French writer-director-actress Emmanuelle Bercot’s “150 Milligrams” will open the 2016 San Sebastian Film Festival, Variety reports. The drama will kick off the 64th edition of the fest September 16, after making its World Premiere at TIFF.
“150 Milligrams” is Bercot’s follow-up to last year’s “Standing Tall,” which premiered to strong reviews at Cannes, where it opened the fest. Her newest feature, based on a true story, centers on Irène Frachon, a pulmonologist who makes a shocking discovery about a popular drug that’s been marketed for over 30 years. The film has been described as a French “Erin Brockovich.”
We previously noted that San Sebastian’s Official Lineup included zero women-directed films. With the addition of “Standing Tall” and another feature, the slate is now composed of 18 films, 17 of which are directed by men — 94 percent. While the Opening Night slot is undeniably high-profile and prestigious, this doesn’t excuse the fact that the most noteworthy program in one of the world’s most prominent film festivals features a lineup that includes only one film directed by a woman.
San Sebastian Film Festival runs from September 16–24. Sigourney Weaver will receive the 2016 Donostia Award for Career Achievement at the fest.
