Maialen Beloki Takes Helm at San Sebastián Festival
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- Maialen Beloki appointed director of the San Sebastián Film Festival, taking over from José Luis Rebordinos in January 2027.
- José Luis Rebordinos announced his departure after 16 years as the festival’s longest‑serving director.
- Executive Board unanimously selected Beloki after an open call for candidates launched on March 4.
- Z365 initiative—the festival’s year‑round ecosystem covering talent development (Ikusmira Berriak residency, Nest shorts showcase), education (Elias Querejeta Zine Ezkola), and critical discourse (Artxiboa project)—was spearheaded by Beloki.
- Maialen Beloki holds a PhD cum laude in film theory from the University of the Basque Country and serves on the academic board of the Elias Querejeta Zine Ezkola where she lectures.
- José Luis Rebordinos said he will work closely with Beloki over the next months to ensure she has the best possible knowledge of the festival before her start.
Why it matters: The appointment preserves the festival’s momentum, keeping its year‑round Z365 ecosystem and partnerships intact, which benefits filmmakers, educators, and sponsors, while José Luis Rebordinos ends his 16‑year tenure as director. Beloki’s academic credentials and leadership of initiatives like Ikusmira Berriak residency, Nest shorts showcase, and Artxiboa project further ensure the festival’s influence on new talent and critical cinema discourse.
