Izarrak (2026): Cast, Story and Release Details

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Izarrak examines how Basque gastronomy and San Sebastián became internationally recognised, connecting centuries-old maritime history with the chefs, workers and newcomers shaping Gipuzkoa’s future. Set across sea and land, the Spanish documentary considers identity, territory and the preservation of tradition as the region continues to evolve.

Izarrak is a Spanish documentary about the history and continuing development of Basque gastronomy, with San Sebastián and the wider Gipuzkoa region at its centre. Its subject reaches from maritime expeditions launched from Pasaia centuries ago to the emergence of Basque Nouvelle Cuisine.

The film also looks at the people connected to the region today, including those who arrive in Gipuzkoa seeking a future and those whose work on the sea and land helps maintain local traditions. Directed by David Taberna and Iñigo Puerta, it has a reported runtime of 1 hour and 2 minutes.

Izarrak movie details

Story without spoilers

The documentary follows the long route by which Basque gastronomy and San Sebastián developed into a distinctive international reference point. It places that story within a broader history, beginning with seafaring expeditions from Pasaia around 500 years ago, when voyages were undertaken in search of fortune and spice.

From there, Izarrak connects the region’s past with the culinary changes associated with Basque Nouvelle Cuisine. Its perspective extends beyond restaurants, bringing together questions of identity and territory with the experiences of people who come to Gipuzkoa looking for a future and those working at sea and on the land to protect an inherited tradition while looking ahead.

What to expect

As a documentary, Izarrak is structured around cultural history, gastronomy and the relationship between a place and the people who sustain it. The supplied synopsis points to a broad time span, moving from early maritime history to the development of Basque Nouvelle Cuisine and the region’s present-day social and working life.

Viewers can expect the film to consider both preservation and change: the continuation of traditions, the importance of the sea and land, and the forces that have helped make San Sebastián and Basque gastronomy globally distinctive. The documentary’s focus is regional, historical and human rather than fictional.

Cast and creative team

Izarrak is directed by David Taberna and Iñigo Puerta. No cast or writer credits are supplied, which is consistent with the film’s documentary format.

Release and production context

Izarrak is a 2026 documentary from Spain, spoken in Spanish. It is listed with a release date of September 20, 2026, and a runtime of 1 hour and 2 minutes. The production company is El Diario Vasco. The film’s status is listed as Released.

Production companies: El Diario Vasco

Movies Dock view

With its focus on Basque gastronomy, maritime history and the people connected to Gipuzkoa’s sea and land, Izarrak presents a regional story that reaches across several centuries. Its central subject is not only culinary reputation, but also how identity and tradition continue to adapt while remaining tied to place.

Film data:
TMDB