The Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Monday announced its top-notch lineup for the 35th annual program, which will showcase the year’s finest work in film, world premieres, award ceremonies, red carpet events, high-profile talent and more.
The festival, which runs from Jan. 15 through Jan. 25, will feature a vast array of movies representing 50 countries, including more than 40 world premieres and 71 U.S. premieres, along with tributes to the year’s top talent, insightful panel discussions, and free education and outreach programs.
“It has become an important film festival,” SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling said at a press conference at the Hotel Santa Barbara on Monday morning. “It has always been about inclusivity, diversity, and being warm and welcoming to all visitors that come locally … and from across the globe.”
The festival will open with the United States premiere of Shelly Love’s “A Bump Along the Way” at the Arlington Theatre in downtown Santa Barbara on Jan. 15. The women-led movie features Bronagh Gallagher, Lola Petticrew, Mary Moulds, Dan Gordon and Brendan Farrell.
The comedy-drama set in Northern Ireland tells the story of a middle-age woman whose unexpected pregnancy after a one-night stand acts as the catalyst for her to take control of her life and become the role model her teenage daughter needs.
“It’s the second year in a row that a female director helms the opening night film,” Durling said.
Just like previous years, several films selected to be part of the festival reflect the heritage of Santa Barbara and community talent.
On Jan. 25 at the Arlington Theatre, the closing night film will offer a series of short documentaries that local filmmakers created.
The selection of short films covers a variety of iconic people and places in California’s Central Coast, including immigrant farmworkers, an aging bronc rider, a woman cyclist that defied all odds, backpackers exploring the Los Padres National Forest, artists documenting the breathtaking landscapes of the Carrizo Plain National Monument in southeastern San Luis Obispo County, and a celebrated local guitarist who performs in parking garages and public spaces throughout downtown Santa Barbara.
The festival has become an important showcase for Academy Award frontrunners, many of whom have arrived as nominees and gone on to win an Oscar, according to organizers.
SBIFF will roll out the red carpet for big-name celebrities at several award events. Brad Pitt, Laura Dern, Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson and Renée Zellweger will be among those recognized for awards at the festival. Awkwafina, Taron Egerton, Cynthia Erivo, Beanie Feldstein, Aldis Hodge, George MacKay, Florence Pugh and Taylor Russell also will be celebrated this year.
As of Monday, SBIFF hadn’t announced its recipients of the Outstanding Directors of the Year Award.
All tributes will take place at the historic Arlington Theatre, with the exception of the Variety Artisans Award, which will be at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara.
Local graphic designer Barbara Boros has created the SBIFF poster for more than a decade, and this year it spotlights the Chromatic Gate sculpture near Santa Barbara’s waterfront. The Chromatic Gate, originally installed in 1991, sits on the corner of Calle Puerto Vallarta and Cabrillo Boulevard.
“This poster continues the tradition of showcasing landmarks in Santa Barbara,” Durling said.
Click here for a complete list of special events, ticket pricing, galas, films, panel discussions, educational programs and more.
It takes more than 700 volunteers to support the festival.
About the Santa Barbara International Film Festival
SBIFF is a nonprofit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent as well as international cinema.
During the past 35 years, SBIFF has become a leading film festival in the United States, attracting 95,000 attendees and offering 11 days of more than 200 films, tributes and panels, fulfilling its mission to engage, enrich and inspire people through the power of film, according to SBIFF organizers.
This year’s SBIFF will be presented by UGG.
— Noozhawk staff writer Brooke Holland can be reached at bholland@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.