San Sebastian, Spain — In a surprising turn at the prestigious San Sebastian Film Festival, the documentary “Afternoons of Solitude” by Spanish director Albert Serra clinched the Golden Shell for Best Film. Distinguished from a lineup replete with narrative films, Serra’s contemplative examination of bullfighting set it apart in this year’s main competition.
The prize was awarded by a jury led by last year’s winner, Spanish filmmaker Jaione Camborda, alongside acclaimed international figures such as Ulrich Seidl, Christos Nikou, and Fran Kranz. The documentary focuses on Peruvian matador Andrés Rey Roca, presenting a raw portrayal of both the spectacle and the inherent violence of bullfighting. This stance drew critique from animal rights activists but did not sway the jury’s appreciation for its artistic merit.
Critics have lauded “Afternoons of Solitude” for its audacious style, which maintains the provocative essence Serra is renowned for, akin to his previous works such as “Pacifiction” and “The Death of Louis XIV.” The film has stirred considerable discussion regarding its thematic stance, appearing neither to glorify nor condemn but instead presenting the tradition in a light that sparked debate and reflection.
Adding to the festival’s highlights, the Special Jury Prize was awarded to the ensemble cast of Gia Coppola’s “The Last Showgirl.” The movie, set in Las Vegas, stars Pamela Anderson in a career-defining role as a veteran dancer navigating a life transition after her long-standing show is terminated. Anderson’s performance, particularly, was noted for its depth and vulnerability, challenging her typical casting and earning her significant acclaim.
The festival also recognized outstanding performances in other categories. Patricia López Arnaiz won Best Leading Performance for her role as a supportive mother in “Glimmers,” while Pierre Lottin was awarded Best Supporting Performance for his turn in “When Fall is Coming,” a psychological drama by François Ozon who, along with co-writer Philippe Piazzo, also received Best Screenplay.
In a notable achievement for new talent, the Best Director accolade was shared by first-time feature directors Laura Carreira for “On Falling,” a poignant exploration of an immigrant’s life in Scotland, and Pedro Martin-Calero for “The Wailing,” a horror film that has been praised for its inventive approach.
Emerging filmmakers were spotlighted in the festival’s New Directors competition, with Swiss director Piet Baumgartner taking top honors for “Bagger Drama,” a poignant narrative of a family dealing with grief. Baumgartner dedicated his award to the queer community, emphasizing the film’s message of acceptance and self-recognition.
Another important win was in the Zabaltegi-Tabakalera competition for experimental cinema, where Georgian director Dea Kulumbegashvili’s “April,” a gripping drama about abortion rights, secured the top prize, following its earlier success at the Venice Film Festival.
The audience’s favorite was “The Marching Band,” a French production by Emmanuel Courcol that explores the reunion of estranged brothers through their shared love of music. This film not only won the public-voted Audience Award but was also a testament to the festival’s diverse and inclusive selection, resonating deeply with festival-goers.
The San Sebastian Film Festival closed on a high note with a diverse array of films and performances being recognized, highlighting a broad spectrum of global cinematic talent. The celebration concluded with anticipation already building for next year’s festival, promising another showcase of standout films and breakthrough talents in the cinematic world.