Arzak Since 1897

Directed by Asier Altuna, the documentary film was shown in the Culinary Zinema section of the 68th edition at San Sebastián International Film Festival, held between September 18 and 26, 2020. The film analyzes the transformation of traditional cuisine into the new signature cuisine through the Arzak restaurant, open for more than 100 years in San Sebastián and run by Juan Mari Arzak and his daughter Elena Arzak. Both of them, who have been in charge of the business for some time, are the main characters in a film in which colleagues such as Ferran Adrià, Pedro Subijana, Joan Roca, Karlos Arguiñano, Andoni Luis Aduriz and Dabiz Muñoz, among others, also appear.

When Juan Mari told his mother that he wanted to study hospitality, she tried to convince him to opt for a career with a better future. 60 years later, the social prestige of gastronomy is enormous, the change has been revolutionary and, today, many children, encouraged by their parents, dream of being great chefs. Juan Mari has experienced this evolution in the first person and has been a fundamental part of it.

Arzak, the family restaurant located in Alto de Miracruz in San Sebastián, has become one of the best restaurants in the world. Now, the new generation has already taken over. Elena Arzak, Juan Mari's daughter, is already in charge of the restaurant and her father is gradually retiring. It is a moment of reflection, of taking stock of a lifetime. Time to analyze the transformation of traditional cuisine into the new signature cuisine.

Directed and written by Asier Altuna, 'Arzak since 1897' has Jone Miren Goenaga and Manu Paino in production direction. Cinematography by Txarli Arguiñano and Javi Agirre and film editing by Demetrio Elorz. Produced by Iñaki Burutxaga and with Jone Miren Goenaga as executive producer. A Bainet Teknika production.