Creative Media Times
New Line Cinema – A24
James Franco further cements his directing career as his latest film “Disaster Artist” wins the Golden Shell for Best Film, the top prize on Saturday’s 65th San Sebastian Film Festival 2017 Awards.
“This was a family affair, my brother, my sister, my old friend Seth Rogen,” Franco said while accepting the award. “It’s a very simple film about a crazy man but he had big dreams and it’s better than not having dreams. I hope that in these crazy times this brings a little light and inspiration.”
Based on Greg Sestero’s book of the same name, the film chronicles the making of The Room, a film by Tommy Wiseau which cinema publications label as “one of the worst films ever made.” The film stars James as Wiseau, while his brother Dave Franco as Sestero. The film also stars Rogen, Alison Brie, Ari Graynor, Josh Hutcherson, Jacki Weaver and Zac Efron. The Disaster Artist is scheduled for theatrical release Dec. 1.
Argentine film Alanis was also a big winner. The film’s star Sofia Gala won Silver Shell for Best Actress for her portrayal of a “young Buenos Aires mother who finds employment as a sex worker and struggles to live under the same laws that are supposed to protect her.” The film’s director Anahí Bernerí also won Silver Shell for Best Director.
The San Sebastián International Film Festival 2017 ran from Sept. 22 to 30 in the Spanish city of Donostia-San Sebastián. Throughout it’s history, the festival has hosted important cinema events such as the Vertigo international premiere in 1958. Since the festival has established itself as the highest cinema acclaim in Spain and the Spanish-speaking countries.
For the full list of winners, click here.
