San Sebastian unveils José Giovanni retrospective with Amber Wilkinson
San Sebastian Film Festival is preparing to throw open the gates to a cinematic treasure trove, presenting an expansive retrospective dedicated to the legendary French filmmaker José Giovanni.
This year’s celebration delves deep into the rich and influential body of work created by Giovanni, including nearly all of his films. But the scope goes even further: the festival is also showcasing eight significant screenplays Giovanni penned for other cinematic giants, including masters like Jacques Becker, Jean-Pierre Melville, Jacques Deray, Claude Sautet, Henri Verneuil, and Robert Enrico.
Twenty masterpieces will be screened, offering audiences a unique journey through the complex world of French crime cinema and storytelling. This retrospective is a collaboration between the San Sebastian Film Festival and the Filmoteca Vasca (Basque Film Archive) and the Filmoteca Española (Spanish Film Archive), ensuring a truly international appreciation for Giovanni’s legacy.
Giovanni himself was a towering figure, operating as a director, screenwriter, and novelist who profoundly shaped the golden age of French crime cinema. His work is not just entertainment; it is a masterclass in suspense, character, and narrative structure that continues to resonate across generations.
Beyond the screen, this season is also marked by a literary contribution. The retrospective includes the publication of the book Life is not lived to the full without mercy, a powerful text penned by Felipe Cabrerizo and expertly edited by Quim Casas, who is a critic and member of the Festival’s Selection Committee.
The accompanying study offers a complete look at Giovanni’s extensive output as a novelist, screenwriter, and director, providing an insightful look into the multifaceted world he created.
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