San Sebastián Unveils Stellar World Premieres: Fassbender, Ridley, and Bayona to Grace Opening & Closing Galas!

The cinematic world is abuzz with anticipation as the 72nd edition of the San Sebastián Film Festival prepares to roll out the red carpet for an exceptional lineup, headlined by two monumental World Premieres. Running from September 19 to 27, 2025, this prestigious Spanish festival is set to captivate audiences right from its spectacular opening to its poignant closing.

Kicking off the festivities with a bang is the highly anticipated drama, "Mayday," directed by the acclaimed Australian filmmaker Jonathan Teplitzky.

This gripping feature stars none other than the powerhouse duo of Oscar nominee Michael Fassbender and the beloved "Star Wars" sensation Daisy Ridley. Set to make its global debut, "Mayday" promises to deliver a compelling narrative that will undoubtedly set a high bar for the festival's cinematic journey.

Teplitzky, known for his nuanced storytelling, is expected to bring a fresh perspective, further amplified by the dynamic performances of its leading stars.

As the curtains prepare to fall on this year's edition, the festival will conclude with another breathtaking World Premiere: "The Way Home" (La Contadora de Películas), a poignant tale from the visionary Spanish director J.A.

Bayona. Fresh off his Oscar-nominated success with "Society of the Snow," Bayona returns with a film starring the compelling Enzo Vogrincic. "The Way Home" is an adaptation of Hernán Rivera Letelier's novel, which tells the story of María Margarita, a young girl from a mining town in the Atacama Desert whose family relies on her unique gift of recounting films for those who cannot afford to see them.

This emotionally resonant story, brought to life by Bayona's masterful direction, is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on festival-goers.

Both "Mayday" and "The Way Home" receiving their World Premiere status at San Sebastián underscores the festival’s growing international prestige and its critical role as a launching pad for significant global cinematic works.

The convergence of top-tier talent, compelling narratives, and world-class direction promises an unforgettable experience for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Get ready to immerse yourself in a week of groundbreaking cinema, unforgettable stories, and star-studded appearances in one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal cities.