San Sebastian Festival 2024: RTVE to Premiere Three Films in Exclusive Galas

San Sebastian International Film Festival

The 72nd edition of the San Sebastian Film Festival, one of Spain's most prestigious cinematic events, will feature a significant presence from RTVE, the Spanish public broadcaster. This year, RTVE will host three exclusive galas to preview films in which it has a participatory role. This marks an expansion of their ongoing collaboration with the festival, as RTVE has committed to increasing the number of galas from two to three over the next three years.

The first film, "¿Es el enemigo? La película de Gila / May I Speak With the Enemy?", directed by Alexis Morante, will have its premiere at the Victoria Eugenia Theatre. The film, starring Óscar Lasarte, Carlos Cuevas, Natalia de Molina, and Salva Reina, is a poignant anti-war narrative based on the experiences of the famous Spanish comedian Miguel Gila during the Civil War. The story explores how Gila survived the horrors of war through his unique sense of humor, which later made him a beloved figure in Spain and Latin America.

Rodrigo Cortés' latest film, "Escape," will be presented at the Kursaal 2. This intense and unclassifiable movie stars Mario Casas in the lead role, with Martin Scorsese serving as the executive producer. "Escape" tells the story of N., a man who is determined to live in prison, seeking refuge from the responsibilities of life. The film also features a star-studded cast, including Anna Castillo, José Sacristán, José María Pou, Blanca Portillo, and Juanjo Puigcorbé.

The third gala will showcase "Las chicas de la estación / The Girls at the Station," directed by Juana Macías, at the Príncipe Cinemas. Inspired by true events, the film delves into the lives of young girls at a juvenile facility in Mallorca who become ensnared in a prostitution ring. The film provides a stark and sobering look at the challenges faced by vulnerable youth on the brink of irreversible decisions.

In addition to these three films, RTVE's presence at the festival extends to several other films in various categories. In the Official Selection, four RTVE-associated films—"Los destellos / Glimmers" by Pilar Palomero, "El llanto / The Wailing" by Pedro Martín-Calero, "Tardes de soledad" by Albert Serra, and "Hard Truths" by Mike Leigh—will compete for the prestigious Golden Shell. Meanwhile, in the New Directors section, Sandra Romero's "Por donde pasa el silencio / Where the Silence Passes" and "La llegada del hijo / The Arrival of the Son" by Cecilia Atán and Valeria Pivato will be featured.

This year's San Sebastian Festival is set to be a significant platform for RTVE, underscoring its role in supporting and promoting Spanish cinema on the international stage. The broadcaster's commitment to the festival highlights its dedication to showcasing a diverse range of films, from historical dramas to contemporary social issues, each offering a unique perspective on the human experience.

List of Films:

1. "¿Es el enemigo? La película de Gila / May I Speak With the Enemy?" / Director: Alexis Morante / Country: Spain-Portugal
2. "Escape" / Director: Rodrigo Cortés / Country: Spain-France
3. "Las chicas de la estación / The Girls at the Station" / Director: Juana Macías / Country: Spain
4. "Los destellos / Glimmers" / Director: Pilar Palomero / Country: Spain
5. "El llanto / The Wailing" / Director: Pedro Martín-Calero / Country: Spain
6. "Tardes de soledad" / Director: Albert Serra / Country: Spain
7. "Hard Truths" / Director: Mike Leigh / Country: UK
8. "Por donde pasa el silencio / Where the Silence Passes" / Director: Sandra Romero / Country: Spain
9. "La llegada del hijo / The Arrival of the Son" / Directors: Cecilia Atán, Valeria Pivato / Country: Argentina, Spain