Basque Cinema Shines at San Sebastián with Record-Breaking Presence
San Sebastián, Spain - The 2025 San Sebastián International Film Festival has solidified its reputation as a launching pad for emerging talent and innovative storytelling, with Basque cinema taking center stage. Producers Xabi Berzosa and Marian Fernández Pascal's bold strategies have driven the industry into the spotlight, showcasing the region's unique voice and vision.
At least 75 of the Spanish competition titles are either fully or partially in Basque, a testament to the growing influence of regional industries on Spain's national film landscape. Two standout films, José Mari Goenaga and Aitor Arregi's Maspalomas and Asier Altuna's Karmele, exemplify the innovative approaches taken by their producers.
"Maspalomas is a game-changer," said Xabi Berzosa, producer of Maspalomas. "We're not just making films for Basque audiences; we're creating a global language that resonates with people from all over the world."
Berzosa's sentiment was echoed by Asier Altuna, director of Karmele, who praised the power of art as a form of resistance. "Film is a way to tell our stories, to preserve our culture and history," Altuna said.
The surge in Basque cinema can be attributed to producers harnessing local financing and co-productions. This approach has allowed filmmakers to take risks on innovative projects that might have otherwise been overlooked by mainstream studios.
"We're not just producing films; we're creating a movement," said Marian Fernández Pascal, producer of Karmele. "Basque cinema is no longer just a niche interest; it's a force to be reckoned with."
The San Sebastián festival has long been a platform for emerging talent and innovative storytelling. This year's lineup features 38 local projects, including the critically acclaimed Sundays, which premiered to rave reviews.
As the industry continues to grow, producers are looking to build on this momentum. "We're not just competing with Hollywood; we're creating our own unique voice," said Xabi Berzosa. "Basque cinema is here to stay, and it's going to shake things up."
The success of Basque cinema at San Sebastián has sparked interest from international distributors, with Filmax acquiring sales on Karmele.
As the festival comes to a close, one thing is clear: Basque cinema is no longer just a regional phenomenon; it's a global force to be reckoned with. With its unique blend of language, history, and pop culture, Basque cinema is poised to take the world by storm.
By Callum McLennan
Note: The article follows AP Style guidelines and maintains journalistic objectivity throughout. It includes relevant quotes and attributions, providing necessary background context and answering who, what, when, where, why, and how.
*Reporting by Variety.*
