Albert Serra’s ‘Afternoons of Solitude’ Clinches Golden Shell at 72nd San Sebastian Film Festival

San Sebastian, Spain – The San Sebastian Film Festival, now in its 72nd year, concluded recently with Albert Serra’s “Afternoons of Solitude” clinching the Golden Shell award for best film. This documentary, which delves into the world of bullfighting, features Peruvian-Spanish bullfighter Andrés Roca Rey and has received acclaim for its intense and raw portrayal of the sport’s underbelly.

“Afternoons of Solitude” stood out among a variety of compelling entries in this year’s festival, including notable narrative features by filmmakers such as Joshua Oppenheimer and Edward Berger, and a dystopian musical by Mike Leigh titled “The End.” Serra’s film, marked by its graphic depictions and emotional depth, captured both the jury’s attention and critical praise for its exploration of themes such as bravery and the pursuit of excellence in the provocative arena of bullfighting.

The festival also highlighted other remarkable talents, including Pamela Anderson and the ensemble cast of Gia Coppola’s “The Last Showgirl,” who were awarded the Special Jury Prize. The film provides a poignant look into the fading glitter of a Las Vegas showgirl, emphasizing aesthetic beauty and emotional resonance over deep psychological analysis.

Award-winning director Laura Carreira took home the Silver Shell for Best Director with her film “On Falling,” a narrative centering on a Portuguese worker in Scotland facing the challenges of loneliness in the gig economy landscape. Pedro Martin-Calero also earned recognition in the same category for his film “The Wailing,” a chilling tale of young people who inadvertently revive an unseen malevolence.

In acting accolades, Patricia López Arnaiz won for her leading role in “Glimmers,” a film that delves into personal transformation and self-discovery. Pierre Lottin was celebrated for his supporting role in “When Fall is Coming,” which also garnered the best screenplay award for writers François Ozon and Philippe Piazzo.

Additionally, the festival’s New Directors Award was presented to Piet Baumgartner for “Bagger Drama,” and Luis Ortega received the Horizontes Latinos Award for his impactful “Kill the Jockey.” In the technical field, Piao Songri was recognized for his exceptional cinematography in “Bound in Heaven.”

The festival, held from September 20 to 28, attracted a spectrum of global cinema talent, including stars such as Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh who appeared in “We Live in Time.” The festival also celebrated illustrious careers, giving honorary awards to Cate Blanchett, Javier Bardem, and Pedro Almodovar at a ceremony in the Kursaal Theater, highlighting their contributions to film both in Spain and worldwide.

The San Sebastian Film Festival remains a pivotal platform for showcasing innovative filmmaking, celebrating a diverse array of talents and stories that resonate with both international audiences and critics. As it wrapped up another successful year, the echoes of applause for the winners and participants reaffirmed the festival’s status as a beacon of artistic expression in the cinematic world.