Emmanuelle to open San Sebastian Film Festival

Audrey Diwan's latest stars Noémie Merlant

by Amber Wilkinson

Audrey Diwan's Emmanuelle will open San Sebastian Film Festival on September 20
Audrey Diwan's Emmanuelle will open San Sebastian Film Festival on September 20 Photo: Courtesy of San Sebastian Film Festival

Emmanuelle has been announced as the opening film for this year's San Sebastian Film Festival.

Audrey Diwan
Audrey Diwan Photo: Courtesy of San Sebastian Film Festival

The world premiere of the drama, by Happening director Audrey Diwan, will open the 72nd edition on September 20 and be be attended by its director and leading cast.

Diwan, who won Venice's Golden Lion in 2021 for Happening and was part of the Official Jury in San Sebastian that same year, has co-written the screenplay with fellow filmmaker Rebecca Zlotowski. The film "follows the steps of a woman in search of a lost pleasure, whose business trip to Hong Kong will initiate numerous encounters including her meeting with Kei, a man who constantly eludes her".

The film will be part of the Official Competition at the festival and stars Portrait Of A Lady On Fire actor Noémie Merlant, alongside Naomi Watts, Will Sharpe, Jamie Campbell Bower, Chacha Huang and Anthony Wong.

Emmanuelle is produced by Chantelouve, Rectangle Productions and Goodfellas. Beta Fiction Spain will distribute the film in Spain. The film will be released in France by Pathé on 25 September.

Share this with others on...
News

Expanding the possible Fernanda Salgado on fantasy, reality, Jan Švankmajer and Ana, En Passant

A burning thing Sneha Mehta and Teddy Stern on falling in love with Mumbai, and making Getar Hero

Nothing is impossible Paul Rowley on moving to New York, the Pulse massacre, and Gays Against Guns

‘The only thing that makes a story universal is emotions’ Warsaw’s Industry panel discuss reaching audiences abroad

The only thing worth saying Chuko and Arie Esiri on adapting Mrs Dalloway and making Clarissa

European Film Academy shortlist announced 68 features vie for nomination

More news and features

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the London Film Festival and Newfest.



We're looking forward to the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Cheltenham International Film Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.



We've recently brought you coverage of the New York Film Festival, Grimmfest, Beyond Fest, the San Sebastian International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon, Instagram and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


London Winners announced


Tallinn Black Nights UK co-production joins Works In Progress


Warsaw What Belongs To Others takes top prize


Tallinn Baltic Competition, Rebels With A Cause and Critics' Picks titles announced


Dinard I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning named Best Film