The San Sebastian Film Festival, held each September in the Basque city of San Sebastián, welcomes three distinct types of attendees: the general public buying tickets for screenings, industry professionals seeking business opportunities, and journalists covering the event. Each group follows a different path to gain access, and understanding which category fits you is the first step in planning your visit.
Public tickets are sold for individual screenings and are the most straightforward route for film lovers. Industry accreditation is for professionals working in the audiovisual sector, while press accreditation is reserved for journalists designated by their media outlet. The festival also offers a lesser-known category for cultural bodies and activities, which includes film schools and cultural associations.
For the 74th edition, scheduled from 18 to 26 September 2026, the festival has outlined its accreditation procedures. Deadlines and fees vary depending on when you apply, so it is wise to start the process early. This guide walks through each access type and what you need to prepare.
Public Tickets: What to Expect
Public tickets are the most accessible way to experience the San Sebastian Film Festival. Unlike accreditation, these tickets grant entry to individual film screenings across the festival's venues, which include the Kursaal Congress Centre and other cinemas around the city. The festival typically announces a general sale period closer to the event date.
The festival's website lists general sale as a distinct category from accreditation, but specific prices and on-sale dates are not published in official sources far in advance. For the most accurate information, check the festival's Tickets section on their official website in the weeks leading up to the event.
Industry Accreditation: Who Can Apply and What It Includes
Industry accreditation is designed for film professionals working in production, distribution, exhibition, film acquisition and sales, financing, investment, audiovisual legislation and consultancy, festival programming and markets, broadcasting and promotion bodies, consultants, and technical or post-production companies. Depending on your job position, you may qualify for this type of access.
This accreditation grants access to industry activities organized by the festival, including professional meetings, the Film Library, and digital content. An online-only version is also available for those who cannot attend in person, providing access to films in the Film Library, WIP Latam and WIP Europa screenings after their premiere, and industry talks.
To apply, you must send an email before 25 August with the names of people to be accredited and an informative dossier about your company, explaining your need to attend. Applications received after this date are processed only if time and availability permit, so early application is strongly recommended.
Press Accreditation: Requirements by Media Type
Press accreditation is issued only to journalists designated by a media outlet to cover the festival. Print media representatives need an official letter from their editor, a recent copy of the publication, and three recent articles. Online outlets must provide a letter with coverage details, visitor statistics, and three links to recent reports.
Radio and television broadcasters follow a similar process, needing an official letter from their editor or program director and a recent copy of one of their programs. The documentation should be sent to the press accreditation email, and the festival will contact you once your application has been reviewed.
Publicists and film representatives should contact the festival's Films or Public Relations departments instead. For detailed requirements and the application deadline, refer to the festival's press accreditation FAQ page.
Cultural Bodies and Activities Accreditation
A often-overlooked accreditation category is for cultural bodies and activities. This is available to cultural institutions, publishing companies with a cinema interest, universities with film-related studies, film schools, cultural associations, and public bodies whose work supports film culture.
Like industry accreditation, the application requires names of attendees and an informative dossier about the institution. The deadline is also 25 August, after which processing cannot be guaranteed. A reduced fee is offered for film schools and students, making this an affordable entry point for those connected to cinema education.
Once accepted, accreditation processing takes place online. You will receive an email with instructions to fill in the registration form.
Fees and Deadlines: What to Know
Accreditation fees are structured in three periods for 2026. For industry accreditation, the early bird fee in July is €130 for in-person and €60 for online, rising to €150 and €70 in August, and €180 and €80 from September onwards. Cultural bodies and activities accreditation has a similar structure, with general fees of €110, €130, and €150 across the three periods.
Film schools and students pay less for cultural accreditation: €60 in July, €70 in August, and €80 in September. The festival notes that applications submitted in the last days of July may not be processed in time to qualify for the early bird rate, so do not wait until the last moment.
While these fees apply to the 2026 edition, future editions may differ. Always check the festival's official accreditation pages for the current year's pricing before applying.
Tips for the Application Process
Whether you seek industry or cultural accreditation, prepare your documentation well in advance. Gather your company dossier or institution details, and ensure your reasons for attending are clearly stated. Emails sent close to the deadline risk not being processed in time for the lower fee period.
For press accreditation, make sure all articles and letters are current and signed appropriately. If you are applying for a team, list the names and functions of each member. The festival emphasizes that you must send coverage from the festival after attending, so plan your content in advance.
If you need to contact the festival, the Guest Management Department can be reached at invitados@sansebastianfestival.com, and the press team at acreditacionesprensa@sansebastianfestival.com. The festival also offers a newsletter that includes daily ticket listings with a 50% discount, which is worth subscribing to if you plan to use public tickets.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Access
Choosing the right access for the San Sebastian Film Festival depends on your purpose. If you are a film enthusiast, public tickets will suffice, but they require monitoring the festival's website for sale announcements. If you are a professional, industry accreditation opens doors to networking events and industry screenings.
Journalists should apply for press accreditation through their media outlet, following the specific requirements for their medium. Students and cultural workers have a dedicated path that is often more affordable.
Whichever route you choose, start early, prepare your documents, and verify all details on the official festival website. For more context on the wider festival, browse the other articles in our San Sebastián Film Festival guide.
Plan Your Visit
The San Sebastian Film Festival offers multiple ways to participate, each with its own application process and requirements. Whether you are buying a ticket for a single screening or seeking full industry accreditation, careful planning is the key to a smooth experience.
If you are interested in other festivals in the region, our overview of festivals in Spain provides a broader picture. For those focused on the glamour, our article on the red carpet and celebrity spotting offers insights into the festival's public-facing side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between public tickets and accreditation?
Public tickets are sold for individual screenings and are available to anyone. Accreditation is a more comprehensive access pass granted to film industry professionals, journalists, or cultural bodies, providing entry to industry events, press conferences, or other specialized activities.
Who can apply for industry accreditation?
Industry accreditation is granted to professionals working in audiovisual fields such as production, distribution, exhibition, film acquisition and sales, financing, consulting, festival programming, broadcasting, and technical or post-production companies.
What documents are needed for press accreditation?
Press accreditation requires an official letter from your editor or director designating you to cover the festival, plus examples of your recent work. Print journalists need three published articles, online media need links to reports and visitor statistics, and radio or TV broadcasters need a recent program copy.
How do I get tickets for the San Sebastian Film Festival?
Information about public ticket sales is typically published on the festival's official website closer to the event. The festival also offers a newsletter with daily ticket listings and discounts. For the most current and accurate details, visit the official festival website.
