The 2026 San Sebastián International Film Festival has announced the selection of new titles for its main competition and out-of-competition screenings [1].
These selections highlight the festival's commitment to showcasing contemporary Spanish cinema by featuring a mix of established directors and emerging voices. The slate serves as a critical barometer for the region's cinematic trends and artistic direction this year [1].
Among the films entering the main competition is "Sants," directed by Mikel Gurrea [1]. Joining the competitive lineup is Berto Romero with the comedy "Five Minutes More," and Roberto Bueso with the drama "El mal padre" [1], [2]. These titles will vie for the festival's top honors as the event celebrates new work from prominent filmmakers [2].
In addition to the competitive entries, the festival will host an out-of-competition screening of "El Castillo" [1]. The film was directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen and co-written by Isabel Peña [1].
The current edition also features contributions and presence from other notable figures in the industry, including directors J.A. Bayona and Fernando Trueba, as well as actress Vicky Luengo [1], [2]. The selection process focuses on integrating high-profile Spanish talent into the global spotlight provided by the San Sebastián venue [2].
“Mikel Gurrea’s “Sants”, Berto Romero’s “Five Minutes More”, and Roberto Bueso’s “El mal padre” will compete”
The inclusion of diverse genres—ranging from Berto Romero's comedy to Roberto Bueso's drama—indicates a strategic effort by the San Sebastián International Film Festival to reflect a broad spectrum of Spanish storytelling. By balancing competitive slots with high-profile out-of-competition screenings like "El Castillo," the festival maintains its status as a primary gateway for Spanish cinema to reach international critics and distributors.
