Santa Barbara International Film Festival kicks off with opening film and gala
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.
Fans came out looking for stars on the first night of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Tatiana Gavilanes showed us a photo she took with a star and said "This is Diego Tinoco, he is from the Netflix TV series On The Block and I just love that show. "
After posing with fans Tinoco said he is working as an SBIFF juror.
"I have agreed to watch 20 films in the next 7 days and decide which one of them is the best, so there is going to be a lot of watching movies to do."
A fan hoping for autographs brought the opening night film poster.
Alicia Tovar said, " Work is so stressful that this is my entertainment"
She got Bronagh Gallager's signature.
The star of the Northern Ireland-based female led comedy "A Bump Along The Way" made an entrance and seemed to be enjoying her stay in Santa Barbara.
"The first day is stunning, so welcoming, very excited to be here, it is very special," said Gallager.
SBIFF executive director Roger Durling said, "This is my sixteenth addiction 1-6. 17 years ago I started, who would have thought, it has been wonderful, so happy we are able have a world class festival in this city. "
Some film lovers got VIP swag bags, but you don't have to be a VIP to buy tickets to see festival movies and fans can watch the stars arrive outside the Arlington Theatre for free.
The opening night film was followed by a gala at the Paseo Nuevo that included, music, food and mingling.
For more information about the festival visit sbiff.org