Werner Herzog receives Donostia Award at 74th San Sebastian Film Festival

Donostia Award ceremony at Kursaal Palace

The 74th San Sebastian International Film Festival opened on Friday evening at the Kursaal Palace in northern Spain with the presentation of the Donostia Award to 84-year-old German filmmaker Werner Herzog. British actor Orlando Bloom presented the honorary statuette following an introduction reviewing Herzog's career spanning six decades and nearly 80 productions. Bloom, who leads Herzog's latest feature Bucking Fastard, praised the director for exploring the extremes of nature, the recesses of human behaviour, and the boundaries between reality and fiction. The opening gala also marked the final edition led by festival director Jose Luis Rebordinos, with gala presenters Fariba Sheikhan and Mariona Teres delivering statements on international conflicts, violence in Gaza, and solidarity with Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor.

“Werner always conceived cinema as an adventure.”

Tribute to Basque history and bertsolarismo

Accepting the trophy on stage, Herzog dedicated his address to Basque culture, the Basque language, and the oral poetry tradition of bertsolarismo. He recounted that his connection to the Basque Country began in 1972 during the filming of Aguirre, the Wrath of God, when he completed a journey of more than 1,000 kilometres across the Pyrenees and ended in Biarritz rather than San Sebastian. Herzog praised the regional heritage, observing that the Basque language predates Indo-European languages in Europe by tens of thousands of years. He also thanked Bloom directly, calling the actor a living legend and a treasure of cinema.

“I receive the award from a people of poets.”

Premiere of Bucking Fastard and upcoming productions

Earlier on Friday, Herzog and Bloom attended the screening of Bucking Fastard at the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, marking Bloom's return to the festival after a 14-year absence. The narrative focuses on twin sisters portrayed by Rooney Mara and Kate Mara who speak in unison and enter a relationship with a character named Gareth Moroney, played by Bloom. Herzog explained that he developed the concept of sisters speaking simultaneously 30 years ago after encountering real twins with that trait. Despite the career honour, Herzog stated that he does not dwell on past films, noting he will return to work on Monday to finish his next film within three days and is completing two books.

“I refuse to look back, nor do I think about the films I have made. I only look forward, I only focus on what is coming.”

Warnings on artificial intelligence and algorithm use

At a press conference preceding the opening ceremony, Herzog addressed the proliferation of algorithmic media and emerging artificial intelligence technologies. He warned younger generations against living lives dictated by mobile algorithms, urging them instead to engage in physical tasks such as digging holes in the ground or building treehouses. Herzog stated that people must defend their souls against external encroachment and urged vigilance regarding artificial intelligence tools. The festival runs through 26 September, featuring 17 films in official competition, including Fatih Akin's Geister, alongside a second Donostia Award scheduled for British-Australian actor Naomi Watts on Saturday.

“Do not live a life that is dictated by algorithms to keep your attention.”