Tomorrow it begins! The San Sebastian International Film Festival (Zinemaldia) kicks off, and the whole city is ready to shine.
When September arrives in San Sebastian, the atmosphere changes, the city comes alive in a different way: elegant, cinematic, and buzzing with excitement. Why? Because September is the month of the San Sebastian’s International Film Festival (Zinemaldia) — a time when Hollywood stars, cinephiles, and locals all share the same streets, pintxo bars and red carpet by the sea.
For travelers, this is one of the best months to discover the city. Not only can you experience cinema at its highest level, but you can also enjoy some of the best food tours in San Sebastian, seasonal produce in local markets, and cultural events rooted in Basque traditions without the summer crowds.
The History of Zinemaldia
The San Sebastian Film Festival started in 1953. At first, it was a modest event, but it’s grown into one of the most prestigious festivals in Europe. By 1954 it had already gained official recognition from FIAPF (International Federation of Film Producers Associations).
- 1955: the first official awards, the Silver Shell shaped like La Concha beach started
- 1957: it was elevated to “A category”, the highest rank, placing San Sebastián alongside Cannes, Venice, and Berlin.
- From 1957 onward: The Golden Shell became the festival’s top prize, awarded to films that mark a new era of cinema.
Since then, Zinemaldia has been held every year without interruption, even during difficult moments of political censorship or economic crisis.
Legends like Alfred Hitchcock, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor have walked its red carpet. More recently, the likes of Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Julia Roberts, and Bradley Cooper have brought glamour to Donostia.
The festival’s highest honour, the Golden Shell (Concha de Oro), is still one of the most respected awards in the world of cinema. For San Sebastián, however, Zinemaldia is more than stardust — it has always been a bridge to culture, art and connection to the rest of the cinematic world and a source of pride for the Basque Country.
The Kursaal: Icon of the Festival
The festival’s “home” is the Kursaal Congress Centre, designed by architect Rafael Moneo. Sitting right next to Zurriola Beach, this striking glass building lights up like a lighthouse at night. It’s here where the red carpet rolls out and fans gather to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars.
But the Zinemaldia doesn’t just belong to the Kursaal. Screenings also happen in the Victoria Eugenia Theatre and other cultural venues and cinemas across the city — bringing cinema into daily life.
San Sebastian in Festival Mode, also a Festival for the people
Zinemaldia feels deeply local. It’s not only about the red carpet or international stars — it’s also a festival for the people of Donostia.
Screenings are spread across the city’s cinemas, and tickets are affordable and accessible, which means anyone can enjoy world premieres and unique films, not just industry insiders. For locals, it’s a source of pride to see our city shine globally while still keeping its doors open to everyone.
That’s what makes it so special.
During Zinemaldia, cafés are filled with people debating films, and it’s not unusual to share a pintxo bar with filmmakers, actors, or critics.
And speaking of pintxos… this is also the perfect season to join a San Sebastian food tour. Between screenings, visitors head to the Old Town for pintxos paired with local wine, before the next premiere.
Remember! What makes Donostia special in September:
San Sebastian Film Festival (Zinemaldia): 19-27 September.
Catch world premieres and international cinema at the Kursaal, the Victoria Eugenia Theatre o local cinemas.
You can check here the Festival´s programme here.
September sunsets along Zurriola and La Concha are some of the most magical of the year. Best place to enjoy a drink in September : Urgulleko Polboriña in Urgull mountain.
September Food Tours! At Eat One Feed One, we invite you to join us — walk the streets, meet the locals, taste the flavours, and experience the city in a way that connects both food and culture. Because September is not only about cinema… it’s also about the stories you taste in every bite.
