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Maialen Beloki Named New Director of San Sebastian Film Festival

Maialen Beloki has been named the new director of the San Sebastian Film Festival, succeeding Jose Luis Rebordinos in January 2027. She was unanimously selected by the executive board after serving as deputy director since 2016. Rebordinos is stepping down after a 16-year tenure marked by growth in global prestige and industry outreach. Beloki's appointment signals continuity for the festival's current direction and international collaborations.

Key Points: Maialen Beloki Appointed San Sebastian Film Festival Director

  • Maialen Beloki appointed director of San Sebastian Film Festival
  • She will take over from Jose Luis Rebordinos in January 2027
  • Beloki has served as deputy director since 2016
  • Rebordinos steps down after 16-year tenure as longest-serving director
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Maialen Beloki named director of San Sebastian Film Festival

Maialen Beloki, deputy director since 2016, will succeed Jose Luis Rebordinos as director of the San Sebastian Film Festival in January 2027.

"Beloki's appointment signals continuity at the festival, where she has played a key role in major initiatives. - Variety"

San Sebastian, April 28

Author Maialen Beloki has been appointed director of the San Sebastian Film Festival. Beloki, who has served as one of the deputy directors of the San Sebastian Film Festival since 2016, will take over from Jose Luis Rebordinos in January 2027, according to Variety.

Beloki was unanimously selected by the event's executive board following an open call for candidates launched on March 4.

Rebordinos had earlier announced his decision to step down after the 2026 edition, concluding a 16-year tenure that made him the longest-serving director of the festival. Under his leadership, the event saw significant growth in global prestige, industry outreach and attendance, alongside international collaborations such as the Proyecta showcase at Ventana Sur, organised with the Cannes Film Festival's Marche du Film, according to Variety.

Beloki's appointment signals continuity at the festival, where she has played a key role in major initiatives.

An alumna of the University of Navarra, Beloki holds a PhD (Cum Laude) in film theory, analysis and documentation from the University of the Basque Country, according to Variety.

Her elevation to the top role is expected to maintain the festival's current direction while further strengthening its position as a major international cinema platform.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Ravi K
Honestly, I wish Indian film festivals had this kind of vision. San Sebastian is a class act—unanimous board selection, clear succession plan. Meanwhile, our fests are often tangled in politics. Beloki's PhD in film theory is also quite impressive.
S
Sneha F
Nice continuity pick, but I hope she brings fresh ideas too. Rebordinos did a great job, but 16 years is a long time. Would love to see more diverse programming and maybe a stronger focus on Asian cinema. Just saying! 😊
T
Tanya I
Interesting background—University of Navarra and Basque Country. She's deeply rooted in local academic traditions. As an Indian, I appreciate how European festivals value institutional knowledge. Hope she reaches out to more emerging filmmakers from the Global South.
A
Arun Y
Another European festival staying in the same family. Not sure if this is real progress or just a gentleman's club with a woman's face. Let's watch if she actually brings structural changes or just continues the same formula.
M
Manish T
From deputy to director in 11 years—that's dedication. San Sebastian is one of the few fests I follow regularly. I hope Beloki expands collaborations with Indian festivals like IFFI. There's so much potential for co-productions and exchange programs.

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