8 PM Saturday night, February 6th, 2016, at the historic Arlington Theater in Santa Barbara, California, Elizabeth Banks (“Love & Mercy,” ), Alicia Vikander (“Ex Machina,”“The Danish Girl.” ), Joel Edgerton (“Black Mass,” ), Paul Dano (“Love & Mercy,” & “Youth,” ), O’Shea Jackson, Jr. ( “Straight Outta Compton,” ), Geza Rohrig (“Son of Saul.” ), and Jacob Tremblay (“Room” ) will be honored as recipients for the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festivals’ 2016 Virtuosos Award. The Virtuosos Award recognizes performers who have distinguished themselves with breakthrough film performances in the past year.
Past recipients of the award include Ellar Coltrane, Rosamund Pike, Jared Leto, David Oyelowo, Eddie Redmayne, Rooney Mara, Brie Larson and Marion Cotillard. This year’s talented and diverse honorees are being recognized for their overall career as well as for their breakout year. To get your tickets visit sbiff.org
Don’t miss this! We’re three days away from the opening of the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Here’s an insider’s guide as Santa Barbara Mayor, Helene Schneider, kicks off #SBIFF 2016 Press Conference at Hotel Santa Barbara, local artist, Barbara Boros of Barbara Boros Art and Design, unveils the 2016 official poster while Executive Director Roger Durling provides a run-down of this year’s 31st edition of the festival. Tune in and afterwards check out the links below.
Helpful links to make your experience at the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival one to remember:
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has announced April 28 – May 1, 2016 for the 2016 TCM Classic Film Festival, marking the seventh annual gathering of legendary stars, award-winning filmmakers and classic movie fans from around the globe. The theme for the four-day event will explore Moving Pictures, the movies that bring us to tears, rouse us to action and inspire us, even projecting us to a higher plane. Passes on sale here.
HollywoodGlee with iconic TV and Film legend, Angie Dickinson, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, on March 25th, 2015, during the TCM Classic Film Festival’s “Meet & Greet.”
I attended last year and can attest that the magic of movies isn’t just motion, it’s emotion. The way we take what we see on the screen and make it our own. TCM Classic Film Festival was a terrific way to see magnificent, emotionally moving films, meet like-minded cinema lovers, make new friends and commiserate with legendary screen icons. Looking forward to seeing you there this year!
In Santa Barbara, California, on Thursday, February 11, 2016 five Oscar-nominated directors will receive the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s (SBIFF) 2016 Outstanding Directors of the Year award.: Lenny Abrahamson, ROOM; Alejandro G. Iñárritu,THE REVENANT; Tom McCarthy, SPOTLIGHT; Adam McKay, THE BIG SHORT; and George Miller, MAD MAX: FURY ROAD. They will each be celebrated individually for their films. The individual honors will be followed by a joint conversation between the directors about their craft and on the landscape of modern day filmmaking. The ceremony will take place at the historic Arlington Theatre. The evening is sponsored by The Hollywood Reporter. Click here for passes, ticket sales and/or more information.
The Outstanding Directors of the Year award is given to directors not afraid to explore boundaries and push the envelope in the cinematic world. They have a vision for the picture they want to present and then do so, with an expertise that happens to be both gracious and bold. Past recipients include Damien Chazelle (WHIPLASH), Richard Linklater (BOYHOOD), Bennett Miller (FOXCATCHER), Laura Poitras (CITIZENFOUR), Morten Tyldum (THE IMITATION GAME), David O. Russell (AMERICAN HUSTLE), Kathryn Bigelow (THE HURT LOCKER), and Danny Boyle (SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE).
SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling says, “These directors have each made their mark on the film canon and have solidified their standing as some of the best directors of our time. The fact that these films come on the heels of already illustrious and established careers makes this honor even more special.”
“The Directors Panel” completes this year’s panel line-up. SBIFF has become renowned for creating smart, insightful panels that feature a “who’s who” in the world of filmmaking, including many Oscar® contenders. The Panels are highly informative with wonderful interaction. Here’s an overview of the SBIFF 2016 panels:
The panel series begins on Saturday, February 6thwith the “Movers and Shakers,” (Producers Panel), bringing together the industry’s most prolific producers to talk about current projects, hopes for the future of filmmaking, and insights into the creative process. Moderated by Los Angeles Times film writer Glenn Whipp.
That same day proceeds with “It Starts With the Script” (Screenwriters Panel), bringing together top writers to discuss their craft. The panel will be moderated by indieWIRE’s Anne Thompson.
On Saturday February 13, with Creative Forces: Women in the Business(Women’s Panel), moderated by Madelyn Hammond, President, Madelyn Hammond & Assoc., and Former Chief Marketing Officer for Variety. The Women’s Panel is sponsored by Brooks Institute.
All panels take place at the Lobero Theatre, located at 33 E Canon Perdido St., in Santa Barbara.
This looks to be one of the better panel line-ups in recent years and coupled with the tributes, schedule of moving pictures and activities, the 2016 SBIFF is one to see. For a complete look at the line-up click here.
If air travel is required for your attendance, Alaska Airlines, the official airline for the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival, is offering 10% discounts on airfare between Santa Barbara, Los Angeles or Burbank, California and any of Alaska Airlines departure cities (excluding Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica and Prudhoe Bay) from February 2nd through February 16th, 2016. Book by February 16, 2016. Click here. Discounts are automatically applied. Restrictions apply. See site for details. Stay tuned for more recent developments and for the latest updates!
Sylvester Stallone is receiving the prestigious Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s (SBIFF) Montecito Award at the historic Santa Barbara Arlington Theatre on Thursday February 9, 2016 at 8:00 PM. Stallone will be honored for his critically acclaimed and Oscar nominated role in Ryan Coogler’s emotionally contoured boxing film Creed.
The Montecito Award is named after one of the most beautiful and stylish areas in Santa Barbara and is given to a person in the entertainment industry who has made a great contribution to film. Past recipients include Jennifer Aniston, Oprah Winfrey, Daniel Day-Lewis, Geoffrey Rush, Julianne Moore, Kate Winslet, Javier Bardem, Bill Condon, and Naomi Watts. Hennessy Paradis Imperial is presenting the award. Click here for tickets.
SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling had this to say about this year’s recipient:
“Sylvester Stallone’s performance in Creed has reminded us of what a true talent he is and what a joy it is to share in his successes as the many beloved characters he has created. Since he first hit the silver screen as Rocky Balboa nearly four decades ago, he has been a force in the industry both on film and behind the scenes. He is a true legend in our field, and it is our privilege to present him with the Montecito Award, and to continue to honor his legacy.”
Stallone first established worldwide recognition as an actor and filmmaker when he starred in 1976’s “Rocky,” from his own screenplay. Both a critical and box office hit, the film garnered 10 Academy Award nominations including Stallone for Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay. Most recently, Stallone received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for “Creed,” becoming only the sixth actor in Academy history to be nominated for playing the same role in two different films.
Stallone’s many film credits include the “Rocky” and “Rambo” films, “Copland,” “Tango & Cash,” “F.I.S.T.,” “Victory” and “Nighthawks.”
In addition to his extensive film career, Stallone is an accomplished artist, completing paintings on canvas as well as sculpture work. He has had impressive exhibitions at Art Basil, The Russian State Museum and, most recently, at the Nice Museum of Contemporary Art in France.
The festival previously honored Jane Fonda (Youth) with its Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film and will honor Johnny Depp (Black Mass) with the Maltin Modern Master Award; Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams (Spotlight) with the American Riviera Award; and Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl, Ex Machina), Géza Röhrig (Son of Saul), Elizabeth Banks and Paul Dano (Love & Mercy), Joel Edgerton (Black Mass), O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Straight Outta Compton) and Jacob Tremblay (Room), with its Virtuosos Award.
The Opening night film is Paramount Pictures in conjunction with On Animation Studio’s U.S. premiere of “The Little Prince”.
“The Little Prince” is based on Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s classic tale Le Petit Prince. Writers Irena Brignull and Bob Persichetti have created an original narrative interfused with elements of the novel.
If air travel is required for your attendance, Alaska Airlines, the official airline for the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival, is offering 10% discounts on airfare between Santa Barbara, Los Angeles or Burbank, California and any of Alaska Airlines departure cities (excluding Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica and Prudhoe Bay) from February 2nd through February 16th, 2016. Book by February 16, 2016. Click here. Discounts are automatically applied. Restrictions apply. See site for details. Stay tuned for more recent developments and for the latest updates!
Founded in 1969, the Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) has been voted one of the top 25 film festivals worthy of the entry fee by MovieMaker Magazine and was highlighted as One of the Best Film Festival Prizes by Film Festival Today. In addition, Brooks Institute named it one of the top 5 festivals in the United States.
NaFF stated mission is to amplify “collective and individual awareness by bringing the world to Nashville to celebrate innovation, music and the many voices of the human spiritthrough the art of film.”
With Academy Award status, the festival is a draw for up-and-coming directors, first-time filmmakers and veterans alike. Programming includes the best in World Cinema, American Independents, documentaries and shorts. Past films screened include 13 Assassins, (500) Days of Summer and Academy Award nominees I Am Love, Dogtooth and Ajami.
Known widely as Music City, Nashville is proud of its musical heritage and has showcased numerous memorable songs from its plethora of songwriters and musical artists. Consequently, NaFF provides workshops that foster collaboration between music makers and film professionals from Hollywood and from around the globe.
With a strong commitment to independent and innovative filmmaking, NaFF offers distinctive and unique awards including cash and prizes totaling $37,000 along with television broadcasting contracts. Other special awards include prizes for the best LGBT film, best film by a black filmmaker, best Hispanic film, as well as awards for Tennessee directors.
As one of only 17 film festivals worldwide share this special designation with its winners of Short Documentary, Short Narrative and Short Animation competitions automatically qualifying for Academy Award consideration.
And, NaFF gets more than its fair share of celebrity guests. Celebrity honorees and participants have included Oprah Winfrey, Susan Sarandon, William Shatner, William H. Macy, Al Gore, Danny Glover, Vincent D’Onofrio, Joey Lauren Adams, Rob Thomas, Craig Brewer, Harmony Korine, Ashley Judd, Kiefer Sutherland, Joshua Jackson, Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Peter Falk, Paul Reiser, Patrick Swayze, Rick Schroder, Christine Vachon, John Waters, Matthew McConaughey, Robert Redford, James Cromwell, Harry Belafonte, Barbara Kopple, Michael Moore, D.A. Pennebaker and director of the upcoming The Amazing Spider-Man, Marc Webb.
Stay tuned for more information on this exciting, fun-filled and musically infused festival. Until then, I’ll see you at the movies!
Above, Barbara Boros, left, of Barbara Boros Art and Design, stands next to Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Executive Director, Roger Durling, as they unveil the 31st edition’s banner during a press conference at the Hotel Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, California, January 12, 2016. (Photo Credit: Larry Gleeson)
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), presented by UGG, has released its highly-anticipated line-up for its 31st edition running from February 3rd through February 13th.
The festival will offer an array of films representing 60+ countries, 52 world premieres and 53 US premieres, including tributes with the year’s top talent, panel discussions, and free community education and outreach.
SBIFF 2016 will kick off on Wednesday, February 3rd, at the historic Arlington Theatre with the US Premiere of THE LITTLE PRINCE, directed by Mark Osborne and featuring the voices of Jeff Bridges, Rachel McAdams, Paul Rudd, Ricky Gervais, James Franco, Mackenzie Foy and Benicio Del Toro. THE LITTLE PRINCE is based on the classic tale of the same name by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
On Sunday, February 7th, Terrance Malick’s experiential KNIGHT OF CUPS will have its US Premiere at the Arlington Theatre as the festival’s Centerpiece Film. The highly anticipated film stars Christian Bale, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett, Frieda Pinto, Isabel Lucas, Imogen Poots, Wes Bentley, Brian Dennehy and Teresa Palmer, among others. Xavier Giannoli’s funny and emotional drama MARGUERITE will close out the festival on Saturday, February 13th. 1921, the beginning of the Golden Twenties. Not far from Paris. For information on tickets, passes and packages click here.
THE TRIBUTES
SBIFF has become an important showcase for Academy-Award® front-runners, many of whom have arrived as nominees and gone on to win the Oscar. The 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival proudly celebrates some of the year’s finest work in film.
The complete list of 2016 Honorees (in date order) is as follows:
Scott Cooper will present Johnny Depp with the esteemed MaltinModern Master Award sponsored by UGG, moderated by longtime friend and film historian Leonard Maltin on Thursday, February 4th.
Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams will receive the American Riviera Award sponsored by Engel & Völkers on Friday, February 5th.
The 2016 Virtuosos Award sponsored by Travel + Leisure will be presented to Elizabeth Banks (LOVE & MERCY), Joel Edgerton (BLACK MASS), Paul Dano (LOVE & MERCY, YOUTH), Jacob Tremblay (ROOM), Alicia Vikander (THE DANISH GIRL, EX MACHINA), O’Shea Jackson Jr. (STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON) and Géza Röhrig (SON OF SAUL) in recognition of the year’s emerging film artists. The evening will be moderated by Dave Karger, Chief Correspondent and host of “The Frontrunners” on Fandango on Saturday, February 6th.
Brie Larson and Saoirse Ronan will receive the Outstanding Performers of the Year Award, moderated by Pete Hammond, on Monday, February 8th.
The Montecito Award will be Tuesday, February 9th and is sponsored by Hennessy. Honoree to be announced.
The Variety Artisans Awards will take place on Wednesday, February 10th and will be moderated by Variety’s Sr. VP Awards Editor, Tim Gray. Honorees to be announced.
The Outstanding Director of the Year Award sponsored by The Hollywood reporter will be Thursday, February 11th and will be moderated by THR’s Scott Feinberg. Honorees to be announced.
Rooney Mara will receive the Cinema Vanguard Award, presented to her by Cate Blanchett, on Saturday, February 12th.
All tributes take place at the historic Arlington Theatre, located at 1317 State Street, Santa Barbara, California (except the Variety Artisans Award which will be at the Lobero Theatre).
A general view of atmosphere at the premiere screening of ‘McFarland, USA’ at the 30th Santa Barbara International Film Festival at Arlington Theatre on February 7, 2015 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images for The Santa Barbara International Film Festival)
THE PANELS
SBIFF has become renowned for creating smart, insightful panels that feature a who’s who in the world of filmmaking, including many Oscar® contenders.
The panel series begins on Saturday, February 6thwith the “Movers and Shakers,” (Producers Panel), bringing together the industry’s most prolific producers to talk about current projects, hopes for the future of filmmaking, and insights into the creative process. Moderated by Los Angeles Times film writer Glenn Whipp.
That same day proceeds with “It Starts With the Script” (Screenwriters Panel), bringing together top writers to discuss their craft. The panel will be moderated by indieWIRE’s Anne Thompson.
On Saturday February 13, with Creative Forces: Women in the Business (Women’s Panel), moderated by Madelyn Hammond, President, Madelyn Hammond & Assoc., and Former Chief Marketing Officer for Variety. The Women’s Panel is sponsored by Brooks Institute.
All panels take place at the Lobero Theatre, located at 33 E Canon Perdido St., in Santa Barbara.
HIGHLIGHTS & LOCAL OFFERINGS
Student Film Studies Program – Returning for its second year, the student film studies program will bring undergraduate film students from across the country for a three day symposium with a focus on film appreciation, criticism, and analysis. Students will have the opportunity to learn from notable industry professionals and get a behind-the-scenes look at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival through a unique mix of guided and self-guided opportunities, allowing students to customize the experience and benefit from all the Festival has to offer. Students will have access to screenings, panels, Q&A sessions, celebrity tribute events, and private sessions with filmmakers and media professionals in a classroom setting. Due to the generosity of Lynda Weinman and Bruce Heavin, the amount of students allowed has doubled and the program will be completely FREE including travel and lodging.
Free Public Screenings – Sponsored by Cox Business, SBIFF will again offer critically acclaimed films FREE to the public at the Lobero Theatre everyday throughout the Festival..
Seminars – SBIFF will again present educational seminars that will be FREE to the public and will take place in the Visit Santa Ynez Valley Lounge at the Engel & Völkers Pavilion throughout the Festival at 11:00am.
The Jury – Films in several of the Festival’s film categories are in competition. These categories are viewed by a hand selected group of industry professionals including: Sean Baker, James Morrison, Johannes Kuhnke, Neil Konigsberg, Margaret Lazarus, Geoffrey Cowper, Alan Marshall, Anthony Zerbe, Perry Lange, Mimi deGruy, and Phyllis de Picciotto. On the last day of the Festival, the award winning films will be announced at the annual SBIFF awards breakfast.
SBIFF Acquisitions Program – SBIFF presents the 5th Annual Acquisitions Program on the first weekend of the festival, February 5 – February 7. Since it began five years ago, this weekend long event has grown significantly with a number of films from last year’s program going on to receive distribution. The program was created to allow the acquisitions community easy, industry-friendly access to films at SBIFF.
Super Silent Sunday – On Sunday February 7th, SBIFF will present a classic silent film at the Arlington Theatre completely FREE to the public. Live accompaniment will be provided by Adam Aceto on the theatre’s Wonder Morton pipe organ, which is one of only five in existence, and is a unique opportunity to connect with the rich history of cinema.
Mike’s Field Trip to the Movies – More than a decade ago, SBIFF first introduced “Field Trip to the Movies,” the brainchild of renowned nature cinematographer Mike deGruy, whose passion for exploring and sharing those adventures with audiences through filmmaking was the inspiration for this fascinating and thought-provoking program. Now renamed “Mike’s Field Trip to the Movies,” the goal of the program, which is offered to 4,000 5th and 6th grade students from throughout Santa Barbara County, is to use filmmaking to stimulate creative, confident and culturally aware thinkers and empower students and teachers with a novel approach to education.
AppleBox Family Films – FREE family films on the weekends of the Festival. This year, SBIFF will screen Animated Feature front-runners Inside Out (10:00am Feb. 6), Minions (1:00pm Feb. 6), The Peanut Movie (10:00am Feb. 7), and The Good Dinosaur (10:00am Feb. 13) Sponsored by Cox, KPMR Univision, Metropolitan Theatres, MOXI, and Rincon Broadcasting.
Santa Barbara Filmmakers – The Santa Barbara filmmaking community provides a diverse, thought-provoking series of features and shorts. Their programs underscore the emerging talent of up-and-coming filmmakers as well as seasoned veterans, and will be part of the juried competition this year for the first time.
10-10-10Student Screenwriting and Filmmaking Competition sponsored by Montecito Bank & Trust, Final Draft, and The Riordan Foundation. The Competition is comprised of 20 high school and college students chosen from 120 submissions. The filmmakers and screenwriters are then paired and they will then produce a 10-minute film during the 10 days of the Festival. On Tuesday, February 2 the 10-10-10 Press Conference will introduce the screenwriting and filmmaking finalists. On Saturday, February 13 at the Arlington Theatre, all ten completed films will be screened and the winners will be announced.
The Stand Up Award sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League – The Santa Barbara Tri-Counties Region of the Anti-Defamation League will be sponsoring and presenting the new ‘ADL Stand Up Award‘ to a dramatic film in the festival that represents an important addition to the efforts of the ADL “to secure justice and fair treatment for all.” ADL has a one hundred year history of standing up to bigotry, hatred, and discrimination. The purpose of this award is to recognize and celebrate the impact that story telling can have in fostering mutual understanding and respect.
Irish Animated Short Films – Santa Barbara’s Irish sister city of Dingle will make a presentation of Ireland’s top animators at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. From The West Coast of Ireland, sitting along The Wild Atlantic Way, Dingle International Film Festival will bring its showcase of Irish Animation to The West Coast of America in California. The selection of animation films by Maurice Galway, Director Dingle IFF, includes some of the top names in animation here in Ireland today whilst also giving a nod to up-and-coming talent.
Santa Barbara Local Heroes: Documentary Shorts – Directed by Phyllis de Picciotto and Stan Roden, these sixteen short documentaries are inspired, guided and determined by the Santa Barbara Independent’s 30-year tradition of honoring Local Heroes. The 2015 Santa Barbara Local Heroes are: Diana Basehart, Dr. Joe Blum, Don Bushnell, Rodney Chow, Frank Goss, David Hopkins, Jimmy Jennings, Santa Barbara High School Don’s Net Cafe (Lee Ann Knodle), Irene Macias, Marcel Meier, Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree, Suzanne Riordan, Santa Barbara Conservancy, Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol (Jan Martinez and Anthony Lombardi), Josette Tkacik, Friends of the Carpinteria Library (April Ueoka and Susan Williams). These short documentary portraits will screen periodically throughout the festival before the Santa Barbara Features/Shorts.
Youth CineMedia – SBIFF presents a documentary film series produced entirely by teens involved in the Youth CineMedia program. Striving to help children transition away from gang life, drugs and alcohol and into college and careers in music, photography and video production, the organization offers creative tools, training and support for underprivileged and at-risk teens. Free to the public with Q&A following.
3RD Weekend – SBIFF will once again present “3RD Weekend,” which will feature the highlights of the 31st Festival for Santa Barbara residents. The films will be screened throughout the weekend of February 19-21 at the Riviera Theatre. Screenings are FREE and seating is available on a first come, first served basis. Screening times will be posted sbiff.org in the days following Closing Night.
FILM CATEGORIES AND SIDEBARS
SBIFF features exciting, culturally enlightening, and entertaining programming and sidebars. 207+ films from around the world will be brought together to form an incredibly unique and diverse festival experience.
ABOVE AND BEYOND: A selection of exhilarating documentaries that capture the challenges of endurance sports as well as the adventure, beauty and thrills of the outdoors.
APPLEBOX: A series of free award-winning animated films for families.
CINEMATIC OVERTURES: A selection of films that showcase the world of performance including, music, theater and dance.
DOCUMENTARY: A selection of US and International documentaries.
GLOBAL HOLLYWOOD: A selection of documentaries that explore key figures from Hollywood history as well as the global dimensions of Hollywood.
INDEPENDENT: A selection of Independent feature films.
INTERNATIONAL: A selection of International feature films.
KOLNOA: A selection of feature films and documentaries that examine Israel from a variety of diverse historical, cultural and political perspectives.
NOIR: An international selection of neo-noirs filled with gritty underworlds, hard-boiled criminals, femme fatales and moral nihilists.
NORDIC: A selection of contemporary cinema from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
REEL NATURE: A selection of natural history documentaries that highlight key issues facing the environment and wildlife.
SANTA BARBARA FEATURES: A selection of films from Santa Barbara filmmakers.
SCREEN CUISINE: An international selection of feature films and documentaries that examine the cultural layers of cuisine and craft spirits.
SOCIAL JUSTICE: A selection of international documentaries that address critical social justice issues, including activism, environmentalism, equality, freedom of speech and human rights.
SPANISH/LATIN AMERICA: A selection of Spanish language films from Spain and Latin America.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: A selection of international award winning feature films and documentaries.
For the complete list of films, along with their descriptions and a preliminary screening schedule, visit www.sbiff.org. Please note that this is subject to change.
If air travel is required for your attendance, Alaska Airlines, the official airline for the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival, is offering 10% discounts on airfare between Santa Barbara, Los Angeles or Burbank, California and any of Alaska Airlines departure cities (excluding Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica and Prudhoe Bay) from February 2nd through February 16th, 2016. Book by February 16, 2016. Click here. Discounts are automatically applied. Restrictions apply. See site for details.
The American Film Institute (AFI) gathered the members of the talented, creative ensembles behind the most outstanding film and television for 2015 in Beverly Hills, California, January 8, 2016 at the Four Seasons Los Angeles Hotel. There were no winners or losers at the 2015 AFI AWARDS luncheon. AFI honors the entire team behind the year’s most prolific productions. Notable guests at the event included Rooney Mara, Jon Hamm, Brie Larson, Steve Carell, Ridley Scott and Ryan Gosling.
Mad Men actors (from left to right): Kiernan Shipka, January Jones and Jon Hamm. (Photo courtesy of AFI)
“ROOM” Co-Stars (from left to right): Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay. (Photo courtesy of AFI)
Actor Ryan Gosling (Photo courtesy of AFI)
The cast of BLACK-ISH at the 2015 AFI AWARDS luncheon. (Photo courtesy of AFI)
Pictured above (left to right): Filmmaker Steven Spielberg, actress Cate Blanchett, and Chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger. (Photo courtesy of AFI)
In addition, thirty-eight AFI Conservatory alumni were honored as official award recipients including the creators of “UnReal” and “Mr. Robot.” See this year’s ensemble of AFI Conservatory Alums official selections here. For highly detailed information, including jury rationale, on this year’s full slate of recipients click here.
Furthermore, each year the AFI AWARDS luncheon begins with its signature “March of Time” montage weaving the year’s most outstanding films and television into the medium’s history beginning in 1895.
Paramount Pictures in conjunction with On Animation Studio’s U.S. premiere of “The Little Prince” is slated to open the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) at 8PM on February 3rd, 2016 at Santa Barbara’s historic Arlington Theater. The animated film’s star-studded cast features the voices of Jeff Bridges, Marion Cotillard, Bernicio Del Toro, Rachel McAdams, Mackenzie Foy, Ricky Gervais, Paul Rudd and James Franco. Click here for tickets, passes and packages.
The Opening Night Film + Gala is co-sponsored by Bella Vista Designs. “The Little Prince” is scheduled for theatrical release March 18, 2016.
“The Little Prince” is based on Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s classic tale Le Petit Prince. Writers Irena Brignull and Bob Persichetti have created an original narrative interfused with elements of the novel.
SBIFF Executive Director, Roger Durling, had this to say about “The Little Prince:”
(Photo Credit: The Santa Barbara Independent)
“Saint-Exupery’s novel is one of the most beloved works of the 2oth century. What Mark (Dir. Osborne) has done with this story is extraordinary and moving, and we think it provides a perfect tie-in to AppleBox, our free family screening program, and to the festival’s other philanthropic efforts. We are thrilled to have this film kick off our festival.”
If air travel is required, Alaska Airlines, the official airline for the 31st Santa Barbara International Film Festival, is offering 10% discounts on airfare between Santa Barbara, Los Angeles or Burbank, California and any of Alaska Airlines departure cities (excluding Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica and Prudhoe Bay) from February 2nd through February 16th, 2016. Book by February 16, 2016. Click here. Discounts are automatically applied. Restrictions apply. See site for details.
Here’s a peek behind the scenes of the major collaborators from “The Big Short”:
The film, directed by Adam McKay, is based on the book, “The Big Short: Inside The Doomsday Machine,” by Michael Lewis, and was adapted by McKay and Charles Randolph.
The film’s narrative is driven by four cynical, fringe Wall Street entities disgusted with the large banking institutions’ overriding greed for profits. They make the decision to capitalize on the ensuing housing market calamity and the financial meltdown of 2008 upon discovering the market frenzy is being driven by worthless “dog shit” collateral debt obligations. viewed the film at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California as the closing night film of the 2105 AFIFEST. It was also the film’s world premiere.
McKay chooses to inject a significant dose of humor in the early scenes to condition the audience receptors for what they are about to experience. Utilizing the Martin Scorsese docu-drama style in a similar setting with “Wolf of Wall Street,” a strong narrative voice dominates particular moments. Several of these deliberately break the ‘Fourth Wall” in the style of “Wolfie,” Jordan Belfort, as the characters, including a hilarious cameo by Selena Gomez, speak directly into the camera to explain the complexities of Wall Street financials. The overall effect adds additional humor and adds another layer in creating a sense of authenticity and truth about the film’s subject matter.
After a rather lengthy dizzying, yet delightful, character introduction, the film picks up pace as the drama begins to unfold. Dr. Michael Burry, an eccentric financial analyst, with complete autonomy of an investment fund, uncovers variables in his economic forecast indicating a massive housing market collapse. He informs his higher up, Lawrence Fields, played convincingly by Tracy Letts, of his discovery and creates a financial prospectus. In essence, he creates a commodity of selling short on bundled mortgages.
The bankers laugh as they willingly sell Burry all the “insurance” he wants. Word quickly spreads of Burry’s perceived madness in a after-work cocktail scene. With interest piqued upon overhearing the Wall Street gossip of the day, Jarred Bennett, portrayed by Ryan Gosling, scoops up the essence of Burry’s move. Soon, he sells a group led by Steve Carell’s all-too-human, Mark Baum to buy in.
As the debacle is in full free-fall, Baum struggles with disbelief as he and his group have bet against their own umbrella entity, Morgan Stanley. The final team that has uncovered the impending financial crisis, made up of two Wall Street neophytes and veteran Ben Rickert, played by one of the film’s producers, Brad Pitt, also struggles with the imploding financial system caused by corporate greed and indifference.
With a mammoth cast, McKay draws on a plethora of talent in the likes of Hollywood A-listers including Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling, Selena Gomez, Christian Bale, Karen Gillan Steve Carell, Marisa Tomei, Melissa Leo and Finn Wittrock. McKay and Randolph create characters with witty dialogue coupled with complementary cinematography provided by Barry Ackroyd. The soundtrack carries a similar tone of “Wolf of Wall Street,” with a compilation of classic rock anthems. Nicholas Britell widely recognized for his work on Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave,” where Britell composed on set the on-screen violin performances, work songs, dances and spiritual songs rarely misses a beat this time out. Much like another AFI FEST 2015 film, “The Clan,” Argentina’s official entry to the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Best Foreign Language Category for Oscar, “The Big Short,” musical score is often in juxtaposition to the the narrative and mise-en-scen adding a deeper visceral quality to the viewing experience.
In its most basic essence, “The Big Short,” builds on the visceral truth of Scorsese’s “Wolf of Wall Street.” It depicts a not-so-long-ago present where a noble ideal, making home ownership a reality for Americans, is bastardized by the indifferent market forces of capitalism. Probably not what Adam Smith had in mind when he penned his treatise, “The Wealth of Nations.” Warmly Recommended.
Mad Men actors (from left to right): Kiernan Shipka, January Jones and Jon Hamm. (Photo courtesy of AFI)
Actor Ryan Gosling (Photo courtesy of AFI)
The cast of 
Pictured above (left to right): Filmmaker Steven Spielberg, actress Cate Blanchett, and Chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger. (Photo courtesy of AFI)
