San Sebastian Festival 2024 in Spain Draws Over 172,000 Spectators, Breaking Records
The 72nd edition of the San Sebastian Festival, held in Spain, achieved remarkable milestones, drawing 172,301 spectators to 676 screenings featuring 252 films from 53 countries. The attendance marked an 8.9% increase compared to the 158,194 attendees in 2023.
For the third consecutive year, the festival broke its record for accredited guests, with numbers climbing to 5,314—a 5.8% rise from last year. Notably, nearly half of these guests were associated with the Industry section, which recorded 2,392 attendees, reflecting a 143% increase from the 984 participants in 2010. This growth underscores the success of the festival’s decade-long strategy to support the film industry.
Media coverage also expanded, particularly from international outlets. A total of 226 journalists from 202 media organizations attended in 2024, representing a 17% increase in international press participation compared to the previous year.
The festival highlighted its long-standing commitment to nurturing new voices in cinema, celebrating 50 years since the launch of the pioneering New Filmmakers section. Today, this legacy continues through the New Directors and Nest sections, as well as the inclusion of debut and second films across all categories, accounting for 54 of the 252 films screened this year. Additionally, the Ikusmira Berriak residencies marked their 10th anniversary, further solidifying their reputation for fostering emerging talent.
San Sebastian also maintained its role as a forum for open dialogue, tackling significant cultural and political issues. This year, it took a clear stance against the dismantling of the Argentine film industry and upheld freedom of expression amidst protests over Albert Serra’s "Tardes de soledad" ("Afternoons of Solitude"), which won the Golden Shell. Discussions around mortality and care featured prominently, spurred by the screening of Costa-Gavras’s "Le dernier souffle" ("Last Breath").
The festival’s year-round program, Z365, also achieved notable engagement, with 13,506 attendees participating in various screenings and events. The 2024 festival report, available online, provides detailed figures, film listings, and reflections from industry-focused discussions, including the Thought & Discussion talks and Filmmakers’ Dialogues conducted throughout the year.