José Luis Rebordinos reflects on his leadership at the San Sebastián Film Festival and its political stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
José Luis Rebordinos, the director of the San Sebastián International Film Festival, is set to conclude his tenure as he leads the festival's 74th edition from September 18 to 26, 2026. This announcement was made via The Hollywood Reporter on September 19, where Rebordinos shared his reflections on nearly two decades of service and the significance of the festival's political statements regarding the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.
Under Rebordinos’ leadership, San Sebastián has become a crucial destination on the film festival calendar, celebrated for its blend of star power, world premieres, and focus on international and Basque cinema. This evolution has transformed the festival from a lesser-known event to an influential player in the film industry, closely following established festivals like Venice and Toronto.
The festival has introduced several industry-focused events, including the Europe-Latin America Co-Production Forum and the Creative Investors’ Conference, which have enhanced its appeal to major producers and filmmakers. Rebordinos noted that these changes have fostered a competitive landscape, with notable films vying for the Golden Shell.
A defining moment of this year’s festival has been its bold political stance. During the opening ceremony, hosts Fariba Sheikhan and Mariona Terés made a public declaration in support of victims in Gaza, stating, "We join the myriad of voices calling for an end to genocide," which received enthusiastic applause from the audience. Rebordinos emphasized that San Sebastián is the only A-category festival to openly address this issue, fostering frank discussions about social and political matters in the arts.
Despite risks such as potentially losing sponsorships over past political statements, including a condemnation of Spain’s far-right Vox party, Rebordinos remains committed to using the festival as a platform for important conversations. He reiterated to The Hollywood Reporter, “The genocide isn’t a theory. We are watching the genocide.”
Starting in 2027, Rebordinos will transition leadership of the festival to Maialen Beloki, who has served as his deputy director for eleven years. In a supportive note, Rebordinos expressed confidence in Beloki's leadership, highlighting her potential to bring a fresh perspective to the festival.
Beloki will be the first woman to lead the San Sebastián Film Festival, marking a significant milestone in its 74-year history. Rebordinos described her as intelligent and capable, suggesting that her leadership could further invigorate the festival's direction.
Rebordinos has added a personal touch to his role, merging artistic passion with a strong awareness of the global filmmaking landscape. Reflecting on his collaborative approach, he stated, “I am happy because I think we did good work. We are a team.” His departure highlights the festival's achievements, as well as the challenges and changes ahead with new leadership.
As San Sebastián continues preparations for the 2026 edition, which includes high-profile films like Brad Pitt’s Heart of the Beast and the awarding of the Donostia Award to filmmaker Werner Herzog, the festival is positioned for ongoing growth and evolving influence in the film community.
José Luis Rebordinos’ departure signifies the end of an era for the San Sebastián International Film Festival, characterized by significant growth, international recognition, and bold political statements. With Maialen Beloki at the helm starting next year, the festival may continue on its trajectory toward becoming a vital venue for filmmakers and audiences alike, while also addressing significant global issues through the lens of cinema. As the festival advances, it remains to be seen how these changes will shape its future identity in the competitive film festival landscape.
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