The San Sebastián Film Festival has confirmed that Fatih Akin’s latest feature, ‘Ghost Song’, will open the festival this year.

Opening Night

The film, which stars Mariam Dawoud and Eren M. Güvercin, will screen on September 18 at the Kursaal following the opening ceremony.

Akin, a renowned German filmmaker, will be competing for the Golden Shell award for the first time in his decades-long career.

The Story

‘Ghost Song’ tells the story of Farasha and Faris, two young people who meet at a graduation party and fall in love at first sight. However, their love story takes an extraordinary turn when Farasha suddenly dies that same night.

The synopsis reads: ‘When Farasha suddenly dies that same night, an extraordinary love story unfolds between two worlds as she finds a way to meet Faris in his dreams.’

The film also stars Carlotta von Falkenhayn and Gabriel-Winner Amorim.

Official Selection

‘Ghost Song’ is among 16 other titles set to screen as part of the festival’s Official Selection.

Other titles include Mike Leigh’s latest feature, ‘Tender Loving Care’, and ‘My Sad Dead’, a new series from Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín.

‘My Sad Dead’ will screen at San Sebastián in its feature-length format, starring Mercedes Morán, Dolores Fonzi, and Carolina Álvarez.

The project is based on four short stories by Mariana Enríquez and tells the story of Ema, a woman with the ability to see and hear the dead.

The San Sebastián screening will be a World Premiere.

Mike Leigh’s ‘Tender Loving Care’

Leigh’s ‘Tender Loving Care’ will arrive at San Sebastián after its TIFF screening.

The film stars Marion Bailey, Paul Jesson, Kate O’Flynn, and Alice Bailey Johnson.

No synopsis for ‘Tender Loving Care’ has been provided on either the San Sebastián or TIFF website.

San Sebastian simply describes the film as an ‘insightful exploration of the contemporary world.’

Festival Details

The 2026 San Sebastián Film Festival runs from September 18 to 26.