San Sebastián, Spain, native Jaione Camborda took home the prestigious Golden Shell for Best Film at the 71st San Sebastián Film Festival. Her film, “The Rye Horn,” is a gripping drama set in the 1970s about a midwife who is forced to flee Galicia, Spain, to Portugal. The protagonist’s life takes an unexpected turn when a teenage mother approaches her, requesting an abortion after a tragic event. This thought-provoking film captivated the festival jury and the audience alike, earning Camborda the top prize.
The audience award for Best Film was given to J.A. Bayona’s Netflix film, “Society of the Snow.” This real-life survival thriller resonated with viewers, highlighting the director’s exceptional storytelling skills. “Society of the Snow” is also in the running for the 2024 Oscar in the highly competitive International Feature category. Another film that caught the attention of the audience was Matteo Garrone’s “Io Capitano,” which won the title of Best European Film at the festival. Both films have the potential to make a significant impact during the upcoming awards season.
Notable performances were also recognized at the San Sebastián Film Festival. Marcelo Subiotto won the Best Performance award for his portrayal of a philosophy teacher at the University of Buenos Aires in the dramedy “Puan.” The film explores the intense rivalry between the protagonist and a bitter rival over a professorship position. Tatsuya Fuji was also honored with the Best Performance award for his role as a father seeking reconciliation with his estranged son in “Great Absence.” These outstanding performances brought depth and authenticity to their respective films.
The Best Screenplay award went to María Alché and Benjamín Naishtat for their exceptional script in “Puan.” This Argentine film captivated the jury with its engaging storytelling and compelling characters. Additionally, Hovik Keuchkerian earned the Silver Shell for Best Supporting Performance for his role in Isabel Coixet’s “Un Amor.” Keuchkerian’s exceptional performance added depth and complexity to the film.
In terms of direction, Tzu-Hui Peng and Ping-Wen Wang were honored with the Silver Shell for Best Director for their Taiwanese drama, “A Journey in Spring.” The film follows the story of a lonely widower who attempts to preserve his love for his deceased wife by keeping her body in the freezer. The visually stunning film showcases the directors’ talent in bringing this unique and emotional story to life.
The San Sebastián Film Festival also awarded other notable films and filmmakers. Isabella Eklöf’s “Kalak” received the Special Jury Prize, highlighting the film’s outstanding contribution to the festival. Nadim Carlsen’s cinematography in “Kalak” was recognized with the Jury Prize for Best Cinematography. Diwah Shah’s Indian film, “Bahadur The Brave,” received the New Directors Award, honoring Shah’s talent and innovation as a new director. Martín Benchimol’s “The Castle” took home the Horizontes Award, while Eduardo Williams’ “The Human Surge 3” received the Zabaltegi-Tabakalera Award. Ulises de la Orden’s “The Trial” also received a Special Mention from the jury.
Lastly, the festival audience had the opportunity to voice their opinions by voting for their favorite films. J.A. Bayona’s “Society of the Snow” was awarded the City of Donostia/San Sebastian Audience Award, acknowledging the film’s ability to captivate and engage viewers. On the other hand, Matteo Garrone’s “Io Capitano” won the City of Donostia/San Sebastian Audience Award for Best European Film, further solidifying its position as an exceptional European production.
The 71st San Sebastián Film Festival showcased a variety of outstanding films, performances, and talent from around the world. The winners demonstrated exceptional storytelling, cinematography, and performances, leaving a lasting impact on both the festival jury and the audience. These films will undoubtedly continue to gain recognition and accolades as they make their way through the international film circuit.