The 2024 edition of the Sitges Film Festival will kick off with a special guest: multi-Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh. The festival’s opening film will be “Presence,” Soderbergh’s latest work, following his successes at the Sundance and Toronto Film Festivals. Known for his versatility and a wide-ranging filmography that includes “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Contagion,” “Sex, Lies, and Videotape,” “Traffic,” and “Solaris,” Soderbergh will present “Presence” in Sitges. The film tells the story of a family that moves into a suburban house and soon suspects they are not alone.
“Sex, Lies, and Videotape”
Soderbergh’s career took off with “Sex, Lies, and Videotape” (1989), which won him the Palme d’Or at Cannes at just 26 years old, making him the youngest solo director to receive the honor. Since then, he has delivered numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, such as “Erin Brockovich” (2000) and “Traffic” (2000), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Director. His other notable works include the “Ocean’s” trilogy, “Che” (2008), “The Informant!” (2009), “Contagion” (2011), “Magic Mike” (2012), “Logan Lucky” (2017), and more. Known for his expertise in psychological, crime, and heist films, Soderbergh’s films have grossed over $2.2 billion worldwide and earned 14 Academy Award nominations, winning five.
Other Festival Highlights
At a press conference on Tuesday, the festival also announced the closing film: “Never Let Go,” a supernatural thriller by Alexandre Aja, known for “High Tension” (2003), a multi-award winner at Sitges. Aja will be honored with a Time Machine award for his contributions to revitalizing French genre cinema over the past 25 years. Additionally, veteran Australian actor Geoffrey Rush, famous for his role as Captain Barbossa in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” saga, will receive the Gran Premi Honorífic, recognising his achievements across film, television, and theater.
New titles in competition include “2073,” a hybrid documentary/science fiction film by Asif Kapadia (“Senna,” “Amy”), which explores the dangers of rising authoritarianism; “Meanwhile on Earth,” an extraterrestrial tale; and “The Rule of Jenny Pen,” directed by James Ashcroft, featuring John Lithgow among the cast.
About the Sitges Film Festival
The Sitges Film Festival, officially known as the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, is one of the world’s premier events dedicated to fantasy and horror cinema. Held annually in the picturesque coastal town of Sitges, Spain, the festival is a mecca for genre film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and filmmakers from around the globe.
Since its inception in 1968, Sitges has gained a reputation for showcasing groundbreaking films, hosting thrilling premieres, and celebrating both established and emerging talents in the world of cinema. With a vibrant mix of screenings, awards, and special events, the Sitges Film Festival is an essential destination for anyone passionate about innovative, bold, and imaginative storytelling.
The 2024 editions runs from October 3rd to 13th. More information can be found on the official event website at https://sitgesfilmfestival.com/en.
If you are planning on attending the event then you can find accommodation for the Sitges Film Festival available here.
