The 41st annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) will take place Feb. 4-15, 2026, SBIFF has announced.
SBIFF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema.
SBIFF recently marked its 40th year with multiple sold-out events and screenings throughout the festival. SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the U.S. – attracting 100,000 attendees and offering 11 days of some 200 films, tributes, and symposiums.
In fall of 2024 SBIFF secured a long-term lease for the multi-plex at 916 State St. in downtown Santa Barbara, paving the way for the creation of a state-of-the-art Film Center
The Film Center will act as “a vibrant, year-round destination that will serve as a central hub for cinema enthusiasts and the heart of SBIFF’s renowned Film Festival,” SBIFF said.
“There is nothing better than the theater experience as we just saw with our 40th anniversary,” said Roger Durling, SBIFF executive director. “With the upcoming inauguration of our new state of the art Film Center just in time for the 41st SBIFF, we can’t wait to celebrate cinema with you again.”
The 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival will be happening live Official events including screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes, will be held at the Film Center, SBIFF’s Riviera Theatre, and the Arlington Theatre.
The 40th edition of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival celebrated top award contenders such as Mikey Madison, Timothée Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Angelina Jolie, Ralph Finneas, Demi Moore, Fernanda Torres, Jesse Eisenberg, Monica Barbaro, Selena Gomez, Colman Domingo, Zoe Saldaña, Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce, Kris Bower.
Passes to the 2026 Festival edition will go on sale in August at 25% off. The festival lineup and schedule will be announced January.