The San Sebastian Film Festival has announced its main competition lineup for the upcoming event, which takes place from September 19 to 27, 2023. Among the films competing for the prestigious Golden Shell are Edward Berger’s “Ballad of a Small Player,” Claire Denis’s “The Fence,” and James Vanderbilt’s “Nuremberg.” This year marks the 73rd edition of the festival, recognized as the largest film event within the Spanish-speaking world.
In addition to these prominent titles, the festival revealed an eclectic array of films, featuring directors such as Dolores Fonzi, Joachim Lafosse, Olmo Omerzu, and Xiaoyu Qin. These selections highlight a blend of established European auteurs and emerging voices from Latin America and Asia, enriching the festival’s narrative.
Highlighted Films in Main Competition
“Ballad of a Small Player,” directed by Edward Berger, stars Colin Farrell as a gambler struggling with a losing streak. This adaptation of Lawrence Osborne’s novel is Berger’s follow-up after last year’s success with “Conclave,” which competed for the Golden Shell and won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Notable cast members include Tilda Swinton and Fala Chen. Berger is also known for his acclaimed film “All Quiet on the Western Front,” which won four Oscars, including Best International Film.
Claire Denis, a frequent participant at San Sebastian, presents “The Fence,” an adaptation of a play by Bernard-Marie Koltès. This drama, which addresses themes of colonial violence and survival, features actors Isaach de Bankolé, Matt Dillon, and Mia McKenna-Bruce. Denis has previously won the Fipresci Prize at San Sebastian for her film “High Life” and took home the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival for “Both Sides of the Blade.”
In “Belén,” Dolores Fonzi makes her directorial return with a poignant story about a woman imprisoned after a miscarriage. This film highlights critical issues surrounding reproductive rights and justice in Argentina. Fonzi not only directs but also stars alongside Camila Plaate and Laura Paredes. Her past works at the festival include “Blondi” and notable performances in films like “El aura” and “Truman.”
Joachim Lafosse’s “Six Days in Spring” explores family dynamics set against the backdrop of the French Riviera. This marks Lafosse’s third appearance in the main competition, where he previously won the Silver Shell for Best Director with “The White Knights.”
Another compelling entry is “Ungrateful Beings” by Olmo Omerzu, which delves into generational conflicts revealed during a family vacation. Omerzu has previously showcased his talents at San Sebastian with “Family Film” and received acclaim for “Winter Flies.”
From China, Xiaoyu Qin makes his fiction debut with “Her Heart Beats in Its Cage,” a drama inspired by the true story of a woman who reunites with her son after serving ten years in prison for killing her husband. Qin previously won the Best Documentary Award at the Shanghai Festival for “The Verse of Us.”
James Vanderbilt’s “Nuremberg” stars Rami Malek as Douglas Kelley, a psychiatrist assessing Nazi war criminals prior to the Nuremberg Trials. Notable for his work on films such as “Zodiac” and “The Amazing Spider-Man,” Vanderbilt adapts this story from Jack El-Hai’s book “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist,” featuring Russell Crowe as Hermann Göring.
Special Screenings and Notable Mentions
The festival will also showcase two special screenings out of competition. “In-I in Motion,” directed by Juliette Binoche, reflects on her collaboration with choreographer Akram Khan in the acclaimed hybrid dance and theatre production “In-I.” Binoche, an Academy Award winner for her role in “The English Patient,” has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the Donostia Award for career achievement in 2022.
Another highlight is “Climbing for Life” by Junji Sakamoto, which tells the inspiring story of Junko Tabei, the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Sakamoto is known for his film “Face,” which won a Best Director prize from the Japanese Academy and previously competed at San Sebastian.
With a diverse lineup that promises to engage audiences worldwide, the San Sebastian Film Festival continues to celebrate global cinema, fostering connections among filmmakers and audiences alike.