5 fun facts about the San Sebastian Film Festival

San Sebastián, a city bathed by the Cantabrian Sea and renowned for its exquisite cuisine, transforms every year into the film capital during the San Sebastian Film Festival. Classified as an A-category festival by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), it has become a global benchmark, attracting the most important figures of the silver screen and captivating thousands of spectators.

1. The Festival's origins and evolution

Back in 1953, as the world was recovering from World War II and cinema was enjoying its golden age, a revolutionary idea emerged in a small city in northern Spain. The first edition of the San Sebastian Film Festival lacked the glamour and recognition it enjoys today. In fact, it was more of a local event, a perfect excuse for the locals to enjoy good films and, of course, good company.

Imagine Humphrey Bogart walking along La Concha beach, cigarette in hand, saying, "Of all the film festivals in all the towns in the world, it had to be this one."

However, what started as a small festival has grown into one of the most important in the world, attracting the biggest stars in the cinematic firmament. Who would have thought that this humble event would go so far?

Back then, the city's hotels were filled with filmmakers and journalists eager to discover which new cinematic gems would be presented. At Zinema7 Hotel, we like to think that if we had existed back then, we would have been the ideal refuge for those festival pioneers, offering a relaxed and welcoming environment after a day full of screenings and cinematic debates.

2. The curse of Zinemaldia: fact or legend?

Bette Davis, the iconic Hollywood actress, was the first to fuel this legend. In 1989, after receiving the award with a cigarette in her hand, she traveled to Paris to enter a clinic, where she died two weeks later from severe lung cancer.

Over the years, other awardees have also departed this world prematurely, like Anthony Perkins, Paco Rabal, or Michael Douglas, who received the award in 2014 and died five years later from cancer.

It’s important to note that despite this legend, most Donostia Award winners have enjoyed long and successful film careers, and the festival remains a top cultural reference.

Reality or fiction? The curse of the Donostia Award remains a curious anecdote that adds a touch of mystery to the history of the San Sebastián Film Festival. What is certain is that this award remains one of the most coveted in the film world and a recognition of the careers of great figures in the art of cinema.

At Zinema7 Hotel, we believe in the magic of cinema without superstitions. So, if you stay with us and your favorite film wins the Golden Shell, don’t worry! Instead, enjoy a good glass of wine at our bar and toast to future successes.

3. From Hollywood to Donostia: what would a star do in our city?

The San Sebastian Film Festival has witnessed the parade of some of Hollywood's brightest stars and international cinema greats. From Audrey Hepburn to Brad Pitt, and from Meryl Streep to Robert De Niro, celebrities have left their mark on this festival's red carpet.

What would a Hollywood star do if they visited San Sebastián? They would probably get lost among the pintxos in the Old Part, find the perfect spot for a photo at the Wind Comb, or relax in La Concha Bay as if in a romantic movie scene.

Many artists indeed enjoy a run along the Concha Promenade or savoring our cuisine: Hugh Jackman, Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz, Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandon, Almodovar, Richard Gere, Glenn Close, Dustin Hoffman, and more.

Of course, let's not forget that John Travolta dubbed Bataplán as the nightclub with the best views in the world.

Once, the incomparable Bette Davis, known for her strong character, ordered a coffee in one of the Old Part’s bars. Legend has it that the waiter, not recognizing her, said, "Here, we drink our coffee black, like you." Bette, with her characteristic penetrating gaze, replied, "Perfect, just like my roles." An anecdote that shows the close and accessible character of the festival.

A funny anecdote involves Alfred Hitchcock. In 1958, he presented his film "Vertigo" at the festival. It is said that Hitchcock, famous for his sarcastic humor, ordered a typical Basque dish and, after tasting it, exclaimed, "This is more intriguing than any of my movies." That's San Sebastián for you, capable of surprising even the master of suspense.