For the fifth consecutive year, the University School TAI is back at the San Sebastian Film Festival and it is packed with new releases, premieres and lots of talent!
With the aim of bringing new generations of artists closer to the industry, TAI collaborates once again in the 73rd edition of the San Sebastian Film Festival, one of the most important and recognized film events nationally and internationally.
Thanks to this agreement, our young artists and creators can participate in the festival, enjoying its exclusive programming, activities, and events.
For 5 years, our students TAI are part of the San Sebastian Film Festival.
Some are members of the Youth Jury, presenting the DAMA Youth Award and enjoying film premieres in the New Directors and Latin Horizons sections. Others are accredited as industry members, experiencing unique screenings, activities, meetings, and talks firsthand.
In addition, this year we celebrate a very special achievement: Saioa Miguel, alumni of the Master in Management TAI, has obtained the 2nd Eusko Label Award at this year's San Sebastian Film Festival for his short film Gatz Harana (Salt Valley).
For its part, Pablo Martín, a student of the Degree in Performing Arts and Audiovisual Interpretation, was one of the representatives of the young jury to present the DAMA Youth Award.
Student Testimonials TAI
Lucía Bussión Berrendero – Alumni Bachelor's Degree in Filmmaking
San Sebastián seems like something out of a dream, even more so when it's disguised as a movie. For a few weeks, the city becomes frenetic and seems to follow the rhythm of a film shoot. Even having a coffee in the most remote cafe doesn't get rid of the art.
You come across Bayona walking down the street Peña And Goñi, either you sit on number 25 next to the Goya nominees… And for a moment San Sebastián also makes you part of the film.
I had the opportunity to receive a scholarship and attend, along with nine other students from the School TAI, to the most anticipated festival of September, already as a newly graduated student.
Attending a festival is like taking a master's degree in film with raw experience and no promises, because that's where you get to know both sides of the coin in this industry. I realized that uncertainty is on everyone's heels without distinction, that most filmmakers combine art with other work.
And that's okay. It's still a privilege to be there, amidst all the hustle and bustle. Because, despite everything, I see in these kinds of gatherings that emerging talent is also being showcased. I soak up the experiences of artists with similar interests to my own.
I see filmmakers, actors, screenwriters... who, eight years after jotting down an idea on a napkin, are up there releasing their film., microphone in hand, answering questions from a couple of students. And our pockets are also overflowing with napkins.
Festivals are also loudspeakers. They speak openly about what makes us uncomfortable. San Sebastián reminded us that cinema should also be a voice of protest., and she didn't hesitate to dye her hair purple or wear a flag other than her own. I attended much-needed conferences and received information about residencies, workshops in Spain, meetings with creative producers... but, without a doubt, I was impacted by the CIMA conference, "Our Voices."
Seeing more than twenty women up there, united, talking about things that once remained only in silence... is shocking for anyone.
I thought, seeing them, that thanks to their courage, I can now write this here. Thanks to their testimonies, we can follow a protocol when we don't know how to act.
I went with colleagues who made the experience easier. Humorous colleagues who give you a boost if you get stuck talking to the artists you admire.
And now, far from San Sebastián, I return with my batteries recharged and eager to continue writing.
Axel Ortiz Serrato – Student of the Degree in Cinematography
Thanks to San Sebastián, I've been able to feel welcomed by the great family that is the film industry. The atmosphere that permeates the city throughout the festival period is both fascinating and overwhelming (in the best possible way).
From discussing the film with complete strangers but united by the artistic value of the pieces, to being able to be accompanied by my lovely travel companions, also students of TAI.
I've been able to experience the public's great passion for cinema firsthand, stirring me inside, driving me to continue working on my work and curating it until I can project it on those fantastic screens at Kursaal or Tabakalera.
Furthermore, throughout the days we enjoyed there, We had the pleasure of attending various colloquia and events that brought us closer to multiple laboratories, collectives, and artists, who may embrace us in the near future to continue honing our curiosity.
It's been an experience I'll be happy to remember and one that will help me move forward, especially as I'm about to graduate! Thanks to the entire team for making this an unforgettable trip.
Aitana Chumillas – Student of the Degree in Cinematography
My experience at the 73rd San Sebastian Film Festival was unique and transformative. I attended as a Young Jury member and was able to see 16 films from the New Directors and Latin Horizons sections., as well as many others, such as “Los domingos” by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, winner of the Golden Shell.
Being a jury member at an international festival is a privilege and a unique opportunity to learn about the industry.
From my ambition to make my own film as a director, this experience has helped me understand the dynamics of a film festival and the feature film proposals they support.
In addition to learning from watching films, during these days I've been able to connect with many different people and experience Donosti from a different perspective.
The festival fills the city with a different light, it's charming, and offers many opportunities for networking, such as talks, parties, or bars with good pintxos.
This experience wouldn't have been the same without the people who accompanied me during these 9 days: Irene, Pablo, Arian, and Alejandro.
Although we were strangers at first, we're now excited to meet again in Madrid and make plans.
