Lineup and poster released for the 39th Santa Barbara International Film Festival
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.- The lineup of movies and tributes has been released for the 39th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival taking place February 7-17th.
Executive Director Roger Durling says there will be 45 world premieres an 77 U.S. premieres from 48 countries. Many are very relevant. "Timely documentaries that deal with the environment, with immigrant issues, with the war in Ukraine and Israel, yea it is very timely the subjects," he said.
In the big picture, the lineup of films will offer a unique one-of-a-kind selection.
Roger Durling said, "we've always been about inclusivity and about showing a lot of films from across the world. The fact that more than half of the films are directed by women is a huge achievement and we are very proud."
The festival has a tradition of landing between the Oscar nominations and the Academy Awards presentations. Many of the nominees are on the festival lineup and panels that include writers, directors and producers.
It captures the buzz of Hollywood and brings in fan favorites. Durling says it is a special adrenaline rush to see it all come together for the ten day event.
"To see that excitement outside and then you go insideand it carries in, it is a big thrill for me, " said Durling.
This year the very popular and often sold out writers panel event will not take place in the daytime, it is being moved to a night slot at the 2000-seat Arlington Theatre. That's where all the tributes will also take place.
The event will have an opening night World Premiere of the Disney Branded Television documentary MADU directed by Matt Ogens and Joel ‘Kachi Benson. Both directors will be present.
Closing night festivities will feature the World Premiere of CHOSEN FAMILY directed by Heather Graham who also stars in the movie.
The film festival poster was unveiled at the Sullivan and Goss Art Gallery with artist Angela Perko on hand. It features an imaginative setting in a movie theater seat with floating film reels, Monarch butterflies and the Channel Islands in the back ground. "That way of letting go, of being part of what's being presented, which is often the environment, you're going to a new environment in your mind," said Perko.
The full poster art piece is on display at the gallery along with two other submissions.
The festival tickets are on sale and some events are sold out.
For more information, and lineup details go to: SBIFF.
