by Ralph and Natalie Hirshorn

The San Sebastian International Film Festival (SSIFF), in its 66th year, is one of the most accessible, well-curated festivals on the circuit. The presentation is flawless in majestic theaters where films are displayed with military precision.

The staff does a brilliant job of scheduling interviews, arrivals and panels. An international film festival is a one-stop opportunity to enjoy the delicious pleasures of moviegoing, to experience the sheer joy of discovery.

San Sebastian is a gem on the Northern coast of Spain, fewer than 15 miles from the French border. Basque and Spanish influences are both felt in this vibrant city full of art, music, dance and some of the best food in the world.

Among the celebrities attending were Danny DeVito, Hirokazu Koreeda and Judi Dench – all receiving the Donostia award for outstanding contributions to the film world.

A New Jersey native, DeVito is perhaps best known locally for his groundbreaking role in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” He has touched all with his prolific career. Hirokazu Koreeda is a Japanese writer and director of some of the most touching films including “Shoplifters,” this year’s winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes and Japan’s foreign language nominee for the Oscars. Almost all films had some representatives.

Notable stars attending from this country included: Bradley Cooper (“A Star Is Born”), Ryan Gosling (“First Man”), Timothee Chalamet (“Beautiful Boy”), John C. Reilly (“The Sisters Brothers”), Chris Hemsworth (“Bad Times at the El Royale”) to name just a few.

More than 2,500 films submitted this year have been winnowed down to a brilliant selection of 191 shown from September 21-29.

Outstanding SSIFF movies we did catch included “The Realm” (Spain), “Beautiful Boy” (US), “Illang: The Wolf Brigade” (Korea), “The Sisters Brothers” (France-Belgium but in English), “Another Day of Life” (Poland, winner of the Audience Award), “First Man” (US), “Shoplifters” (Japan) and “Cold War” (Poland).

Corruption was the theme of a variety of movies throughout the festival this year. including a fast-paced thriller “The Realm” (“El Reino”) by director Rodrigo Sorogoyen. Loosely based on current events in Spain, it is a raw script of how anyone can get caught up in political scandal.

Opening with a traveling shot of cool but powerful Manue, played by Antonio de la Torre, that pays homage to Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas,” the pace of the movie, propelled by music with a throbbing pulse, does not stop until the end.

Cold War interference on other countries was the subject of “Another Day of Life.” Producer Amaia Ramirez said that over 26 financing sources were involved in the feature, whose production took 10 years. The patience was well worth it, bringing the experiences of a Polish war journalist in 1970’s Angola to the screen in a rare combination of motion capture-based imagery mixed with archival footage and new live documentary footage of some of those involved, looking back to forty years ago. It won the San Sebastian Audience Award for Best European Film.

Korea’s nominee for this year’s Oscars is, “Illang: The Wolf Brigade,” directed by Kim Jee-woon. Set in 2029, it’s a live action adaption of anime about unifying North and South Korea, with seemingly boundless energy and twists.

Just when you think you’ve figured out the government corruption, there’s more. The violence may put off some viewers, but it’s so well constructed and warns viewers to “imagine the past and remember the future”. Netflix will release it in this country in mid October.

Police corruption was abundant in the fictional movie “Alpha, The Right to Kill” from the Philippines. Credits included hundreds of real policemen to assure accuracy, but the gritty, twisted story is a tragic tale of a dirty detective.

A personal favorite that may be hard to find in the US in the coming year is the exquisite and surprising French film, “A Faithful Man.” Quirky, with a unique sense of humor and an unusual three narratives and with an 8-year-old who literally controls the narrative. It was directed by and stars the winsome Louis Garrel.

“Beautiful Boy” directed by Felix van Groeningen (“Broken Circle Breakdown”) is based on memoirs by father David Sheff and son Nic Sheff about crystal-meth addiction. The father is played by Steve Carell and chronicles the pain of trying to help your son without knowing how.

The son is played by Timothee Chalamet who shows just how easy it is to be in the grip of a drug that can change his world from black and white to Technicolor. It’s a harrowing journey for the whole family to learn to show love by letting love go. Stay seated for the credits, as Nic poignantly reads the poem Let It Enfold You by Charles Burkowski.

We needed a break after “Beautiful Boy” to think and discuss the film. A stroll along the wide promenades to any one of the many outdoor cafes serving thick, rich hot chocolate, freshly squeezed orange juice and pastries. Delicious!

Ralph Hirshorn, owner of the Hirshorn Co. in Chestnut Hill, once held editing and production positions at Columbia Pictures in Hollywood. Natalie Hirshorn is his wife.