San Sebastián New Directors: Billy Lumby, Marlene Emilie Lyngstad, ‘Money Heist’ Star Jaime Lorente and More
San Sebastián Film Festival has announced entries for its New Directors competition, showcasing debut and emerging filmmakers from 13 countries. The programme will open with “The Bad Son”, the directing debut of “Money Heist” actor Jaime Lorente, and close with BAFTA nominee Billy Lumby’s first feature, “Florid”.
– “The Bad Son” (“El mal hijo”) — Jaime Lorente, Spain; opening film. – “The Ballet Lesson” — Kazuya Murayama, Japan. – “Erratics” (“Bloques erráticos”) — Thomas Woodroffe, Chile-France-Argentina; starring Denis Lavant. – “Florid” — Billy Lumby, UK-Sweden; closing film. – “Cute” — Marlene Emilie Lyngstad, Norway. – “Mugalim” — Ayana Nurdinova, Kazakhstan. – “Morro” — Mexican drama about grief and an unlikely friendship. – “Esa Soledad” — Javier Giner, Spain. – “February, Seven Days” (“Sieben Tage Februar”) — Tatjana Moutchnik; family drama set before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In short
- San Sebastián reveals its New Directors competition line-up.
- Jaime Lorente opens the strand with his directorial debut.
- Billy Lumby’s “Florid” will close the programme.
Explained simply
The San Sebastián Film Festival is one of Spain's most prestigious cultural events and holds significant standing within the international film calendar. The festival's New Directors section is specifically designed to showcase filmmakers making their debut or early features, giving them exposure at a major international platform.
The competition draws entries from countries across Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond, reflecting the global reach of cinema and emerging talent. The programme includes various genres and themes, from intimate character studies to films grappling with contemporary social and political issues.
Inclusion in the New Directors competition is a notable achievement for first-time filmmakers, as it places their work in front of international press, critics and industry figures. For many directors, a premiere or prominent screening at a major festival like San Sebastián can significantly impact their career trajectory and future opportunities.
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