U.S. Premiere of Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 2 shined at Santa Barbara International Film Festival

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — "It's our story, it's a journey, and women run right down the middle of it," Kevin Costner said as he walked the red carpet for the U.S. premiere of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

It was a star-studded night as many turned out to support the Santa Barbara resident and the film, which first premiered at the 81st Venice Film Festival in September.

"I'm so grateful to the film festival, to my own community—literally—that would support this film and give me this opportunity to show it," Costner said. "I think the people watching tonight will understand its value to them emotionally."

Costner revealed in a 2023 interview with Deadline that he took out a mortgage on his 10.25-acre waterfront property in Santa Barbara to fund the Horizon films.

The film, which explores the settlement of the American West, stars Costner, who also serves as director, producer, and co-writer.

"This is absolutely his passion project. You can see it in every word he brings into this, every actor just establishes the plot so perfectly," said Horizon actress Georgia MacPhail. "You can just tell it's something he's been so passionate about."

Costner is known for his roles in The Bodyguard, The Highwaymen, and more recently, Yellowstone.

"I can remember being a kid on Friday nights going to see his movies. So for me, I was already a fan," actor Luke Wilson said. "And then when I got a little older and learned that he was a real filmmaker too—not just a guy I looked up to as a kid on the big screen—I realized he's a really impressive guy."

A long line of Costner and Horizon fans stretched down the street. Festival attendee Jeremy Barney, who was an extra in the film, said he had been waiting two years for the premiere and shared what it was like working with Costner.

"He was very gracious, very kind, and he didn't seem to put himself above anybody," Barney said. "When you meet somebody of that caliber, you have expectations—and he exceeded them."

The excitement and celebrations continue next week at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Your News Channel will have more coverage.