2025-09-28
Basque cinema triumphs at the SSIFF!
The 73rd edition of the San Sebastian International Film Festival closes with excellent news for Basque cinema: 'Sundays', by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, has won the festival’s highest honour, the coveted Golden Shell
The 73rd edition of the San Sebastian International Film Festival closes with excellent news for Basque cinema: 'Sundays', by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, has won the festival’s highest honour, the coveted Golden Shell, while 'Maspalomas', by Moriarti, has been recognised for the outstanding work of José Ramón Soroiz, who has received the Silver Shell for Best Leading Performance (ex aequo).
This edition of the Zinemaldia has been especially fruitful for Basque cinema, with more than 30 projects with Basque participation showcased to international audiences and critics, many of which have garnered significant recognition. A true source of pride that reflects the exceptional creative moment our sector is experiencing.
Sundays
- Golden Shell for Best Film
- Irizar Basque Cinema Award
- Feroz Zinemaldia Award
- FIPRESCI Award
'Sundays', by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, was the big winner of the night, taking home the Golden Shell for Best Film. In addition to the festival’s top honour, the production by Sayaka Producciones, Buena Pinta Media, Colosé Producciones, Encanta Films, Think Studio, Los Desencuentros Película and Telefónica Audiovisual Digital also received multiple accolades, including the Irizar Basque Cinema Award, the Feroz Zinemaldia Award (granted by the Association of Cinematographic Journalists), and the FIPRESCI Award for Best Film of the Year (presented by the International Federation of Film Critics).
Maspalomas
- Silver Shell for Best Leading Performance for José Ramón Soroiz (ex aequo)
- Sebastiane Award
The film directed by Jose Mari Goenaga and Aitor Arregi, competing in the Official Selection, was honoured with the Silver Shell for José Ramón Soroiz for his brilliant performance. In addition, the work produced by Irusoin and Moriarti received the Sebastiane Award, presented by Gehitu, as the film that “best reflects the reality of LGBTIQA+ people.”
Los Tigres
- Jury Prize for Best Cinematography
The thriller by Alberto Rodríguez, produced by Kowalsky Films, Mazagon Films AIE, Feelgood Media SL, Movistar Plus+ and Le Pacte, has been awarded the Jury Prize for its outstanding cinematography, crafted by Pau Esteve Birba.
The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo
- DAMA Youth Award
The young jury awarded the highest score to the work directed by Diego Céspedes and produced by Irusoin, Quijote Films, Les Valseurs, Weydemann Bros Films and Wrong Men.
Other awards and recognitions:
- Aro berria, Special Mention of the Kutxabank – New Directors Award
- El último arrebato, Special Mention of the Irizar Award
___ - Soul, First Eusko Label Award
- Salt Valley, Second Eusko Label Award
- Borja Cobeaga, Best Screenwriter in the Basque Country Award (presented by Gidoi and SGAE)
- Sara Fantova, Egile Berriak Award (presented by EiTB)
- Miren Gaztañaga, Bultzada Award (presented by the Basque Actors’ Union)
- La infiltrada, EZAE Award for the Most Popular Basque Film at the Box Office
- Asier Altuna Iza & Telmo Esnal, Zinemira Award
- Altxaliliak, Euroregional Documentary Award
- Before you, my shadow, FIPADOC Award at the Lau Haizetara Forum
- Before you, my shadow, EPE-IBAIA – Bilibin Circular Award at the Lau Haizetara Forum
- La koreana, un poema ferromagnético de luz y memoria, Sideral Award of Ikusmira Berriak
From Basque. Audiovisual., the brand that drives the internationalisation of the Basque audiovisual sector, we would like to congratulate all professionals as well as the award-winning productions. We proudly celebrate the success that our cinema is achieving on the international stage and we are grateful for your talent and dedication.
