The San Sebastián Film Festival kicked off with political speeches and honored filmmaker Werner Herzog alongside outgoing director José Luis Rebordinos.
On September 18, 2026, the San Sebastián Film Festival commenced its latest edition, featuring poignant political statements and tributes to noted filmmaker Werner Herzog and outgoing Festival director José Luis Rebordinos. Hostesses Fariba Sheikhan and Mariona Terés emphasized their solidarity with the Palestinian cause, calling for an end to violence in Gaza. Their remarks were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience in the Kursaal auditorium.
The hosts expressed a unified stance against the ongoing conflict in Gaza, stating, "We join the myriad of voices calling for an end to genocide, like the one happening in Gaza," which highlights the festival’s enduring commitment to social issues. This resonates with the festival’s previous declarations, including an open letter from the 2025 edition condemning violence and advocating for an immediate ceasefire. The festival has emerged as a vocal platform for discussions on pressing human rights issues.
A significant highlight of the ceremony was the tribute to Werner Herzog, who received an honorary award for his impactful contributions to cinema. Orlando Bloom, his co-star in Herzog's latest project "Bucking Fastard," presented the award, commending Herzog's adventurous spirit in filmmaking and noting his unique ability to explore diverse human experiences and nature through cinema. Herzog remarked on his deep ties to the Basque region, reflecting on how his experiences there shaped his career.
The opening ceremony also marked a farewell to José Luis Rebordinos, who has served as Festival director for 17 years. His leadership has been credited with elevating the San Sebastián International Film Festival to a globally respected cultural benchmark. Carlos Prada, Senior Vice President of Local Productions at Warner Bros. Spain, praised Rebordinos's dedication, stating, "His contribution has been fundamental in making the San Sebastián International Film Festival one of the great film festivals."
Maialen Beloki, currently Deputy Director, will succeed Rebordinos in January 2027, ensuring continuity in the festival’s mission to celebrate diverse cinematic voices.
The festival runs until September 26, 2026, showcasing a rich tapestry of films including Fatih Akin’s opening night film, "Ghost Song," along with notable titles like Jesse Eisenberg’s “The Debut” and Pablo Larraín’s Netflix series “My Sad Dead.” This diverse programming aims to engage a wide range of audience preferences, potentially expanding the festival's reach to both traditional cinephiles and new viewers.
The San Sebastián Film Festival's opening night set a precedent for how major cultural events can address pressing global issues while honoring artistic achievements. The audience's enthusiastic reception to both the political statements and tributes reinforces the festival's role as a platform for advocacy as well as cinematic celebration. The strong statements on social justice are likely to resonate with attendees and filmmakers alike, blending the art of cinema with essential conversations about humanity.
The successful transition to Maialen Beloki as the new Festival director also points toward a stable future, suggesting that the festival will continue its trajectory of growth and cultural influence. As the event unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these foundational values shape its narrative in coming years.
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