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San Sebastian Sets 2026 New Directors Lineup
San Sebastian Film Festival has announced the filmmakers selected for its 2026 New Directors programme, which showcases first and second feature films and runs from 18 to 26 September. The sidebar will bring together emerging directors from 13 countries, underlining the festival’s role in introducing international new talent.
Jaime Lorente’s Spanish debut The Bad Son will open the programme, following an 11-year-old boy sent to live with his grandmother after his father disappears. Billy Lumby’s Florid, a British debut about a young musician with schizophrenia navigating medication, drug use and mental health challenges, will close it; the festival has also recently added works by Mike Leigh and Pablo Larraín elsewhere in its programme.
In short
- San Sebastian unveils its 2026 New Directors selection.
- The programme runs from 18 to 26 September.
- Spanish and British debuts bookend the sidebar.
Explained simply
The San Sebastian Film Festival, one of Europe's leading cinema events, hosts an annual New Directors programme that showcases first and second feature films from emerging filmmakers. This section is designed to provide international exposure for directors early in their careers.
The programme attracts submissions from filmmakers around the world and offers a platform for emerging talent. Screening films in this section provides directors with exposure to international audiences and industry professionals.
The 2026 edition features films from 13 countries and runs from 18 to 26 September. The selection reflects the festival's commitment to supporting emerging filmmaking talent from across the globe.
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