José Luis Rebordinos Reflects on a Transformative Final Year at San Sebastián Festival

Seventeen Years of Steering a Global Stage

When José Luis Rebordinos first took the helm of the San Sebastián International Film Festival in 2010, the event was already a respected platform for Spanish and Latin American cinema. Over the next seventeen editions he has overseen a period of unprecedented expansion, turning the week-long celebration into a major stop on the international festival circuit.

Key milestones under Rebordinos

During his tenure the festival introduced several new sections that broadened its artistic reach. The "New Directors" competition, launched in 2012, has since spotlighted emerging talent from across Europe and beyond. The "Zabaltegi" section, known for its experimental programming, grew in prominence and attracted avant-garde filmmakers who might otherwise have missed the spotlight.

2013: Introduction of the Official Selection for documentary films.
2015: Expansion of the industry market, now hosting over 1,200 professionals.
2018: Record attendance of more than 140,000 visitors.
2021: First hybrid edition combining in‑person screenings with a robust online platform.

Why the Festival’s Growth Surprises Rebordinos

In a recent interview Rebordinos said the most striking change is the scale of audience participation. "When I started, the city would fill the main venues, but today the streets, cafés, and even public squares become part of the experience," he explained. The shift reflects a broader cultural appetite for cinema that goes beyond traditional theater settings.

Audience demographics and global reach

Data from the European Audiovisual Observatory shows that international visitors now make up close to 30 percent of the festival’s total attendance, a rise from less than 15 percent a decade ago. This diversification has encouraged the programming team to include more subtitled films and multilingual panels, ensuring that non‑Spanish speakers feel welcomed.

Programming Philosophy: Balancing Art and Commerce

Rebordinos has often spoken about the delicate balance between artistic integrity and market demands. He believes a festival must serve both creators and industry buyers, a stance reflected in the growth of the market hub, which now occupies a dedicated exhibition space adjacent to the historic Kursaal Palace.

Support for independent filmmakers

The director’s commitment to independent voices is evident in the continued funding of the "Donostia Award" for lifetime achievement, which has honored figures such as Pedro Almodóvar and Agnès Varda. Moreover, the festival’s "Film in Progress" initiative provides post‑production support to projects that have already screened at other festivals, helping them reach a wider audience.

The Upcoming Leadership Transition

January 2027 will mark the start of Maialen Beloki’s tenure as festival director. Rebordinos describes her as a "highly qualified professional with a deep understanding of both the artistic and economic dimensions of cinema." Beloki, who has served as deputy director for the past three years, brings experience in digital distribution and a track record of successful co‑production agreements.

What the change means for the festival

Industry observers anticipate that Beloki will continue to expand the festival’s digital footprint while preserving the core values that have defined San Sebastián for decades. A spokesperson for the festival noted that the transition will be "smooth and collaborative," with Rebordinos remaining as an advisor during the first year of Beloki’s leadership.

Impact on the Spanish Film Landscape

The festival’s evolution under Rebordinos has had ripple effects across Spain’s cinematic ecosystem. Increased visibility for Spanish films at an internationally recognized event has attracted foreign investment, leading to more co‑production treaties with countries such as France, Italy, and Mexico.

Economic contributions

According to Spain’s Ministry of Culture and Sport, the festival generates an estimated €45 million in direct economic impact each year, supporting local hospitality, transportation, and cultural sectors. The influx of journalists, critics, and film professionals also raises the city’s profile as a cultural tourism destination.

Rebordinos’ Personal Reflections

When asked what he will miss most, Rebordinos mentioned the nightly conversations with filmmakers in the festival’s historic venues. "Those moments of candid exchange, where a director explains a scene over a glass of wine, are irreplaceable," he said.

He also highlighted the sense of community that has grown around the event. "What surprises me the most is how much the festival has grown from a regional showcase to a global gathering that still feels intimate," he added.

Looking Ahead: The 2027 Edition

Beloki’s first edition is expected to feature a stronger emphasis on sustainability, with plans to reduce the festival’s carbon footprint through greener transportation options and waste‑reduction initiatives. The programming slate will likely continue to champion diverse voices, reflecting the multicultural audience that now defines the event.

As the 2026 edition reaches its closing night, the city of Donostia‑San Sebastián prepares to celebrate both a historic run and the promise of a new chapter. The festival’s ability to evolve while staying true to its artistic roots remains its greatest strength.