After its world premiere at the San Sebastián Film Festival, Karateka reached Spanish screens on 30 October. Ahead of the release, the film held its Spanish premiere in Madrid, attended by a delegation from the World Karate Federation (WKF).
A WKF delegation in Madrid
WKF President Antonio Espinós was accompanied by WKF CEO Sara Wolff, Senior Advisor Francisco Alegrete and Communication Manager Sergio Aguilera. Former International World Games Association (IWGA) President José Perurena was also among the guests.
From Talavera de la Reina to Tokyo gold
Directed by Aritz Moreno, Karateka follows Sandra Sánchez from her beginnings in Talavera de la Reina to the top of world karate. A two-time world champion and the most decorated kata athlete in history, she also made history as karate’s first Olympic gold medallist at the Tokyo 2020 Games. The film also explores her personal and professional relationship with her coach and husband, Jesús del Moral.
Andrea Ros plays Sandra Sánchez and Patrick Criado plays Jesús del Moral. Produced by Atresmedia Cine with Sr. & Sra. and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures Spain, the 110-minute film was shot in Spain and Japan, in Madrid, Tottori and Fujinomiya. Its world premiere at the San Sebastián International Film Festival was held in front of more than two thousand spectators at the Velodrome. We covered that night in From kata legend to the big screen: Karateka opens in San Sebastián.
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“True ambassadors”
After the screening, Antonio Espinós congratulated Sandra Sánchez and Jesús del Moral: “I would like to congratulate Sandra and Jesús on the tremendous accomplishment of having their lives brought to the big screen. Sandra has not only been one of the most relevant figures in the history of our sport; her life is also a showcase of overcoming adversity and demonstrating the best values of karate.”
He added: “She and Jesús are true ambassadors of our sport and of the many values that karate embodies. I am delighted that, through this film, her many achievements and her remarkable journey can now be shared and celebrated by audiences around the world.”
For the WKF President, with Karateka the story of Sandra Sánchez “now reaches beyond the tatami”.
Sources: wkf.net, 31 October 2026; Atresmedia; San Sebastián Film Festival. Photo: WKF.