Rifkin's Festival

The 2020 American comedy-drama film directed by Woody Allen follows Mort Rifkin (Wallace Shawn), an elderly New York film critic who accompanies his wife Sue (Gina Gershon) to the San Sebastián International Film Festival. Sue works as a press agent for French director Philippe (Louis Garrel), whose films Mort deems banal and overrated. Suspecting his wife of infidelity, Mort develops hypochondria and seeks medical attention from local doctor Joanna Rojas (Elena Anaya), who is unhappily married to artist Paco (Sergi López). A friendship blossoms between Mort and Joanna, leading to romantic feelings. Throughout the film, Mort experiences a series of dreams and fantasies parodying scenes from classic European films such as "Citizen Kane," "Breathless," "Persona," "8½," and "The Seventh Seal." In one such scene, he plays chess with Death (Christoph Waltz), contemplating the meaning of life and his place in the world. The film delves into themes of aging, jealousy, art, and self-identity against the picturesque backdrop of San Sebastián and the ambiance of the film festival.