San Sebastian: a city of cinema. San Sebastian, known as Donostia in Basque, is one of the most charming cities in the Basque Country and the whole of Spain. Situated on the coast of the Cantabrian Sea, it perfectly combines history, culture, gastronomy, and nature, making it a perfect destination.
Some history
San Sebastian was founded around 1180 by Sancho El Sabio, King of Navarre, to be the seaport of Navarre, and initially fulfilled its mission as such. Guipúzcoa, from 1200 onwards, was conquered and annexed to the Crown of Castile by King Alfonso VIII, an enemy of Sancho El Fuerte.
San Sebastian underwent a profound transformation in the 19th century. It became the capital of the province of Guipúzcoa and reopened its commercial port. In 1863, the demolition of the city walls allowed it to expand, marking the beginning of its period of greatest splendour: the Belle Époque.
Queen Maria Cristina played a key role in choosing San Sebastian as a holiday destination, making the Miramar Palace a city symbol and earning her the title of honorary mayoress. At the end of the 19th century, new emblematic buildings such as the casino, the Buen Pastor Cathedral, the School of Arts and Crafts, the Peñaflorida Institute, the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, and the María Cristina Hotel were erected. This development consolidated San Sebastian’s reputation as the ‘Little Paris’, attracting holidaymakers and making it a landmark destination. The history of San Sebastian is, in short, the history of a young city that has been able to sell its charms well and attract tourists from all over the world who want to enjoy its nightlife, sports, gastronomy, and culture.
The cinema
The San Sebastian International Film Festival, founded in 1953, is one of the most prestigious film events in Spain and the world. Held annually in the city of San Sebastian, in the Basque Country, this festival has served as a launch pad for renowned films and has hosted some of the biggest stars of international cinema.
History and evolution
The festival was born with a focus on Spanish cinema but quickly expanded its scope to become an event of international stature. In 1957, it received accreditation from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) as a category A festival, alongside other prestigious festivals such as Cannes and Berlin. Over the years, it has hosted world premieres and witnessed the evolution of the global film industry.
In 1986, the Premio Donostia was created, an award given each year to those who have made an exceptional contribution to the world of cinema. This award has since become one of the most emotive of the festival.
The festival, which is always held in September, gives the city a unique atmosphere in which everything revolves around cinema for a week. For a long time, the festival was based at the Victoria Eugenia Theatre. Recently, the theatre had to be refurbished and the festival was moved to the Kursaal, its current venue.
Anecdotes and memorable moments
San Sebastian has seen legendary figures such as Alfred Hitchcock, who presented ‘Vertigo’ in 1958; Bette Davis, who was honoured in 1989; or Quentin Tarantino, who in 1994 surprised with ‘Pulp Fiction’ shortly before its success at the Oscars. One of the most memorable moments was when Gregory Peck received the first Donostia Award in 1986, thus inaugurating an award that recognises the careers of great figures in cinema.
Prizes and awards
The festival’s highest award is the Concha de Oro, given to the best film. In addition, prizes such as the Silver Shell are awarded to the best director, actor, and actress, as well as the Audience Award. In recent years, the festival has given visibility to new voices in independent cinema and has reinforced its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the film industry.
Impact on the city
During the festival, San Sebastian becomes the epicentre of world cinema, attracting industry professionals, tourists, and film buffs. The city is filled with screenings, press conferences, and cultural events, generating a significant economic and social impact. Hotels, restaurants, and shops experience a boom, while the streets and beaches are transformed into scenes of glamour and culture.
The San Sebastian Film Festival is, without a doubt, an essential event both for the film industry and for the city that hosts it. Its history, prestige and capacity for adaptation have consolidated it as one of the most important events of the seventh art.
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