Thu Sep 26 12:56:53 UTC 2024: ## Almodóvar Receives Hero’s Welcome at San Sebastian Film Festival, Defends Open Immigration Policy
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – Legendary Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar was greeted with a hero’s welcome at the San Sebastian Film Festival today, where he received the prestigious Donostia Award for career achievement.
The event, which coincided with Almodóvar’s 75th birthday, was a major news event in Spain, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez even attending the ceremony.
During a packed press conference, Almodóvar discussed his latest film, “The Room Next Door,” starring Tilda Swinton, which he presented as part of the Donostia Award celebrations. He also used the opportunity to voice his strong support for open immigration policies, stating that “Spain is a big country and many regions are empty. It’s barbarous and deeply stupid that a young kid could be described as ‘invading’ Spain.”
Almodóvar went on to argue that welcoming immigrants would be beneficial to Spain, stating that “They would make our country. We are a generation where the average age is old. We need new blood. It would rejuvenate Spain.”
The director also attributed his continued popularity with young audiences to streaming services, saying that “through the platforms, people have been able to see my work and connect with it.”
Swinton echoed this sentiment, stating that “there will always be a whole new generation looking for Pedro,” adding that “what they will find in Pedro’s cinema is a young spirit.”
Almodóvar’s presence at the festival comes on the heels of his success at the Venice Film Festival last month, where he won the prestigious Golden Lion award for “The Room Next Door.” The film marks his English-language debut and stars Julianne Moore alongside Swinton.
The San Sebastian Film Festival continues until September 28.
First Piper 