Z365" or "Festival all year round" is the new strategic point of the Festival in which converge investigation, accompaniment and development of new talents (Ikusmira Berriak, Nest); training and cinematic knowledge transfer (Elías Querejeta Zine Eskola, Zinemaldia + Plus, Filmmakers' dialogue); and investigation, disclosure and cinematic thought (Z70 project, Thought and Discussion and Research and publications).
Viggo Mortensen received the 2020 Donostia Award last night in a ceremony in the Kursaal. “I congratulate you for the love you show for cinema by being here”, Mortensen said to the public after receiving the award from his friend, the filmmaker from Madrid, Agustín Díaz Yanes. He was also surprised to receive two shirts from the Real Sociedad footballer, Asier Illaramendi: one from the local Real Sociedad team and another from San Lorenzo, the club he is a devoted fan of.
The actor and director thanked the Festival for an award that he said reflected the long history of the cinema:” When I think of the impressive list of artists who have received the Donostia Award, I feel really lucky to be included in that tradition.” He then added with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic: “Uncertainty is the law of life, but let’s not forget that life is a gift. We must forge ahead, accompanying those who are alone and honouring those who are no longer here,” before ending with a cry of “Long live cinema!”