FILMS from AFAR

Three Films in Competition, a Thriving Box Office and the Envy of Europe: Spain Is Having Its Moment From Almodóvar to a new generation of auteurs, Spain has arrived at Cannes 2026 in historic fashion — and the industry behind it has never been in better shape: "Spanish cinema is in a very exceptional situation right now." Spaniards may not crowd the streets by the tens of thousands to celebrate their auteurs the way they do their futbolistas, but there has been a palpable se

For a young Spanish director to make her first feature film in English with a Euros 8 million ($9.4m) budget—more than double the Spanish average—and with internationally renowned actors like Rebecca Hall, Noomi Rapace, Gael García Bernal and Beanie Feldstein is unusual. For her film to be invited to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival is even more out of the ordinary. But that’s precisely what Maria Martínez Bayona has achieved with her debut feature, The End of It, invited

After 73 editions, SSIFF has quietly become one of the most respected names on the global film fest circuit, and as its longtime director prepares to step down, it has never looked stronger. If you’ve spent time on the film festival circuit, you’re probably aware of the “hidden gem” reputation of the San Sebastián International Film Festival. The “gem” part is easy to explain: global cinema, glittery stars, enthusiastic locals, a size that allows for real connections, world-r

Co-narrator Woody Harrelson promises “not another depressing documentary” at the start of this one, and he’s right. Don’t expect Groundswell to absolutely blow you away; its storytelling isn’t markedly innovative, and the basic science has to be explained like in any climate-oriented documentary. But this one does feel different in its sheer vastness. Filmmakers Joshua Tickell and Rebecca Harrell Tickell have put in the work, traveling to more than half a dozen countries and

This tearjerker picks up steam in its emotional second half, thanks to skilled acting and an absorbing storyline—as well as a few surprises (at least for those who haven't read the book). Field and Pullman are well-matched as flawed, grieving outcasts in Remarkably Bright Creatures, which also benefits from likeable supporting actors such as Colm Meaney, Kathy Baker, and Sofia Black-D'Elia. It's not hard to relate to the characters, who capture the loneliness of modern Americ

If you didn't already love Martin Short, you're going to after this loving profile, directed by longtime friend Lawrence Kasdan. Marty, Life is Short offers a close-up view of the actor's joy-infused and celebrity-filled life. Marty has loved and been loved by a big, happy family and a wide group of lifelong friends (the fact that those friends include figures like Eugene Levy, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielbergand so on doesn't diminish their genuine mutual affection). It's also a