Donostia Zinemaldia · local guide
San Sebastián Film Festival 2026
The 74th edition arrives in Donostia from 18 to 26 September. Find the programme, tickets, main guests and the best way to experience Zinemaldia around the city.
For nine days, San Sebastián becomes a meeting point for filmmakers, audiences and cinema lovers from around the world. Red carpets around the Kursaal, screenings in historic theatres and conversations that continue in Gros and the Old Town make the Festival part of the city itself.
Zinemaldia 2026: programme, tickets and guests
Programme and tickets
The official programme is available by day and section, and tickets are on sale through the Festival’s official channels. Check sessions before planning your route and keep an eye on morning releases when a screening appears sold out.
Donostia Awards
Werner Herzog will receive the award during the opening gala on 18 September. Naomi Watts will receive hers at the Kursaal on Saturday 19 September, before the screening of The Housewife.
Confirmed guests
Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, Penélope Cruz, Ricardo Darín, Jeremy Irons, Orlando Bloom, Rami Malek, Lali Espósito, Vincent Lindon and Noémie Merlant are among the announced guests, alongside filmmakers including Fatih Akin, Lukas Dhont and Pablo Larraín.
Opening and closing films
Geister / Ghost Song, directed by Fatih Akin, opens the Official Selection on 18 September. Le Faux Soir, by Michaël R. Roskam, closes the Festival on 26 September.
How to read the programme
The Official Selection is the main competition for the Golden Shell. New Directors focuses on first and second features; Perlak brings acclaimed films from other festivals; Zabaltegi-Tabakalera is the most open section; and Zinemira showcases Basque cinema. Culinary Zinema, Made in Spain and the retrospectives complete the offer.
Key venues and nearby neighbourhoods
The Kursaal is the Festival’s operational centre. The Victoria Eugenia brings you closer to the historic side of the event, while Tabakalera anchors contemporary cinema and industry activity. Around them, the atmosphere continues through Gros, the Centre and the Old Town.
Complete your visit with our guides to the Kursaal, San Sebastián’s iconic spots and pintxos and local food.
Official information
For the latest sessions, ticket availability and schedule changes, use the official San Sebastián Film Festival website. The dates are 18–26 September 2026.
