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.”

(Photo Courtesy of Paramount Pictures)

The festival’s 31st edition is scheduled to run from February 3rd through February 13th, 2016.  For more information on tickets, passes and packages click here.

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.