San Sebastian Film Festival: From Donostia to the world

27 April 2024 | Cinema

We’ll always have Cinema

Welcome, cinema lovers, to a unique journey through the San Sebastian Film Festival. No, you don’t need a movie ticket or popcorn, just your passion for the seventh art. Ready? Action!

San Sebastian Film Festival

San Sebastian Film Festival

Like being in “All About My Mother”, exploring the complexity and beauty of life through the lens of cinema

The San Sebastian Film Festival is not just an event that happens in September, it’s a journey through culture, art, and passion for cinema. In the heart of the city, the festival comes to life in different venues, each with its own charm and unique atmosphere. It’s like being on the set of an Almodóvar film, but without the pressure of remembering your lines.

Kursaal: a scene from “Life is Beautiful”, where every moment is a mix of laughter and tears

The iconic Kursaal, majestically located in front of the Cantabrian Sea, is the epicenter of the festival. Its modern architectural lines are like the perfect script for a Nolan movie: intriguing, exciting, and absolutely stunning. Upon entering this imposing building, you will be greeted by an electrifying energy, palpable in every corner. It’s like that feeling you get when you see Meryl Streep on the screen: you simply can’t look away.

The main hall of the Kursaal, with its avant-garde design and capacity for thousands of spectators, is the stage where the magic of cinema comes to life. Here, emotions flow freely, from contagious laughter to reverential silence in the face of cinematic beauty.

Victoria Eugenia Theater

Victoria Eugenia Theater

Donostia-San Sebastian: a movie set (and if not, just ask Woody Allen)

But the festival is not limited to one place; it extends through the streets of Donostia-San Sebastian, inviting you to explore every corner of this city. It’s like being in a Woody Allen movie, where every alley is a new stage for an unforgettable story.

Among its cultural gems is the Victoria Eugenia Theater, which during the festival becomes a sanctuary for film lovers. Although its doors may be physically closed, technology allows a virtual visit that will transport you through time and space. From the elegant corridors to the imposing stage, it is a tribute to the rich history of this iconic theater. It’s like being in a period film, but without the need to wear a corset.

Sade Cinemas, a classic of the stature of “Casablanca” in black and white: an authentic experience

We cannot talk about the San Sebastian Film Festival without mentioning the Sade Cinemas. These three cinemas are the only ones in Donostia that, year after year, host thousands of films screened during this festival week. They are like the supporting characters in “Pulp Fiction”: even if they are not the protagonists, their presence is essential to the plot.

The Sade Cinemas have years of trajectory and are an integral part of the city, just like Robert De Niro in the world of cinema. They have seen generations of film lovers pass by, have witnessed laughter, tears, and applause, and have been the stage for countless stories, both on the screen and off.

Dive into the San Sebastian Film Festival

So, if you feel like immersing yourself in the world of the Zinemaldia, don’t hesitate to drop by the city from September 20th to 28th. It’s like watching “The Godfather” for the first time: an experience you won’t want to miss.

And remember, at Zinema7, we are not film critics, just a hotel in Donostia with a modest team of film lovers. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the cinematic journey that is the San Sebastian Film Festival.

See you at the movies! And as Humphrey Bogart said in “Casablanca”, “We’ll always have Paris”. In our case, we’ll always have Cinema. ;)

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