Posted by Larry Gleeson

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) opened its 32nd edition with the heartfelt and spirit-lifting documentary, Charged: The Eduardo Garcia Story, directed by Phillip Baribeau. Charged is a film about a TV personality chef, Eduardo Garcia, who experiences a 2400 volt jolt of electricity while hiking in the Montana backcountry when he touches a bear atop a live downed electrical wire. Garcia (pictured below with mic) would lose a hand, several ribs and contract testicular cancer. Charged chronicles his successful road to recovery and reveals a spirit triumphant over adversity and strife.

The festival runs through the 11th. Tickets and passes are still available at sbiff.org.

SBIFF Executive Director conducted a Q & A – Conversation during the first of the  free Filmmaking Seminars at the Santa Ynez Lounge with the cast and crew the morning after Charged screened as the  Opening Night Film.

Here’s what festival goers had to say about Charged on the recently announced SBIFF app discussion page:

“So impressed with this comprehensive documentary and the story of how medical technology, love and support of family/friends, and Eduardo Garcia’s strength of spirit/humanity/commitment to overcome this tragic accident combined to bring a tragic accident around to the best possible outcome. A must see!” – Laura Ray

“Really good. Quite a tale. Loved what it said about life and love.” – Jim Lincoln

Charged will screen today at 4:30 PM at the Lobero Theatre. Tickets are still available at the door for $15.

The festival runs through the 11th. Tickets and passes are still available at sbiff.org.

See you at the Cinema!