The San Sebastian film festival has once again curated a selection of outstanding films from this year’s festival season for its Perlak sidebar. Perlak showcases recent movies that have received critical acclaim but have not yet been released in Spain. The Perlak lineup for 2023 has been revealed, featuring highly anticipated films such as Celine Song’s Sundance hit “Past Lives,” Maite Alberdi’s Grand Jury winning documentary “The Eternal Memory,” Christian Petzold’s Berlin breakout “Afire,” and Jonathan Glazer’s Cannes sensation “The Zone of Interest.”
Other notable films included in the Perlak lineup are Todd Haynes’s “May December,” Aki Kaurismäki’s “Fallen Leaves,” Wim Wenders’ “Perfect Days,” Warwick Thornton’s “The New Boy,” Hirokazu Kore-eda’s “Monster,” and Justine Triet’s Palme d’Or winner “Anatomy of a Fall.”
The Perlak section will be concluded by the screening of “Les indésirables,” the latest social drama from French director Ladj Ly, known for his critically acclaimed film “Les Misérables.” “Les indésirables” will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival next month and will be shown out of competition at San Sebastian. Another film from Toronto, “Dumb Money,” directed by Australian filmmaker Craig Gillespie, has also been selected for Perlak. The comedy tells the story of the GameStop short squeeze drama and features a star-studded cast including Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, and Shailene Woodley.
In addition to films from Toronto, San Sebastian will also feature films from the Venice Film Festival in its Perlak sidebar. These include Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “Evil Does Not Exist,” Danish period drama “The Promised Land” directed by Nikolaj Arcel, Matteo Garrone’s refugee drama “Io Capitano,” and Michel Franco’s “Memory,” starring Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard.
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All the films in the Perlak section, except for the closing film, are eligible for San Sebastian’s Audience Awards. These awards include the best film honor with a prize of $54,000 (€50,000) and the best European film award with a prize of $22,000 (€20,000), both of which are determined by the votes of San Sebastian viewers.
The 71st edition of the San Sebastian International Film Festival will take place from September 22nd to September 30th. As one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, San Sebastian continues to showcase the best of international cinema and provide a platform for films that will captivate audiences with their brilliance and originality. The Perlak sidebar is an opportunity for Spanish audiences to discover and appreciate films that have already made a significant impact in other parts of the world.
The curated selection of films in the Perlak lineup represents diverse genres, themes, and styles of storytelling. From thought-provoking documentaries to captivating dramas and exhilarating comedies, the Perlak section offers something for every film lover. As the films in Perlak have not yet been released in Spain, this sidebar creates anticipation and excitement among film enthusiasts who eagerly await the opportunity to watch these remarkable movies.
San Sebastian’s commitment to showcasing international cinema aligns with its mission to promote cultural exchange and celebrate the art of filmmaking. By bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and the general public, the festival creates a vibrant atmosphere where ideas and creativity can flourish. The Perlak sidebar adds an extra layer of excitement to the festival, allowing audiences to experience the latest and most talked-about films before they officially hit Spanish cinemas.
With its rich history and tradition, the San Sebastian International Film Festival continues to be a pillar of the film industry, attracting top talent and showcasing groundbreaking cinema. The Perlak sidebar is just one example of the festival’s dedication to showcasing innovative and remarkable films, further cementing its status as a must-attend event for cinephiles and industry professionals alike.
