Figures Kafka, Göring, and Hind Rajab in Focus
The San Sebastián International Film Festival, marking the last major international film event of the year, is set to open on September 19. This year's edition promises a captivating array of films, from intimate dramas to politically charged narratives, immersing audiences in a diverse range of themes and perspectives.
The festival's opening film, "27 Nights" by Daniel Endler, introduces an elderly wealthy woman who may be suffering from dementia or being manipulated by her daughters. This intriguing story sets the tone for a festival that delves into the complexities of human relationships.
Meanwhile, the Argentine film "Currents" by Milagros Mumentaler stands out for its unique protagonist, a heroine grappling with aquaphobia. The film promises to offer a compelling exploration of fear and resilience.
In a more serious note, the documentary "Stories from the Good Valley" by José Luis Guerín sheds light on migration processes in a Spanish province. On the other hand, the film about Hind Rajab, a Palestinian girl killed in Gaza, has sparked polarized opinions, with both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli activists criticizing the festival. This controversial film will also be shown in San Sebastián.
The San Sebastián festival is not without its own historical controversies. Its past is entwined with fascism and Franco's dictatorship, but these times are long gone. The festival has since evolved, striving to provide a platform for diverse voices and thought-provoking narratives.
The festival is in competition with Venice in the struggle for international premieres. However, the Venice Film Festival has recently been embroiled in controversy, with accusations of fascism being levied against it due to its history under Mussolini's patronage and the awarding of Leni Riefenstahl's "Triumph of the Will". The controversy began after the screening and awarding of the film "The Voice of Hind Rajab" at the Venice festival.
In response, an open letter calling for a boycott of the Israeli film industry and its official institutions has been signed by several thousand filmmakers, including Yorgos Lanthimos, Tilda Swinton, Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Ken Loach, Olivia Colman, and Javier Bardem.
Among the highlights of the San Sebastián festival is "The Wall" by French director Claire Denis, a film shot in West Africa that addresses issues of social and racial inequality. Another anticipated film is "Couture" by French filmmaker Alice Winocour, which immerses viewers in the high-fashion world, where characters face challenges such as cancer and identity crises.
German director Edward Berger presents a new detective story with political undertones titled "Ballad of the Little Player". Agnieszka Holland's biopic "Franz" offers a "completely new perspective" on the life of Franz Kafka.
Lastly, Anton Yarush, known as the screenwriter of "Tight" and "Unclenching Fists", makes his directorial debut with "Foreign Lands", an autofiction about a director seeking creative and personal fulfillment, in the "New Directors" section of the San Sebastián festival.
The San Sebastián International Film Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of cinema, showcasing a diverse array of films that challenge, inspire, and provoke.
