The Unassuming Power of San Sebastián: Why This Film Festival Deserves More Than a 'Hidden Gem' Label
There’s something about San Sebastián that feels like a well-kept secret—a secret everyone in the film industry almost wants to keep to themselves. It’s not Cannes, with its red-carpet frenzy, or Venice, with its gondola-glam. No, San Sebastián is different. It’s the kind of festival where you’re just as likely to bump into a local filmmaker as you are a Hollywood A-lister, and that’s precisely what makes it so compelling. But here’s the irony: for a festival that’s been around for 73 years, it still feels like it’s flying under the radar. Why?
The Charm of Being 'Small Enough to Feel Human'
One thing that immediately stands out is how San Sebastián embraces its size—or rather, its lack of size. Personally, I think this is where its magic lies. Festival director José Luis Rebordinos puts it perfectly: ‘We are the smallest of the greats.’ What this really suggests is that San Sebastián isn’t trying to compete with the big leagues. Instead, it’s carving out its own niche, one that prioritizes connection over spectacle.
What many people don’t realize is that this ‘smallness’ is a strategic choice. The festival can’t host the year’s biggest American premieres, but it doesn’t need to. It focuses on what it does best: fostering relationships between filmmakers, critics, and audiences. From my perspective, this is where the real value of a film festival lies. It’s not just about the movies; it’s about the conversations, the collaborations, and the sense of community.
Timing: A Double-Edged Sword
Here’s where things get interesting. San Sebastián’s September slot places it right after Venice and sometimes overlapping with Toronto. On paper, this seems like a disadvantage. But if you take a step back and think about it, it’s actually a blessing in disguise. The festival doesn’t try to outshine its predecessors; instead, it complements them. It’s the place where films that might have been overlooked at bigger festivals get a second chance to shine.
This raises a deeper question: does a festival’s timing define its success? In my opinion, no. What matters is how it uses that timing. San Sebastián leverages its position to create a space where films can breathe, where industry professionals can connect without the pressure of a high-stakes premiere. It’s a festival that understands its place in the calendar—and owns it.
The Basque Factor: Local Roots, Global Reach
A detail that I find especially interesting is San Sebastián’s deep connection to its Basque roots. The festival isn’t just a global event; it’s a celebration of local cinema. Since 2014, every official selection has included at least one Basque-language film. Last year, 37 Basque productions screened—a testament to the region’s growing film industry.
But here’s the twist: San Sebastián doesn’t give local films a free pass. As Mar Izquierdo of Zineuskadi points out, the festival maintains high standards. This, I believe, is what makes it credible. It’s not about favoritism; it’s about quality. And when a Basque film like Sundays (Los Domingos) wins the Golden Shell, it’s not just a win for the region—it’s a win for cinema as a whole.
The Industry’s Best-Kept Secret (or Is It?)
What makes San Sebastián particularly fascinating is its ability to punch above its weight in the industry. The Europe-Latin America Co-Production Forum, for instance, has become a hotspot for emerging talent. Rebordinos mentions the difficulty of selecting just 16 projects from a pool of high-quality submissions. This, to me, is a sign of the festival’s growing influence.
But here’s the irony: despite its industry clout, San Sebastián remains accessible. Ticket prices are kept low, ensuring that locals can attend screenings. This democratization of cinema is rare in today’s festival landscape, and it’s something I deeply admire. It’s a reminder that film festivals aren’t just for the elite—they’re for everyone.
The Future: A New Era Under Maialen Beloki
As Rebordinos steps down after 15 years, the festival is poised for a new chapter under Maialen Beloki. Personally, I’m intrigued by this transition. Rebordinos has been instrumental in shaping San Sebastián’s identity, but Beloki has been part of his team for years. This continuity, I think, is crucial. It ensures that the festival’s core values—humility, inclusivity, and a focus on talent—remain intact.
What this really suggests is that San Sebastián isn’t just a festival; it’s an institution. It’s evolved over the decades, but its essence has stayed the same. And that, in my opinion, is the mark of a truly great event.
Final Thoughts: Why San Sebastián Matters
If you’ve made it this far, you might be wondering: why does San Sebastián deserve more than its ‘hidden gem’ label? Here’s my take: because it’s not just a festival; it’s a philosophy. It challenges the notion that bigger is always better. It proves that a festival can be both intimate and influential, local and global.
What many people don’t realize is that San Sebastián is a blueprint for how film festivals should operate. It’s not about outshining others; it’s about finding your unique place in the world. And in a landscape dominated by giants, that’s a lesson we could all learn from.
So, the next time someone calls San Sebastián a ‘hidden gem,’ I’ll politely disagree. It’s not hidden—it’s just waiting for the world to catch up.
