Brad Pitt presents survival drama Heart of the Beast in San Sebastián after 17-year festival absence
The American actor and producer showcased his Alaska-set survival thriller directed by David Ayer at the Kursaal Congress Centre, marking his first appearance at the Basque film festival since 2009.
Festival return and press conference
Brad Pitt returned to the 74th San Sebastián International Film Festival on Wednesday to present The Heart of the Beast, appearing alongside director David Ayer and producer Olivia Hamilton at the Kursaal Congress Centre. The presentation marks the 62-year-old actor and producer's first appearance at the festival in 17 years, following his 2009 promotional visit for Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds. Large crowds gathered outside the venue, prompting festival organizers to move the official photocall from the terrace overlooking the Cantabrian Sea to an interior corridor. Media attendees waited in queues lasting almost two hours for a press conference that ran for 24 minutes, shorter than the festival's typical 35-to-40-minute format. Pitt had arrived in the city on Sunday, September 20, spending Monday visiting the Peine del Viento and touring the Chillida Leku museum in Hernani for ninety minutes with museum director Mikel Chillida.
- Brad Pitt attends the festival for Inglourious Basterds and visits Chillida Leku with Ignacio Chillida.
- Pitt arrives in San Sebastián three days ahead of the official film presentation.
- Pitt visits the Peine del Viento and tours Chillida Leku with museum director Mikel Chillida.
- Pitt, David Ayer, and Olivia Hamilton present The Heart of the Beast at the Kursaal Congress Centre.
- The Heart of the Beast premieres in commercial cinemas across Spain.
Portraying trauma and wilderness survival
In The Heart of the Beast, Pitt portrays James Belmont, a retired Special Forces officer who survives an aircraft crash in Alaska alongside his combat dog, Odin. The storyline examines post-traumatic stress disorder and the psychological barriers veterans face when attempting to reintegrate into peaceful environments after experiencing combat. The production filmed in New Zealand to recreate the subarctic landscape, staging shoots at six in the morning. Pitt performed opposite a canine actor named Uber, acting as both co-star and on-set handler while distributing food rewards.
It is a man and a dog who have been to war and seen unimaginable things. And they have saved each other.
The feature screened out of competition in the official selection before its scheduled theatrical debut across Spain on Friday, September 25. Pitt described the core dynamic between the two survivors as a narrative centered on mutual care and communication.
It is a survival story but above all it is a love story. We could listen to each other better and cross the lines that divide us.
European expansion and Spanish collaborations
Speaking on the business operations of Plan B Entertainment, Pitt detailed the company's recent international expansion, including the opening of a European office in London. He described the production unit as operating with two partners who seek out writing, directing, and editing talent globally rather than restricting development to Hollywood. Pitt also stated that he is open to acting in Spanish-language and European productions, emphasizing his personal friendship with actors Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz. The three actors previously shared the screen in Ridley Scott's 2013 thriller The Counselor, and Bardem joined Pitt in the cast of the 2025 motor racing feature F1.
I have my dear friends, Javier and Penélope, and I would love to do anything with them.
Pitt explained that as performers mature, working outside the United States provides valuable creative opportunities across an increasingly connected global film industry.
