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Published by Newsletter
Oct 02, 2026
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The Festival Beat N°1180 SAN SEBASTIAN in focus


THE FESTIVAL BEAT MAKER ! SHARING MOTION AND EMOTION SINCE 1995 - FINALIZING OUR NEW SITE - BEST OF LUCK ON THE CIRCUIT  

We are working hard fine tuning the new version of our platform to better serve our community. Filmfestivals.com was established in 1995 before google even existed, turned into a social network in 2006 with a blog platform welcoming festivals and film professionals with over 120 000 articles and counting. We take our pride in helping filmmakers and Fest organizers offering unique visibility, legitimacy and promotion in our dailies so they can match and grow. 
 

EMAIL US FOR PROMOTION AND FESTIVAL MARKETING HELP : Bruno Chatelin

 

We cover over 15 000 festivals worldwide and proudly share our knowledge of the Festival circuit with our community, we trust our audience will ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE even  better on our new platform : stay tuned for new features coming out soon!. In case you missed any of these 1100+ newsletters ... you can find them all here.

festivals

> san sebastian IN FOCUS   


 

The Debut wins the 2026 Feroz Zinemaldia Award

 

The 2026 Feroz Zinemaldia Award for Best Film in Competition at the San Sebastián International Film Festival has gone to the US film The Debut , directed by Jesse Eisenberg and starring Julianne...


 

‘Tender Loving Care’, by Mike Leigh, carries off the Golden Shell at the San Sebastián Festival’s 74th edition

The feature film Tender Loving Care (UK), directed by Mike Leigh, wins not only the Golden Shell of the San Sebastián Festival's 74th edition, but also the Jury Prize...


 

Gerardo Herrero Receives the Elías Querejeta Award in San Sebastián

“For a film to succeed, it needs a creative triangle: a good screenwriter, a good producer and a good director,” he said in his acceptance speech.“He is a great reader, a music lover, an...


 

San Sebastian Industria Awards 2026

 WIP Latam AwardsWIP LATAM INDUSTRY AWARDA Contracorriente Films, Deluxe Content Services Spain, Elamedia Estudios, Laserfilm Cine y Video, Nephilim Producciones and Pecera Estudio  Lovers Go...


 

Naomi Watts received the second Donostia Award of the San Sebastián Festival

Tonight, in the Kursaal Auditorium, the actress and producer Naomi Watts received the second Donostia Award of the San Sebastián Festival's 74th edition at a ceremony presented by the actor Jon...


 

Werner Herzog received the first Donostia Award

The director, screenwriter and producer Werner Herzog received the first Donostia Award of the San Sebastián Festival's 74th edition, at an opening gala in the Kursaal Auditorium, marking the...


 

Film Talks at the 74th San Sebastian Festival

The programme of Film Talks at the San Sebastián Festival’s 74th edition will convene filmmakers including Ira Sachs, Beth de Araújo, Benjamín Naishtat, Naëmi Ada and Jordan Firstman to discuss...


 

Juries at the 74th San Sebastian Film Festival

The jury of the Official Selection at the San Sebastián Festival’s 74th edition will be presided over by the North American filmmaker Ira Sachs, who participates in this...


 

San Sebastián Film Festival to welcome a host of International stars

A wide-ranging representation of filmmakers, actors, producers and screenwriters from all over the world will come to the San Sebastián Festival’s 74th edition, to show a total of 263 titles from 47...

 

festivals

> VENICE IN FOCUS   

profile

 

VIDEO recap Biennale Cinema 2026 – Day 11

Did you think it was all over? Award ceremony, lights turning off, end credits rolling… And then this video drops. Just like a post-credits scene right when you’re already standing up to leave the...


 

Official awards of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival

The VENEZIA 83 Jury, chaired by Maggie Gyllenhaal and composed of Kaouther Ben Hania, Daniel Blumberg, Francesco Casetti, Xavier Giannoli, Shahrbanoo Sadat, and Johnnie To having viewed all 21 films...


 

Collateral Awards and Events of the 83rd Venice Film Festival Independently awarded by associations of film critics, clubs and cultural associations, and cinema professionals.

Collateral Awards and Events of the 83rd Venice Film Festival

Collateral Awards and Events of the 83rd Venice Film FestivalIndependently awarded by associations of film critics, clubs and cultural associations, and cinema professionals.1964 POP ART AWARD |...

 

VIDEO recap Biennale Cinema 2026 – Day 10 

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Iran, Argentina, China, India, the Philippines, and then France, and Italy. Music, on stage and backstage, films that have other films inside. The past, the present, and the things happened in the...


 

VIDEO recap Biennale Cinema 2026 – Day 9

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 Series, short films, documentaries and fiction films: if there’s one thing Day 9 of #Venezia83 has reminded us, it’s that at the #BiennaleCinema, you can move from one screening room to the next and...


festivals

> FESTIVALS IN FOCUS   

 

Industry Days Program Announced at 62nd Chicago International Film Festival  

Midwest’s Premier Film Industry Conference Features Tim Blake Nelson; Keynote with Oscar-winning ANORA Producer Alex Coco; Film Composing Master Class with GET OUT’s Michael Abels; International Contenders Panel Returns

 

DELEGATION FROM THE SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL VISITED FANTASPORTO  

FANTASPORTO WELCOMED, THIS THURSDAY IN PORTO, A DELEGATION FROM THE SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (SIFF), AS PART OF THE PRESENCE OF SHANGHAI REPRESENTATIVES IN PORTUGAL ON THE OCCASION OF...

 

FNC Montréal LineUp revealed  

 Our full program line-up is outCalling all film lovers: the wait is finally over!This year, we’re bringing you a total immersion into the very best of current global cinema, featuring over 195 works...

 

Announcing the Chicago Festival 62nd lineup!  

Highlights: 30th Anniversary of Black Perspectives; Tributes to Carrie Coon, Ira Sachs, Andrew Haigh, Jordan Firstman, Sophie Okonedo, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Marlon Wayans; 40 World, North American, or U.S. Premieres

 

DAVINCI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL LAUNCHES "RISEUP" IMPACT INITIATIVE TO TACKLE CHILD SEX TRAFFICKING AT THE 8TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL  

The DaVinci International Film Festival (DIFF) is proud to announce the launch of RiseUP, an all-new impact initiative dedicated to spotlighting cinema with a profound social conscience. The...

 

Poster revealed for the 48th EDITION OF THE FESTIVAL DES 3 CONTINENTS 2026 

 The Festival des 3 Continents is delighted to unveil the poster for its 48th edition, which will take place from 20 to 28 November 2026 in Nantes and the Loire-Atlantique region.“A diva from Hong...

 

27th ANNUAL NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL (NBFF) ANNOUNCES FESTIVAL LINE-UP  

 Centerpiece Screenings include “A Talent for Murder,” “Ink,” “Josephine,” “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York,” “Paper Tiger,” and “Wild Horse Nine” The 27th annual Newport Beach Film Festival...


 

Fantasporto 2027 / 47th Porto International Film Festival opens the call for entry 

 

PORTO CITY OF CINEMA, CULTURE, ARCHITECTURE, LEISURE…THE CITY OF FANTASPORTOSUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN TILL NOVEMBER 15th The Fantasporto 2027/47th Porto International Film Festival informs that the...

 


Julien Dubuque International Film Festival April 17 - 24, 2027 Call for entry opening now!  

 

The JDIFF Video Channel: ambiance and interviewsEmail I  467 Bluff Street Dubuque, IA 52001 United States I Website I Profile on filmfestivals.com I Facebook I Twitter I SUBMITPhotos  by Bruno...


 

 

film

 

FORGOTTEN ISLAND: A FANTASTIC JOURNEY!  

FORGOTTEN ISLAND: A MUST SEE ANNIMATED FEATURE!With: Joel Crawford (Writer/Director) Januel P. Mercado (Writer/Director) H.E.R....

 

 

Jessica Lange: Long Life’s Journey Into Art  

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by Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles Correspondent There used to be a jewel-box sized Indian restaurant beside the former Music Hall, now Lumiere Cinema on 9036 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. When...

 

 

Forgotten Island, Review: Memories are all we have 

Characters in Forgotten Island

Forgotten Island, Review: Memories are all we haveHaving visited the Philippines twice, I have an unfair advantage over those viewers who have not been to that country. Also, having lived in...

 

 

DPA 2026 EMMYS AWARD GIFT SUITE  

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THE DPA Pre-Award EMMYS gift suite:                                       
The Pursuit of Luxury and Excellence!By Emmanuel ItierOnce again, Nathalie Dubois and DPA set up a breathtaking pre-award...


 

Tenor: My Name Is Pati Wins Grand Prix at 63rd Golden Prague International Television Festival 

Rebecca Tansley’s acclaimed documentary about Samoan tenor Pene Pati takes the festival’s top international honour in Prague


 

Battle of A-List Actors: Cruise vs Pitt, or Digger vs Dogger? • 

PittCruiseArtQJ

by Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles CorrespondentIt’s on like Doggie Kong this Oscar run-up to the race for Best Actor with Tom Cruise in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Digger and Brad Pitt in David...


 

SCAD SAVANNAH FILM FESTIVAL TO OPEN WITH 'A TALENT FOR MURDER' AND HONOR HELEN MIRREN 

The SCAD Savannah Film Festival announced its Opening Night presentation for the 29th annual festival. The fest will open Saturday, Oct. 24, with a screening of Bleecker Street and LD Entertainment's A Talent for Murder, followed by a moderated Q&A with Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren, who will accept the festival's Legend of Entertainment Award.


 

FROM THE CREATORS OF THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT COMES A NEW NIGHTMARE IN UK CINEMAS FROM 16TH OCTOBER  

 Icon Film Distribution is pleased to confirm that The Influencer Project will be hitting UK & Irish cinemas nationwide from 16th October. Having forever revolutionised the world of horror with their...


 

Attend Madhya Pradesh’s Next Creative Frontier: From Production to Pixels @ FICCI FRAMES 2026 2  

Madhya Pradesh’s Next Creative Frontier: From Production to Pixels


 

Lunenburg Doc Fest Line up revealed  

Photo: Two film fans captured having a ‘reeling’ good time at the 2025 Doc Fest.Have fun being a documentary explorers with these two planning toolsWe booked a lot of documentaries, which is great,...


 

KAYA 

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KAYA: AN ISABEL LAMERS FILM.By Emmanuel Itier  First time director Isabel Lamers just launched her film “Kaya” at the Oscar-Qualifying Hollyshorts in Los Angeles. Watch the trailer...


 

VIBE, Review: A druggie, a techie, an economy terrorist, a sexy mole and a WHY BE?

Preity Zinta and Kunal Kemmu in VIBE

VIBE, Review: A druggie, a techie, an economy terrorist, a sexy mole and a WHY BE?So, you understood the first four descriptions of individuals who form the core of the film. But you did not get what...


 

Thomas Essig’s Telly Award-Winning Documentary Something Divine Takes Europe, and the World, by Storm

Following a celebrated festival run, international honors, and growing audience momentum, filmmaker Thomas Essig’s Telly Award-winning feature documentary Something Divine is continuing its global...


 

Mike Young to Write and Produce The Chop, Based on the Life of Gambling Influencer Vegas Matt

Writer, director, stand-up comedian Mike Young has signed on to pen The Chop, a feature film inspired by the true story of Stephen Matt Morrow—better known to millions around the world as advantage...


 

IDFA celebrates filmmaker Tatiana Huezo at IDFA 2026 as Guest of Honor with a retrospective of her work 

First titles for IDFA 2026 announced


 

The Uprising, Review: Decapitation, Up and Rising 

Still from The Uprising

The Uprising, Review: Decapitation, Up and RisingHas somebody provided links to recent Indian films from the South to producer-writer-director Paul Greengrass, and informed him that these blood and...


 

AI DOOM SLOP: This Is Not Grievance Arithmetic 

Angelina Jolie sketch QJ

By Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles CorrespondentHere's a clip from Angelina Jolie in early lore of the internet movie HACKERS, and it will set the groundwork for the AI (artificial intelligence)...


 

Trailer release of Don’t Be Shy: Be Plushy and Unshy 

Trailer launch invitation of Don't Be Shy

Trailer release of Don’t Be Shy: Be Plushy and UnshyAlia Bhatt was the centre of attraction at the EndCourt of Taj Land’s End, Bandra, Mumbai, where the trailer of the trailer Amazon MGM Studios...


 

JESSICA ALBA TO STAR AND PRODUCE THE TRUE-STORY COMEDY “THE FUN LADY” DIRECTED BY ANDY TENNANT 

photo credit Nino Munoz

 Highland Film Group Launching International Sales at TIFF Golden Globe nominated actor, producer and entrepreneur Jessica Alba (Robert Rodriguez’s Sin City franchise, 20th Century Fox’s Fantastic...


 

THE FAST & FURIOUS: HOLLYWOOD DRIFT!

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 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOD: THE THRILL OF A RIDE! By Emmanuel and Felix Itier. Once again, and after more than 20 years, here we are, as a family, gracing the divine entertaining land of...


 

Everybody wants to F*ck Me Review - TIFF Premiere 

On Friday 9/11, Jonathan Schey premiered his feature directorial debut "Everybody Wants to F*ck Me" starring Taron Egerton. In this horror romcom, the satire shines bright and forces the audience to...

 


 

 
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> BRUNO CHATELIN INTERVIEWED      > TUTORIALS FOR FILMFESTIVALS.COM

 

> "THE BEST FOR FESTS :

ONES TO WATCH FOR FESTIVAL CONSIDERATION  carefully curated by Bruno Chatelin 

Coming Home from ShadowLand to SpiritWorld

USA April 2026 85 minutes documentary film by J.Mitchell Johnson & Daniel Golding (Quechan Indian tribe) 

Coming Home: From Shadowland to Spiritworld is the story of a California native tribe’s surprisingly successful recovery of sacred land and their unique quest for reunification with descendants of tribal women taken to Russia at the end of that country’s brief colonial enterprise on the California coast.

 

Shot over a period of 14 years beginning in 2012 in a cinéma vérité style, Coming Home: From
Shadowland to Spiritworld follows the story of the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians as they undertake an extraordinary effort to reclaim their ancestral lands on the Sonoma Coast after 170 years of displacement. Interweaving the little-known history of Russian colonization in California with a modern story of negotiation, diplomacy, and ceremony, the film shows how land repatriation becomes a powerful act of cultural renewal. The Kashia tell their own story without a third-party narrator as they confront the legacy of historical trauma—including generational loss and the ongoing impacts of colonialism—the return to their sacred places like Metini and Danaka reveals how restoring land can help restore identity, resilience, and community.

 

After sacred land goes up for sale following 170 years of dispossession brought-on by

the California genocide of native peoples, Kashia Pomo tribal-elder (OTIS PARRISH) mentors a pair of young tribal members (MARTINA MORGAN and JERRY PINOLA) on a journey seeking coastal land return and self-recovery that inspires healing, spiritual revival, and a search for the truth about those tribal members gone missing and murdered.   

Watch the trailer

 

Profile on filmfestivals.com I Trailer I  Synopsis I About the filmmakers I Website I IMDB

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 STAKEOUT by Riker Lynch USA 90 minutes April 26

 

Suspicious of his new girlfriend, Jon enlists his wannabe-detective best friend for a DIY stakeout - only to stumble on a dangerous secret that puts them in way over their heads. 

 

Action, comedy romantic thriller by Riker Lynch Writer, Director, Producer

Produced by Billy Gould, Ross Lynch, Gordy De St. Jeor and Riker Lynch

Casting: Riker Lynch, Titus Makin, Bella Martinez, Samuel Del Real, Curt Mega, Sammy Ferrenbach,Bobby UKey, Kayden Muller-Janssen

Riker’s band is ready to perform in sync with festival screenings.

 

 

Profile on filmfestivals.com I Trailer I  Synopsis I Director's statement I Crew I  IMDB

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IN THE COMPANY OF WOLVES: AN AMERICAN JOURNEY Documentary by Susan Kucera 

1 hour 21 minutes 
USA, December 2025
 

The American West is a mythos known around the world — a landscape of freedom, rugged individualism, boundless possibility, and the collision of human ambition with ecological reality. This film explores the truth beneath it, revealing how wolves — and the domesticated animals traveling in their wake — shaped our ideas, our folklore, and our sense of nationhood, altering the course of American history as profoundly as any human hand.

Academy-Award winner, JEFF BRIDGES narrates this stunning journey, following wolves as co-travelers through American history — from the shores of England to the birth of the New Republic and ultimately the colonization of the vast, contested landscapes of the modern American West. A place where the ensemble doesn’t merely walk through history; they trot, lope, stampede, and migrate across it reminding us that the connection between the wild and the domesticated have always reflected a deeper story of who we are as a nation — and who we might yet become. 

Susan Kucera and Academy Award winner, Jeff Bridges, team up for their 3rd Documentary Film together, In the Company of Wolves; An American Journey. This is Susan's 8th documentary film following award winning films such as, Living in the Future's Past, Hot Money, 12th Hour, For the Love of Tango, Wild Genius, Breath of Life and Trading on Thin Air. She spent her youth filming on the ice fields of the Athabasca Glacier and has a deep love of nature, cinematography, animals and the great outdoors. 

Watch the Trailer  

Profile on filmfestivals.com I Trailer I  Synopsis I Director's statement I Stills I  Website I IMDB
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"Lala my readhead" script by Nellie K. and Deniz Nala

Lala_poster.jpg 

'LALA, MY REDHEAD'

Feature film by Nellie K. and Deniz Nala

in development stage, with a finalised script

Looking for support: partners and financiers.

 

Love and poverty, betrayal and wealth - centuries of traditions put to the test! A compelling story intricately woven into a comprehensive exploration of women’s status against the backdrop of the Roma culture. From the director of an award-winning film in Cannes 2023.

Read more »

 

Profile on filmfestivals.com I  Synopsis I Awards

 

awards  

The Debut wins the 2026 Feroz Zinemaldia Award  

‘Tender Loving Care’, by Mike Leigh, carries off the Golden Shell at the San Sebastián Festival’s 74th edition  

Gerardo Herrero Receives the Elías Querejeta Award in San Sebastián  

San Sebastian Industria Awards 2026  

Naomi Watts received the second Donostia Award of the San Sebastián Festival  

Werner Herzog received the first Donostia Award  

Official awards of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival  

Collateral Awards and Events of the 83rd Venice Film Festival Independently awarded by associations of film critics, clubs and cultural associations, and cinema professionals. 

 

Asghar Farhadi: I made film “Parallel Tales” as a tribute to sound in cinema 

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Two-time Oscar-winning Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi, said: “Sound plays an impactful role in cinema and is so important that the subject of my latest film, “Parallel Tales”, is sound; I made it...


SCAD SAVANNAH FILM FESTIVAL TO OPEN WITH 'A TALENT FOR MURDER' AND HONOR HELEN MIRREN

The SCAD Savannah Film Festival announced its Opening Night presentation for the 29th annual festival. The fest will open Saturday, Oct. 24, with a screening of Bleecker Street and LD Entertainment's A Talent for Murder, followed by a moderated Q&A with Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren, who will accept the festival's Legend of Entertainment Award.


 

Attend Madhya Pradesh’s Next Creative Frontier: From Production to Pixels @ FICCI FRAMES 2026 2 

Madhya Pradesh’s Next Creative Frontier: From Production to Pixels


 

MOBLAND WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE - SEASON 2 

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MOBLAND – World Media Launch – Season 2 Not only I was lucky to get a special screening of MOBLAND, season  2 with Pierce Brosnan attending but I was also able to attend the U.S press conference....


 

IDFA celebrates filmmaker Tatiana Huezo at IDFA 2026 as Guest of Honor with a retrospective of her work  

First titles for IDFA 2026 announced


 

VIDEO: CARING FOR WOMEN DINNER FEAT. SALMA HAYEK, PAMELA ANDERSON, DAKOTA JOHNSON, PARIS HILTON, SIMONE BILES, BENICIO DEL TORO, AND MORE  

 The Kering Foundation raises over $5 million USD at its fifth annual Caring for Women dinner for four organizations working to end violence against women and children: Activating Change, Fondo...


 

100 Years of Andrzej Wajda: Cult Classics Meet a New Generation at FilmFestival Cottbus  

 Andrzej Wajda would have turned 100 this year. The 36th FilmFestival Cottbus (3–8 November 2026) is marking the anniversary with a special focus on one of the most important directors in European...

 

 

 19th edition of the Festival Européen du Film Fantastique de Strasbourg  

 FULL PROGRAM Film d’ouverture Opening film Coyote Vs. Acme Film de clôture Closing film Hope Compétition internationale de films fantastiques International fantastic film competition Girl in the...


 

Une nouvelle édition du Festival d'Autrans en préparation 

Entrons ensemble dans l'automne...Déjà un peu de neige sur notre visuel et sûrement beaucoup de poésie annoncée pour notre rendez-vous culturel de décembre 2026 dans le Vercors : voici l'affiche qui...


 

Rétrospective Vittorio de Sica au 48e Cinemed 

C’est Vittorio De Sica, réalisateur italien qui a marqué de son empreinte l’histoire du cinéma et que nous aurons grand plaisir à revisiter lors de cette 48e édition du Cinemed.Rien ne semblait...

 

 


C'est Minotaure d’Andreï Zviaguintsev qui représentera la France à l’Oscar du meilleur film international 

Dans les prochaines semaines, plusieurs dizaines de films, venus du monde entier, vont concourir pour l’oscar du meilleur film international. Au terme d’un processus indépendant, supervisé par...


 

Le programme de l'édition 2026 du FIFSJDL 

  L’édition 2026 du FIFSJDL est celle de l’évolution. Cette année le festival débute un samedi, pour permettre à de nouveaux publics de le découvrir durant le week-end. Y compris les spectateurs les...


 

Nicole Garcia invitée Coup de Cœur du FIFF Namur  

Nicole Garcia : Notre invitée Coup de CœurLe FIFF est heureux de mettre à l’honneur Nicole Garcia à travers un Coup de Cœur qui célèbre une carrière remarquable.Sa présence offrira une résonance...


 

Ce que les photos de lieux abandonnés ne racontent jamais : Jonk ouvre les coulisses de l’urbex dans Urbex Stories  

L’urbex cultive un paradoxe. Ses images donnent à voir des lieux où plus rien ne semble bouger, alors que leur création repose souvent sur une succession de mouvements, de décisions et d’imprévus....

Canal: