San Sebastian Adds Jesse Eisenberg, Fred Cavayé, Amanda Kernell Films to Golden Shell Race

The San Sebastián Film Festival has added six films to its 2026 Official Selection, including new works from Jesse Eisenberg, Fred Cavayé, Amanda Kernell and Gabriel Martins, alongside feature debuts from Ah Biao and Tony Vahl.

The titles join 10 previously announced contenders and will compete for the Golden Shell at the festival’s 74th edition.

Starring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti, “The Debut” marks Eisenberg’s third feature as director. Moore plays a shy housewife whose small role in a community theater production transforms her into an obsessive method actor. Eisenberg wrote, directed and produced the film, also appearing in it and composing its original music and lyrics. The film will arrive in San Sebastián after Toronto, with A24 handling its U.S. release.

A new adaptation of Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables” comes from Fred Cavayé, with Vincent Lindon, Tahar Rahim and Noémie Merlant leading the cast. Backed by Studiocanal, which also handles international sales, the film follows Jean Valjean after 19 years in prison as he seeks redemption while being relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert.

With “Brace Your Heart” (“Garrat du váimmu”), Amanda Kernells latest turns on a young woman fighting to preserve the reindeer herd inherited from her father while navigating love and betrayal. Produced by Nordisk Film Production and sold internationally by TrustNordisk, it will world premiere at Toronto before heading to San Sebastián.

Brazilian filmmaker Gabriel Martins’ third feature, “On Behalf of My Son” (“Vicentina pede desculpas”), follows a woman who seeks out families whose relatives died in an accident caused by her son. Produced by Filmes de Plástico in partnership with Netflix, it will also premiere at Toronto.

Two feature debuts round out the additions. Set in a forgotten border town, Ah Biao’s “Border” (“Bian jing”) follows a broke young miner drawn toward crime after meeting an enigmatic woman.

Inspired by true events, Tony Vahl’s “Krux,” starring Jella Haase, unfolds in a northeastern German village at the end of World War II. Global Constellation handles international sales, with the film also set to play Toronto before San Sebastián.

The six join previously announced Golden Shell contenders from Roberto Bueso, Nicole Garcia, Mikel Gurrea, Maha Harada, Pablo Larraín, Mike Leigh, Hans Petter Moland, Benjamín Naishtat, Javier Ruiz Caldera and Yeşim Ustaoğlu.

The 74th San Sebastián Film Festival takes place Sept. 18-26.