The 71st edition of the Valladolid International Film Festival (Seminci) has confirmed the titles that will make up its Constelaciones section this year, a non-competitive space designed to bring some of the most talked-about films from the 2026 international festival circuit to Valladolid audiences.
The selection is significant because it combines the return of established filmmakers with the emergence of new voices in American cinema, in a program that ranges from Russian political drama to New York queer comedy. Notable names include Andrey Zvyagintsev and Ira Sachs, alongside works by Beth de Araújo and Jordan Firstman.
Minotauro, Zvyagintsev’s return after nine years
Winner of the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, Minotauro tells the story of a businessman whose existence begins to crumble when his marital crisis coincides with a climate of instability and violence.
The director uses an approach inspired by Claude Chabrol's La Femme Infidèle to reflect on contemporary Russia from the perspective of war and individual responsibility. It marks Zvyagintsev's return nine years after his last film, shot this time in Latvia and selected by France as an Oscar candidate.
Josephine, a child’s perspective on violence
In Josephine, an eight-year-old girl accidentally witnesses a crime in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. From that moment on, her perception of her surroundings is marked by fear.
Director Beth de Araújo places the viewer alongside her young protagonist to explore the aftermath of violence and the difficulty of regaining a sense of security. It is the filmmaker's second feature film after Soft & Quiet and had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award in the U.S. Dramatic category.
Club Kid, Jordan Firstman’s debut in the New York nightlife
Jordan Firstman directs his first feature film with Club Kid, set in the New York nightlife scene. The plot follows a party promoter whose life changes completely when a ten-year-old boy appears, claiming to be his son.
The film stars Firstman himself alongside Cara Delevingne and Diego Calva, and weaves together queer identity and fatherhood through a story of personal transformation. Presented in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, it marks the leap into cinema for a creator previously known for comedy and digital culture, with experience as a screenwriter, actor, and short film director.
The Man I Love, Rami Malek and Ira Sachs’ tribute
Set in late 1980s New York, The Man I Love stars Jimmy George, an artist from the theater and performance scene played by Rami Malek. While facing a life-threatening illness, the character remains devoted to desire, love, and artistic creation.
Ira Sachs, responsible for titles such as Keep the Lights On, Love Is Strange, and Passages, revisits an era marked by AIDS to pay tribute to an entire generation.
A section designed for dialogue between generations of filmmakers
With this selection, Constelaciones once again positions itself as a window within Seminci to keep a pulse on the most recent international cinema, without the pressure of the official competition. The coexistence of recognized authors and filmmakers debuting in feature films reinforces the plural nature of this section within the festival's 71st edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Constelaciones section of Seminci?
It is a non-competitive section of the festival dedicated to showcasing prominent titles from the international festival circuit, without them competing for official Seminci awards.
Who directs Minotauro?
The film is directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev and was awarded the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.
Which actors star in Club Kid?
Club Kid stars its own director, Jordan Firstman, alongside Cara Delevingne and Diego Calva.
What is The Man I Love about?
It follows Jimmy George, a theater artist played by Rami Malek, in late 1980s New York, as he faces a serious illness while continuing to embrace desire and creation.
What recognition has Josephine received?
Beth de Araújo's film won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award in the U.S. Dramatic category at the Sundance Film Festival.
Is this Jordan Firstman’s first film as a director?
Yes, Club Kid marks Jordan Firstman's debut in the feature film format, following his career as a screenwriter, actor, and short film director.
