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 … Read more

Documentary ‘Afternoons of Solitude’ Wins Top Prize at San Sebastian Film Festival, Upsetting Major Narrative Films

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 … Read more