After a weekend that showcased premieres from Spain to international scenes, Eylül emerged as a standout talent, opening the festival with Three thousand years waiting for you, following a bold run of Spanish premieres including Pacifiction by Albert Serra, Olympic 42 seconds, and the comedy El Test.
George Miller proposes an Aladdin-style fantasy
In this interpretation, the Mad Max director ventures into a romantic fantasy titled Three thousand years waiting for you. The story centers on a genie in a bottle—played by Idris Elba—released by an intellectual named Alithea, portrayed by Tilda Swinton, who travels to Istanbul for a conference.
The film adapts a short story selected from a British AS Byatt collection published in 1994. Set in the present, it unfolds largely within a hotel room, slipping into past and magical tones as the genie explains how he ended up imprisoned in that vessel and what he can grant.
Albert Serra’s journey to a threatened paradise
Shot in Tahiti with dialogue in French, Albert Serra’s seventh feature blends thriller elements with political stakes and a directive to explore narrative boundaries. It follows the daily life of the French High Commissioner who operates in Polynesia.
Pacifiction, the only Spanish film in competition at the recent Cannes Festival, follows a white-suited officer on the move—from daytime meetings to nightclub visits—while weaving in references to nuclear testing, real estate speculation, and looming unrest.
42 seconds, Spanish water polo success in Barcelona 1992
Jaime Llorente and Álvaro Cervantes headline a drama inspired by the true story of the Spanish water polo team during the Barcelona Olympics of 1992.
The squad faces long odds and a steep learning curve under a newly appointed coach known for his tough approach. The plot also tracks a rivalry between two players with divergent views on the sport, Manel Estiarte and Pedro García Aguado.
The Test is a comedy about money and power
Dani de la Orden double-billed at the festival with the comedy He hast, starring Blanca Suárez and Miren Ibarguren. The film centers on a dilemma—whether to accept a current payout of 100,000 euros or wait for a potential million euros in ten years.
Adapted from a stage play by Jordi Vallejo, The Test offers a sharp critique of money through humor. The cast includes Alberto San Juan, Carlos Santos, and Antonio Resines.
An Italian love story, a romantic comedy
Italian director Paolo Genovese, known for Perfect strangers, returns to Spain’s screens with a romantic comedy framed by fantastic elements. The film stars Alessandro Borghi and Jasmine Trinca.
Anna, a spontaneous and slightly unruly cartoonist, teams up with Marco, a physics teacher convinced that life follows a fixed equation. Their impulsive bond turns into a lasting, if improbable, love story.
Plumas, a Cannes-awarded original tragicomedy
At a children’s birthday party, a magician’s plan to turn a boisterous father into a chicken spirals into a family crisis. A devoted mother takes charge to guide her family through the upheaval.
Omar El Zohairy oversees this Egypt-France co-production, recognized at Cannes Critics’ Week for its unique blend of humor and tragedy.
Good Luck Big Leo with Emma Thompson
Emma Thompson portrays Nancy Stokes, a retired teacher seeking new adventures and a sense of excitement she never found with her late husband. The narrative follows her decision to hire a partner who is also exploring self-discovery. The film, titled The Big Lion in some markets, presents an air of bold comedy.
Built around a concept by Katy Brand, the drama lands in theaters and streaming platforms simultaneously, offering a modern look at desire and aging with a humorous lens.
Radio amateur, a window into autism
Iker Elorrieta makes his feature debut with a film about Nikolas, a man in his thirties who returns to his hometown after his mother’s death. There he reconnects with his childhood friend Ane, who steps in to help, while Nikolas’s communication barriers complicate every step forward.
The story explores the quiet challenges and intimate moments that shape relationships when neurodiversity meets everyday life.
Dragon Ball epic returns
Dragon Ball Super: Superhero marks a new installment in the renowned Japanese anime franchise, crafted under the guidance of original creator Akira Toriyama with production by Tetsuro Kodama. The film follows Son Goku as new antagonists emerge after the defeat of the Red Ribbon Army, bringing Gamma 1 and Gamma 2 into action as adversaries who challenge Piccolo and Gohan.