The Basque Country’s film industry is enjoying rapid growth, driven by substantial tax incentives, sustained public investment and San Sebastián’s expanding international profile. After Basque projects received a record 45 Goya nominations, regional organisations are now focused on ensuring this success continues by identifying and supporting emerging filmmakers.

At this year’s San Sebastián festival, 31 films with Basque production links will screen, including 12 documentaries. Among the debut filmmakers is Nitya López Saitua, whose intensely personal Family Drill was shot with 10 people over three days in his childhood home, while Javier Giner is presenting his first feature, This Solitude; both reflect a growing ability for local talent to develop careers without relocating to Madrid.