva, Petar Valchanov (Bulgaria - Greece)

In a small Bulgarian town, Nadezhda, a young teacher, tries to find out which of her students is stealing in class, so that she can teach them the difference between right and wrong. But when she finds herself in debt to moneylenders, will she know the right road to take? What happens when an honest person turns into a criminal?

"Vincent"

Thomas Salvador (France)

Vincent is not just a young man among others. His strength, reflexes and agility increase when in contact with water. There he meets Lucie, falls in love, and shares his secret with someone for the first time...

Dorothy Arzner to Receive Career Retrospective

Inkoo Kang — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Here's the good news: Pioneering director Dorothy Arzner (1897-1979) -- was one of the first woman directors to have a career in Hollywood making films. She was the first female member of the DGA, and still remains one of the most prolific women directors of all time (with 16 features), AND the inventor of the boom mike -- will receive a career retrospective.

Here's the bad news (for most of us): The retrospective will take place in Spain, at the San Sebastian International Film Festival (Sept. 17-26).

The retrospective will coincide with the publication of a book that seeks to explain why Arzner stopped making films after 1943's First Comes Courage. In the 1960s and 1970s, Arzner taught directing and screenwriting at UCLA. Among her students was Francis Ford Coppola. She was honored by the DGA in 1975. Katharine Hepburn, with whom Arzner reportedly had a tense early relationship, sent a telegram for the event: "Isn't it wonderful that you've had such a great career, when you had no right to have a career at all?"

Arzner started her Hollywood career as a stenographer for Paramount Pictures. She was promoted to screenwriter, then editor. (She went on to edit at least fifty films at Paramount). She landed her first directing assignment by threatening to defect to Columbia; her first film was 1927's Fashions for Women, which was a hit. Legend has it that Arzner came up with the idea for the boom mike while on set at Clara Bow's first talkie, The Wild Party -- she had technicians attach a microphone to a fishing rod so that Bow could move around freely on set. She left Paramount five years after her debut film to work as an independent director.

Arzner made comedies and melodramas; among her works are The Wild Party with Clara Bow, Honor Among Lovers with Claudette Colbert, Christopher Strong with Katharine Hepburn, The Bride Wore Red with Joan Crawford, and Dance, Girl, Dance with Lucille Ball. Arzner was also known for her forceful female characters and lesbian subtexts.

You can learn more about her from the Women's Film Pioneer Project here.

[h/t Variety]