The Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s (SBIFF) annual Rosebud Film Studies Program is opening applications for 2026. SBIFF accepts applications from local college students and dual-enrollment high school students.

The program, which is free to attend, runs October through December at SBIFF’s Riviera Theatre and at SBIFF’s Film Center.

The Rosebud Program provides 12 local college students insider access to the film industry, and the option to get college credit for it.

Rosebud participants are invited to attend more than 30 sneak preview screenings through SBIFF’s Cinema Society, followed by Q&As and discussions with the filmmakers and talent.

Participants also enjoy group discussions focused on filmmaking and film analysis, and can add a research component to earn credit through Roger Durling’s Independent Study course at SBCC.

For more information, and to apply, visit https://sbiff.org/education/rosebud-program/. Application deadline is Sept.1.

“Being a part of the Rosebud Program was one of the most fruitful filmmaking experiences I’ve ever had,” said Haaram Kim, a 2025 participant. “Having the chance to watch a variety of emotional, thought-provoking films was a privilege in itself, but hearing the films’ respective filmmakers explain their perspectives on their work was incredibly insightful.”

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema.

Over the past 40 years, SBIFF has become one of the top 10 film festivals in the U.S., attracting 100,000 attendees and offering 11 days of 200+ films, tributes and symposiums.