Latest news with #SanSebastiánInternationalFilmFestival
Metro
18-05-2025
- Metro
Everything I ate during a weekend pintxos hopping in San Sebastián
San Sebastián is the crown jewel of the Basque region that runs along Spain's dazzling northern coast. It's a beach town turned Michelin hotspot with world-class cuisine — seriously, wear loose trousers. The city, known as Donostia in Basque, lies on the Bay of Biscay, its Old Town flanked by two sandy beaches, where you'll find streets filled with photogenic bars serving up mouthwatering local tapas and cider. San Sebastián started life as a fishing village in 1180, and enjoyed a revival as a seasonal holiday spot in the 19th-century, when Queen Isabel II chose it as her summer residence. This is a place rich in history and scenery, with sweeping views of La Concha beach best enjoyed from high atop Monte Igueldo. Its winding streets come alive each September for the San Sebastián International Film Festival, but its star quality is, undisputedly, the food. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. With the second-most Michelin stars per capita and an enviable claim to the title of most bars per person, this is a destination for people who eat differently. The Basques even have a name for it: pintxo , aka hopping from bar to bar and sampling bite-size bits of culinary art. Fresh from a flying visit to the place known as Europe's most beautiful bay, here's everywhere I ate, and alternative things to do, in fabulous San Sebastián. San Sebastián's status as a contemporary food stop can be traced to the late Anthony Bourdain, who visited the city three times for his shows A Cook's Tour, No Reservations, and Parts Unknown. He spoke of the deep connection between cuisine and community, emphasising that meals are less about food, more about bringing people together. Bourdain made several repeat visits to restaurants across the city, something he rarely did. All of that said, ordering at a pintxos bar is not for the meek. Not only will you struggle to find an English menu at more old-school spots, you'll need to claim your space at the counter — make yourself known when you want to order, just as Bourdain would have done. Etiquette is everything, so move along swiftly once you've hoovered down your grub. Otherwise, you're at risk of attracting a brusque 'vamos!' from over your shoulder. The bars are set up so you order a pintxos (pronounced 'peen-chos') or two alongside a drink, at just a few euros each. They're essentially a small snack, typically served on a piece of bread and skewered with a toothpick. From anchovies and olives to jamon and seafood, the variety is astounding. Each bar is generally known for one particular pintxos, be it the fois gras or urchin cream at Bar Sport, grilled mushrooms with egg yolk from Ganbara, or anchovies at Bar Txepetxa. More popular spots will be crowded with tourists and locals alike; be prepared for a lot of shouting and pointing. It's almost like a sport, and the best thing to do is lean in and resign yourself to the chaos. While pintxos is designed to be eaten quickly, some bars have seating and in the case of La Cuchara De San Telmo, it's worth planning ahead to nab one of its four tables for the evening session. Having seen a lot of recommendations for this place on TikTok and beyond, we knew it would be a fight for the bar. Arriving 20 minutes before doors opened for dinner, we scored ourselves a spot outside, where we could spend a little longer enjoying glasses of red at €2.80 (£2.30) a pop and trying its specialties without getting an elbow in the ribs from other diners. Runaway winners were the suckling pig (€19, £16.10), expertly seasoned steak (€17, £14.40), salty, oiled peppers (€9, £7.60) and oreja de cerdo aka pig's ear (€14, £11.80). Don't knock it, it's delicious and looks more like a folded omelette than animal anatomy. While most of the famous pintxos spots are confined to the walls of the Old Town, a short walk opens up another realm of amazing eats. To the east of the Old Town is the Gros neighbourhood, where you'll find local-approved spots such as the unpretentious Ricardo Taberna. Here you'll be joined by old, suntanned men yelling at TV screens and punters enjoying a drink outside. Two ciders, two croquettes and a slice of the most delicious cod tortilla set me back €11.30 (£9.50). A street away is Casa Galicia, where a plate of paprika-seasoned Octopus will relieve you of only €4 (£3.30). Get two. The region is known for its cider (or cidre ), and a 10-minute taxi from San Sebastián's centre will take you to Astigarraga, the home of the drink. Book a long lunch at one of these cider houses before you visit and you're guaranteed an incredible afternoon. We took a table at Astarbe Sagardotegia, a cider house that's been in operation since 1563, with the 15th-generation producing the latest bottles while the kitchen turns out velvety T-bone steaks and cod omelettes. Once you take your seat, you're handed a glass and, without invitation, you can make your way to a small room with several giant barrels filled with various ciders. There you'll be met by a trained txotxero (or cider master), who uses a key to open one of the barrels as a stream of golden liquid arcs out, ready to be caught by your outstretched glass. Don't be alarmed if you get more on the ground than in your glass on the first attempt. San Sebastián may be known for pintxos, but that doesn't mean you should sleep on its desserts. The creamed buns of Otaegui patisserie will set you back €2.25 (£1.90), so it's financially prudentto indulge. We walked along munching slabs of its hazelnut-laden milk and dark chocolate, snapped into sizes of your choosing and paid by the weight. Basque cheesecake is a speciality of the region, and La Vina's claim to fame is that it was the first to make it. Despite its newfound popularity on TikTok, it's well worth a visit, but there is no need to wait longer than 20 minutes. We went at 9pm when it was arguably at peak service, and were hastily ushered in to find any available space and force our way to the bar. Politely, of course. At a time when few things live up to expectation, a slice of this dessert truly is worth the hype. Each forkful delivers a masterpiece of creamy, soft wonder. It was so good it felt wrong to wolf it down in the hotel room, and I wanted to return several times over my few days in the city. One set me back €6.50 (£5.50). Fed, watered and bursting at the seams, a short funicular ride will bring you to Monte Igueldo, where you're rewarded with breathtaking views of the region. More Trending There's a hotel and a restaurant should you want a wine, but the fun is the small amusement fair which runs on the mountain. From a slightly questionable Casa Del Terror to the Mysterious River ride along a narrow waterway, there's plenty to entertain kids and big kids alike. While the Old Town is brimming with cultural history, the new town boasts a shopping district that will challenge you not to burn serious cash. From high street stores like Zara and Mango, to Sephora and a range of Spanish designers including Bimba Y Lola, there's something to suit every taste after a long day of eating. Getting to San Sebastián There are no direct flights from the UK to San Sebastián, but you can fly to nearby airports like Bilbao, then take a bus or train. From Bilbao, the bus is around 1.5 hours and will set you back anywhere from £7 to £17, depending on the operator. Vueling flies direct from London Gatwick to Bilbao with flights starting from £43. Where to stay Best value: Okako, located in Gros, is stylish in its simplicity and only a 15-minute walk from the Old Town and only 10 from Zurriola beach. Perfect for those who 'don't spend any time in the hotel room anyway' but still appreciate the touches of a coffee machine and a fruit bowl with muffins, single rooms start at €99 (£83.90) a night. Best splurge: If you want to splash out, Hotel Maria Cristina, located in between the old and new towns, was designed in 1912 by the same architect behind the Ritz in Paris. Now owned by the Marriott chain, expect total 5-star luxury. Of course, that comes at a cost, with lower rate rooms in June available for £641 per night. MORE: What's Cooking? I worked in cabin crew for 12 years — avoid these five foods on planes MORE: 'Lively' European city named world's most walkable and flights are just £66 MORE: Spain risks major fine from Eurovision Song Contest by persisting with political message
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Storyboard Media Re-Teams With ‘Maybe It's True What They Say About Us' Director Camilo Becerra on Coming-of-Age Drama ‘The Sky That We Paint' (EXCLUSIVE)
Storyboard Media, one of Chile's most established production companies, has joined Chilean director Camilo Becerra's coming-of-age drama 'The Sky That We Paint' as co-producer, teaming up once again with Becerra following their successful collaboration on his last film, 'Maybe It's True What They Say About Us.' Following its 2024 world premiere at the San Sebastián International Film Festival and subsequent screenings in Göteborg, Chicago and Havana, Becerra's previous feature earned critical acclaim and was later picked up by Prime Video for distribution across Latin America. His new project, 'The Sky That We Paint,' is shaping up to be equally ambitious. More from Variety 'Reedland' Review: Outstanding Slow-Burn Thriller Announces Potentially Major New Dutch Director Sven Bresser Beta Reveals Sales for 'Let It Rain,' 'The Physician II,' 'The Light' 'Case 137' Director Dominik Moll on Exploring the Gilets Jaunes Riots in His Cannes-Premiering Political Drama: 'These Divisions Still Exist' in French Society The film tells the story of three troubled teenagers – siblings Ana (15) and Matías (16) and Iggy (16) – as they navigate adolescence, trauma and taboo. United by grief and a desire for escape, their bond deepens into an intense and ultimately destructive relationship that leaves lasting scars. Years later, Ana and Iggy reunite to seek out Matías and reclaim a lost sense of innocence, only to find that time has changed everything. The lead roles will be played by rising Chilean stars Clemente Rodríguez ('El Conde') and Octavia Bernasconi ('La Jauría'). Set in late-1990s Santiago, the film is both a deeply personal story and a critique of Chile's authoritarian, neoliberal past. Director Camilo Becerra, known for his focus on social and familial dysfunction, draws from his own adolescence and cultural memory to deliver a raw and reflective portrait of youth. Storyboard Media will co-produce with La Jauría Comunicaciones, bringing significant creative and logistical support to the film, which is currently in development. The company, led by Carlos Núñez and Gabriela Sandoval, is known for championing socially conscious cinema and has a strong record of international co-productions. The duo tells Variety, 'We worked together on his previous film 'Perhaps What They Say About Us Is True,' and we think he is one of the most talented directors in the film scene today. Without a doubt, this new project will be much talked about as it has international commercial quality. It will also feature a great cast that will give a very important dimension to the film's story.' With cinematography by Sergio Armstrong ('No'), editing by Andrea Chignoli ('Neruda') and post-production by Colorhaus and CPM Sonido, 'The Sky That We Paint' promises to be a visually rich and emotionally charged experience. The film is currently seeking financing for pre-production, production and post-production phases, with plans to bring this haunting and poetic narrative to audiences worldwide. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Everything We Know About El Talento, Ester Expósito's Upcoming Thriller That Will Leave You Breathless
Ester Expósito, one of Spain's most captivating screen talents, is set to take on a career-defining role in El Talento, a psychological drama directed by Polo Menárguez. The film, an ambitious adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler's 1924 novella Fräulein Else, will challenge Expósito with a character that demands emotional depth and psychological complexity. At the heart of El Talento is Elsa, a gifted cellist who attends an exclusive and extravagant gathering hosted by her wealthy friend Idoia. In the midst of this seemingly glamorous evening, Elsa receives a life-altering phone call from her mother. What follows is a descent into a psychological and moral labyrinth, forcing her to confront decisions that test her integrity, agency, and self-worth. Arthur Schnitzler's original novella, known for its incisive critique of bourgeois society and its exploration of a woman's inner turmoil, serves as a potent foundation for this modern adaptation. The film promises to retain the novel's raw psychological tension while injecting it with contemporary nuances that make Elsa's predicament even more harrowing. Polo Menárguez, an emerging director known for his meticulous storytelling, co-wrote the screenplay with the acclaimed Fernando León de Aranoa. Their collaboration ensures that El Talento remains faithful to the essence of Schnitzler's work while reinterpreting it for a modern audience. Produced by Reposado PC and The Mediapro Studio, the film boasts an impressive roster of producers, including León de Aranoa, Patricia de Muns, Laura Fernández Espeso, and Javier Méndez. The involvement of these industry heavyweights signals a project of remarkable ambition and artistic significance. Filming for El Talento commenced in September 2024, with principal photography taking place in Biscay, Spain. The choice of locations, including the striking landscapes of Leioa, adds an additional layer of opulence and unease to the film's atmosphere. The stark contrast between the grandeur of the party and the suffocating weight of Elsa's crisis is expected to be a visual and emotional spectacle. Expósito, best known for her breakout role in Élite, has continuously sought projects that push her artistic boundaries. With El Talento, she steps into a role that demands more than just presence. This performance requires psychological precision, vulnerability, and an ability to carry a film with an intensity that lingers long after the credits roll. Her recent performance in the psychological horror film El Llanto (The Wailing), which premiered at the 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival in 2024, showcased her ability to navigate deeply unsettling material. El Talento will further cement her reputation as an actress unafraid to take on roles that explore the darkest corners of the human psyche. Set for a theatrical release in Spain on September 5, 2025, El Talento is already generating significant industry buzz. Film Factory has acquired international sales rights, positioning the film for a global rollout. As anticipation builds, the film is expected to not only captivate audiences but also spark conversations about the intersection of gender, power, and autonomy. With an impeccable creative team, a powerful source material, and an actress ready to leave an indelible mark, El Talento has all the makings of a modern masterpiece. The post Everything We Know About El Talento, Ester Expósito's Upcoming Thriller That Will Leave You Breathless appeared first on Where Is The Buzz | Breaking News, Entertainment, Exclusive Interviews & More.
