Z365" or "Festival all year round" is the new strategic point of the Festival in which converge investigation, accompaniment and development of new talents (Ikusmira Berriak, Nest); training and cinematic knowledge transfer (Elías Querejeta Zine Eskola, Zinemaldia + Plus, Filmmakers' dialogue); and investigation, disclosure and cinematic thought (Z70 project, Thought and Discussion and Research and publications).
The 73rd San Sebastian Festival’s opening gala will be presented tonight at 20.30 at the Kursaal by three heavyweights, the actresses Silvia Abril, Toni Acosta and Itziar Ituño, in a show capturing emotion and the first glimpse at this edition. The ceremony precedes the world premiere of 27 Nights, by Daniel Hendler, opening the Official Section. Telling the story of Martha Hoffman, an eccentric and wealthy octogenarian committed to a psychiatric clinic by her daughters, the film unfolds a psychological portrait of family ties as uncomfortable as it is human.
Tribute will also be paid to the producer Esther García, who will receive the Donostia Award for a career that has been key to Spanish cinema.
The presenters playfully claimed they wouldn’t be making any jokes, as ‘comedy isn’t nominated’. ‘Let the Festival begin!’ said Abril passionately. The gala will also present the FIPRESCI Grand Prize and the Official Jury.
Again, the opening and closing ceremonies will be directed and scripted by El Terrat (The Mediapro Studio). As usual, they can be followed live on TVE’s La 2, RTVE Play, ETB1, eitb.eus, and the Festival’s official website.