How is Spain's Streaming Service Boom Transforming San Sebastián?

At the San Sebastián Film Festival, the spotlight on television reflects a broader trend in the Spanish-speaking world, particularly with the rise of platforms like Movistar Plus+ and Netflix. In 2024, both companies showcased exciting new series that later triumphed at prestigious events like Series Mania, highlighting the increasing importance of TV in film festivals.

Last updated: 30 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The San Sebastián Film Festival is becoming a significant platform for television, featuring premieres of major series.
• Movistar Plus+ and Netflix are leading the charge in Spanish film production, significantly influencing the industry.
• Movistar Plus+ has announced a diverse slate of original films, including works from renowned directors.
• Netflix continues to expand its Spanish movie offerings, showcasing their films at prominent festivals.
• New leadership at Movistar Plus+ aims to innovate and attract a younger audience.

The Growing Intersection of TV and Film at San Sebastián

The San Sebastián Film Festival, known for its celebration of cinematic achievements, has increasingly embraced television as a critical component of its programming. In 2024, this trend was exemplified by the world premieres of Movistar Plus+ Original Series “Querer” and “Celeste.” Both series not only debuted at the festival but also garnered significant acclaim, winning major awards at 2025's Series Mania, which is hailed as Europe’s most important TV festival.

Movistar Plus+ and Netflix: Titans of Spanish Production

Over the past five years, Movistar Plus+ and Netflix have emerged as the most influential players in Spanish film production. Both companies are not only focusing on television but are actively investing in producing high-profile films. Their presence at San Sebastián this year has generated considerable buzz, with many of the festival's standout films linked back to these two powerhouses. Movistar Plus+ has particularly made headlines with its ambitious plans and successful releases.

Movistar Plus+: A New Era of Film Production

In January 2024, Movistar Plus+ announced its inaugural slate of original films, marking a bold step into the feature film arena. The festival-goers witnessed the debut of Oliver Laxe’s “Sirât,” which received rave reviews at Cannes and became a notable hit, grossing €2.7 million (£2.3 million) in Spain shortly after its release. This film's success is indicative of the shifting landscape of Spanish cinema and the potential of streaming platforms to influence traditional film distribution models.

Upcoming Projects and Cultural Impact

The upcoming production slate from Movistar Plus+ is impressive, featuring films by acclaimed directors such as Pedro Almodóvar, whose project “Bitter Christmas” is highly anticipated. Other notable films include “The Beloved,” starring Javier Bardem, and “La Bola Negra,” featuring Penelope Cruz. These projects showcase Movistar Plus+’s commitment to high-quality, artistically ambitious cinema.

Netflix's Growing Influence in Spanish Cinema

Netflix has also made significant strides in the Spanish film industry, with J.A. Bayona’s “Society of the Snow” emerging as the platform's third biggest non-English-language global hit, boasting 98.5 million views. The platform's strategy of commissioning one to two Spanish films every six months since 2022 underscores its investment in local content. In early 2025, Netflix is expected to ramp up its production to five films in just the first half of the year, suggesting a marked shift in focus towards feature films over television shows.

Netflix's Festival Presence

The San Sebastián Film Festival has witnessed Netflix securing its most significant festival placements to date. The opening film, “27 Nights,” directed by Daniel Hendler, and the Chilean feature “Limpia” highlight Netflix's commitment to showcasing diverse narratives. Additionally, the Spanish title “She Walks in Darkness” will also be featured, further reinforcing Netflix's growing prominence in the Spanish film landscape.

Movistar Plus+: Navigating Leadership Changes

The future of Movistar Plus+ is currently under the stewardship of new CEO Daniel Domenjó, following the tenure of Domingo Corral, who was instrumental in establishing the brand as a content powerhouse. Domenjó aims to build on the legacy of his predecessors while expanding the platform's focus to attract a broader audience, including younger demographics.

Innovating for a New Audience

Movistar Plus+ is aware of its older audience demographic and is actively seeking ways to engage younger viewers. One of the initiatives is the adaptation of “Se tiene que morir mucha gente,” a novel by popular comedian Victoria Martín. This shift in strategy reflects a desire to diversify content offerings and appeal to a wider range of viewers.

Market Trends and Future Prospects

Movistar Plus+ has been able to leverage market trends favourably, showing consistent growth in subscriber numbers. The introduction of a streamed version of its basic pay-TV service at a competitive price of €9.99 (£8.70) has contributed to a steady influx of new subscribers. This growth is noteworthy, particularly amid a broader decline in pay-TV across Europe.

Collaborations and Co-Productions

Movistar Plus+ has also formed strategic alliances, such as its collaboration with Arte France on the miniseries “Anatomy of a Moment.” This partnership not only enhances the platform's content quality but also reflects a broader trend of collaborative production in the international landscape, allowing for split rights and windowing deals that reduce financial risk.

Conclusion: The Future of Spanish Cinema

The San Sebastián Film Festival serves as a microcosm of the evolving Spanish film and television landscape, showcasing the significant contributions of Movistar Plus+ and Netflix. As these platforms continue to innovate and expand their offerings, the future of storytelling in Spain looks promising. The industry is on the cusp of a transformation that will blend traditional cinema with modern television narratives, creating a rich tapestry of content for audiences worldwide. As Movistar Plus+ and Netflix diversify their portfolios and engage with younger demographics, the potential for growth and innovation in Spanish cinema remains boundless.

What innovative narratives will emerge from this evolving landscape? The next few years will likely reveal exciting developments in both film and television, shaping the future of entertainment in Spain and beyond. #SpanishCinema #MovistarPlus #Netflix

FAQs

What is the significance of the San Sebastián Film Festival?

The San Sebastián Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in Europe, showcasing diverse cinematic works and serving as a platform for both established and emerging talent in the film industry.

How have Movistar Plus+ and Netflix influenced Spanish cinema?

Movistar Plus+ and Netflix have significantly impacted Spanish cinema by investing heavily in original films and series, producing high-quality content that resonates with both local and international audiences.

What are some notable upcoming films from Movistar Plus+?

Upcoming films from Movistar Plus+ include Pedro Almodóvar's “Bitter Christmas,” Rodrigo Sorogoyen's “The Beloved,” and Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo's “La Bola Negra,” featuring renowned actors.

How is Netflix expanding its film offerings in Spain?

Netflix is expanding its Spanish film offerings by commissioning multiple films each year, with plans to increase production significantly in early 2025, indicating a shift towards feature films.

What strategies is Movistar Plus+ using to attract younger audiences?

Movistar Plus+ is focusing on adapting contemporary stories and collaborating with popular figures, such as comedians, to create content that appeals to younger viewers and expands their audience base.