Catalan Cinema Takes Center Stage at San Sebastián Film Festival

Strong Catalan Presence in San Sebastián Crowns History-Making Year for Burgeoning Spanish Region San Sebastián, Spain - The 2025 edition of the San Sebastián Film Festival has been marked by a record-breaking number of Catalan projects, solidifying the region's position as a major player in the global film industry. For the first time, two films from Catalan producers have been selected in main competition in Cannes, and four films have made it into official selection at Berlin. According to festival organizers, there are an impressive 27 Catalan projects across all sections and sidebars of this year's edition, including the two Cannes competition titles: Carla Simón's "Romería" and Oliver Laxe's "Sirât". Other notable entries include Eva Libertad's Berlin audience winner "Deaf", Belén Funes' big Málaga winner "The Exiles", and Ana Cristina Barragán's recent Venice Horizons winner "The Ivy". Industry insiders point to the growing recognition of Catalan cinema as a major force in Spanish-language filmmaking. "This is a momentous year for Catalan filmmakers," said Cesc Gay, one of the region's most acclaimed directors, who will be presenting his latest film "My Friend Eva" at San Sebastián. "We're seeing more opportunities and more recognition from international audiences." The surge in Catalan talent has been attributed to various factors, including government support and a growing network of industry professionals. José Luis Guerin, another prominent Catalan filmmaker, noted that the region's unique cultural identity is also playing a significant role. "Catalan cinema is not just about making films; it's about telling stories that reflect our history, culture, and values," he said. The San Sebastián Film Festival has been running since 1953, but this year's edition marks a new milestone for the event. The festival's artistic director, José Luis Rebordinos, hailed the Catalan presence as "a testament to the region's rich cinematic heritage". He added that the festival is committed to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives from around the world. As the San Sebastián Film Festival continues until September 27, audiences can expect a thrilling lineup of films that showcase the best of Catalan cinema. With its unique blend of culture, history, and entertainment, this year's edition promises to be one for the books. Background: Catalan cinema has been gaining momentum in recent years, with several notable successes at international film festivals. The region's government has also implemented initiatives to support local filmmakers, including funding programs and industry training schemes. Additional perspectives: Industry experts predict that the growing recognition of Catalan cinema will lead to increased opportunities for collaboration between Spanish-language filmmakers from different regions. "This is a moment of great change and opportunity for our industry," said Ana Cristina Barragán, director of "The Ivy". "We're excited to see where this momentum takes us." Current status and next developments: As the San Sebastián Film Festival continues, audiences can expect more exciting announcements and surprises. With its rich cultural heritage and thriving film industry, Catalonia is set to take center stage in the world of cinema. *Reporting by Variety.*