American actor Brad Pitt presented his latest film En el corazón de la bestia out of competition at the 74th San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain on Wednesday.
The 62-year-old Oscar winner starred in and co-produced the survival drama, which was directed by David Ayer. His appearance marked his first return to the San Sebastián festival in 17 years, having last attended in 2009 to promote Inglourious Basterds.
In En el corazón de la bestia, Pitt plays a Special Forces officer who survives a plane crash alongside his combat canine companion in the rugged wilderness of Alaska. The feature was showcased within the official section of the festival, though outside the main competition for awards.
Crowds gathered outside the Kursaal auditorium before the screening, reaching high decibel levels as fans cheered for the actor. The press conference following the screening was packed to capacity, although the session proved disappointing to some attendees when several journalists devoted their questions to the co-starring dog rather than broader industry issues.
The San Sebastián International Film Festival is an annual category A film festival held in the Basque city of San Sebastián. It is considered one of the premier film events in Europe alongside festivals in Cannes, Venice, and Berlin, with main events hosted at the Kursaal Congress Centre.
Survival Story set in Alaska
Pitt arrived at the media event wearing an all-denim outfit paired with a white shirt, a pink tie, and 1970s-style faceted crystal sunglasses. He spoke warmly about his return to the city, noting that he had taken Monday off to explore the surrounding coastline, sample local food, and view regional artwork.
During his day off, Pitt sought out works by Basque artist Eduardo Chillida, whom he identified as his favorite sculptor of all time. Chillida, who lived from 1924 to 2002, was renowned for his monumental public sculptures crafted from iron and stone along the Basque coast.
Discussing the central themes of his new movie, Pitt explained that the two main characters were highly trained, hardened, and tested individuals. He stated that the core of the film was the bond between them, as they fought more for each other than for themselves, describing that loyalty as a form of true love.
Reflecting on personal hardship, Pitt stated that during his most difficult moments he relied heavily on close friends and family. He also spoke openly about experiencing a stroke, sharing that being able to show vulnerability before people who love and support him meant everything.
Pitt touched upon his experience with prosopagnosia, a neurological disorder commonly known as face blindness that impairs a person's ability to recognize faces despite normal vision and memory. He connected this personal experience of vulnerability to the themes of mutual support and empathy depicted between his character and the dog in the film.
Industry Changes and Streaming
Addressing wider societal issues, Pitt emphasized the importance of empathy and connection during times of increasing human distance and political polarization. He suggested that people should focus on points of agreement and care for those in their immediate surroundings as a starting point for unity.
Turning to his work as a producer, Pitt discussed the evolving landscape of cinema through Plan B Entertainment, the production company he co-founded in 2001 with his former wife Jennifer Aniston. Plan B has previously produced Academy Award Best Picture winners such as 12 Years a Slave and Moonlight.
Pitt expressed optimism about the film industry, noting that streaming services and studio consolidations have opened up substantial new opportunities for actors, writers, directors, and technical crews. He added that independent cinema remains vital because it provides the middle ground for film production, describing indie films as stronger today than they were in the 1990s.
He also highlighted how emerging post-production tools are helping to lower production costs, allowing fresh talent and compelling stories to reach wider audiences despite ongoing industry shifts.
Fan Excitement and Hotel Atmosphere
Pitt had been staying at the historic Hotel María Cristina since Sunday prior to his official festival appearance. The luxury hotel, which opened in 1912, has traditionally accommodated international film stars and prominent guests attending the San Sebastián festival for decades.
Inside the hotel, staff members and guests experienced a fast-paced atmosphere as metallic room service trays filled the corridors. Employees quietly exchanged comments about Pitt's presence, with one staff member hoping to catch a photograph with the actor and another noting that he had been spotted wearing glasses.
At the conclusion of the press conference, fans and journalists approached Pitt with movie posters for him to sign. The actor signed autographs and waved to supporters before leaving the venue behind his faceted sunglasses.
