MUSEYON GUIDES » Spain

Museyon’s Guide to…San Sebastián International Film Festival

Kellas — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 20:27:10 +0000

You may recall that in our 2 Day guide to the northern Spanish city of San Sebastián, we warned against planning your trip during the yearly International Film Festival. Well, for all those looking to ingratiate themselves into the glamor of the Continental film world, here’s your guide to one of the most majestic festivals this side of the English Channel.

Your first job, once you decide to attend the festival, is to book a hotel. Unlike in much of Spain where it is possible to simply show-up in a town and find a room, in San Sebastián during festival time, booking a hotel a few months ahead of time is essential.

Tickets go on sale to the public for all screenings online and at the box office five days before the start of the festival and there is a four ticket limit per person.

Since 1986, the festival has given out the Donostia Award to one person who has made a significant impact on film. For 2010, it was Julia Roberts whose film Eat Pray Love, co-starring Spanish superstar Javier Bardem, premiered at the festival. Donostia is the Basque name for San Sebastián. There will be opportunities to snap photos of award winners and celebrities along the main promenade overlooking the beach in the center of town.

One of the best things to do in San Sebastián is eat, and you don’t need to go out for fancy meals either. Around early evening, head to the old part of town to participate in txikiteo- a pintxos (or small appetizer) crawl. The atmosphere is casual and the food unexpectedly delicious.

San Sebastián Tourism Office
Boulevard 8, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastián – +34 943 48 11 66

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Almodovar’s ‘Broken Embraces’

Heather C — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:29:55 +0000

‘Broken Embraces‘, the latest from Pedro Almodovar, reunites the director with his muse, Penelope Cruz. The critically acclaimed film is currently playing in New York and opens in LA on Dec. 11–and this is one movie that we can’t wait to see.

To celebrate ‘Broken Embraces’ we’re taking a look back at our coverage of the director. From artists paying him homage to a look at his personal style there’s lots to love about Almodovar.

For more on the director’s connection to Madrid, pick up a copy of Film+Travel Europe, where Shari Kizirian takes you on a tour of the city through the director’s eyes.

Where the Movies Really Are

Heather C — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:32:27 +0000

Check out the August issue of the always awesome Travel + Leisure for a guide to where your favorite movies are actually filmed. Author Darrell Hartman gives a big shout-out to Museyon Guides, with five movies filmed in surprising locations. That scene with this post … it doesn’t get more iconically Wild West than that, right? Wrong. It’s actually Almeria, Spain, cinematic backdrop to many of the most iconic Westerns ever filmed. Learn more about your favorite movies and test your on-location knowledge with Travel + Leisure and Museyon Guides.

Landscapes of Imagination: Spain

Heather C — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:27:11 +0000

Spain’s remarkable geographic diversity has made it a favorite filming location for directors. Find out what Spanish scenes have make up iconic images of the American West, and see Madrid through the eyes of director Pedro Almodóvar.

About Your Guide: The former editor of Film Arts magazine, Shari Kizirian has written extensively on the business and history of cinema. Her articles have been published by the San Francisco Silent Film Festival, the National Alliance for Media Arts and Culture (NAMAC), the Sundance Institute, and the International Documentary Association, among others. She currently lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

photo: iStock