San Sebastian, Spain – September 18, 2023: Perlak Selection for 2023 San Sebastián International Film Festival has been unveiled.
In a tradition that has now spanned eight years, the highly coveted City of Donostia / San Sebastian Audience Award returns to captivate cinephiles once more. Generously sponsored by the San Sebastian City Council, this prestigious award will soon find its rightful place among the remarkable selection of seventeen films meticulously curated for the Perlak section. Renowned for its spotlight on titles that have earned international acclaim, this initiative stands as a testament to the City Council’s unwavering commitment to its discerning citizens who wield the power to determine the victor.
The Perlak section, proudly supported by Armani Beauty, serves as a stage for films that have garnered accolades at esteemed international festivals. The screenings take place at the illustrious Victoria Eugenia Theatre, where the audience attending the inaugural screening of each film holds the pivotal role of casting their votes. The crescendo of excitement leads to the highly anticipated award ceremony during the Festival’s closing gala.
The City of Donostia / San Sebastian Audience Award is divided into two prestigious categories: the Best Film Award, carrying a substantial prize of 50,000 euros, and the Best European Film Award, offering a commendable 20,000 euros. These awards not only celebrate exceptional cinematic achievement but also forge a lasting connection between the honored films and the vibrant city, an honor decided jointly by the discerning locals.
Mayor Eneko Goia of Donostia / San Sebastian underscored the indispensable role of the audience, describing them as the heart and soul of the Festival. He emphasized that the Audience Award is a manifestation of the joy experienced by those who fill the cinemas. Mayor Goia extolled the Perlak section for affording viewers the opportunity to savor some of the year’s finest films, thus solidifying its status as a cherished favorite among locals.
Furthermore, Mayor Goia expressed his unwavering support for the Festival, considering it a pinnacle event that shines a global spotlight on their city. He pledged to stand behind the Festival’s mission to maintain its high standards and, if possible, to continually elevate them year after year. He also commended the Festival’s commitment to collaboration across diverse domains, including science and gastronomy, which enhances its impact as a catalyst for collective advancement.
Notably, last year’s Best Film Award was presented to Santiago Mitre’s “Argentina 1985,” a film that had previously competed at the Venice Film Festival, while the Best European Film Award was claimed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen for “As bestas / The Beasts,” which had its premiere in the Cannes Premières section.
In a gesture of inclusivity and compassion, the San Sebastian City Council, in collaboration with the Festival, has allocated 1,000 complimentary tickets to underprivileged individuals. These tickets offer access to screenings at the Kursaal and the Velodrome, extending the Festival experience to those facing economic challenges.
José Luis Rebordinos, the Festival Director, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the City Council for their joint effort to ensure that marginalized groups can partake in the Festival’s cultural offerings. He emphasized the profound impact of culture, especially cinema, as a transformative tool for those with limited resources, nurturing critical thinking, and expanding horizons. The collaboration between the San Sebastian City Council and the Festival, Rebordinos asserted, holds immense significance in promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
Perlak Selection for 2023 San Sebastián International Film Festival
Here is a brief overview of the 17 films competing for the City of Donostia / San Sebastian Audience Award:
- “The Zone of Interest” by Jonathan Glazer (United Kingdom)
- “Aku wa Sonzai Shinai / Evil Does Not Exist” by Ryusuke Hamaguchi (Japan)
- “Anatomie d’une Chute / Anatomy of a Fall” by Justine Triet (France)
- “Bastarden / The Promised Land” by Nikolaj Arcel (Denmark)
- “Dumb Money” by Craig Gillespie (Australia)
- “Io Capitano / I’m Captain” by Matteo Garrone (Italy)
- “Kaibutsu / Monster” by Hirokazu Koreeda (Japan)
- “Kuolleet Lehdet / Fallen Leaves” by Aki Kaurismäki (Finland – Germany)
- “La Memoria Infinita / The Eternal Memory” by Maite Alberdi (Chile)
- “La Sociedad de la Nieve / Society of the Snow” by J.A. Bayona (Spain)
- “May December” by Todd Haynes (USA)
- “Memory” by Michel Franco (Mexico – USA)
- “Past Lives” by Celine Song (South Korea)
- “Perfect Days” by Wim Wenders (Germany)
- “Rosalie” by Stéphanie Di Giusto (France)
- “Roter Himmel / Afire” by Christian Petzold (Germany)
- “The New Boy” by Warwick Thornton (Australia)
As the anticipation builds, these films promise to provide an unforgettable cinematic experience. The City of Donostia / San Sebastian Audience Award celebrates not only the art of filmmaking but also the collective spirit of film enthusiasts who have the privilege of choosing the next recipient of this prestigious honor.
