Category Archives: Santa Barbara International Film Festival

#SBIFF, Film Festival, Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Free SBIFF Filmmaker Seminars!

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Posted by Larry Gleeson

 

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is once again offering free filmmaker seminars. In previous years, the seminars were held behind the Lobero Theatre.

 

 

This year, however, the conversations will be held outside at Casa de la Guerra located at 15 East De La Guerra Street in downtown Santa Barbara.

The topics reflect films and highlights from the various sections and sidebars programmed for this year’s festival.

 

Topic – Diversity
Thursday, March 3 – 11:00 AM

Topic – Women Filmmakers
Friday, March 4 – 11:00 AM

Topic – Independent Filmmakers
Monday, March 7 – 11:00 AM

Topic – The Future of Theaters (In this Age of Streaming)
Tuesday, March 8 – 11:00 AM

Topic – International Filmmaking
Wednesday, March 9 – 11:00 AM

Topic – Documentary Activism
Thursday, March 10 – 11:00 AM

Topic – How to Make a Great Short
Friday, March 11 – 11:00 AM

 

About the Santa Barbara International Film Festival

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema. Over the past 36 years, SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States – attracting 100,000+ attendees and offering 11 days of 200+ films including 100+ premieres representing over 60 countries, tributes, and panel discussions, fulfilling their mission to engage, enrich, and inspire the Santa Barbara community through film.

In 2016, SBIFF entered a new era with the acquisition of the historic and beloved Riviera Theatre. After a capital campaign and renovation, the theatre is now SBIFF’s new state-of-the-art, year-round home, showing new international and independent films every day. In 2019, SBIFF opened its own Education Center in downtown Santa Barbara on State Street to serve as a home for its many educational programs and a place for creativity and learning.

 

(Sourced from SBIFF.org)

 

#SBIFF, Santa Barbara International Film Festival, SBIFF Virtuosos

SBIFF Adds Ciarán Hinds as honoree for Virtuosos Award

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Posted by Larry Gleeson

CIARÁN HINDS TO BE HONORED WITH SBIFF’S VIRTUOSOS AWARD

 

Ciarán Hinds

 

Tonight, Saturday, March 5th, 8 PM, at the Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, Calif., Ciarán Hinds will be honored with the Virtuosos Award presented by UGG at the 37th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. He will be joining fellow honorees Caitriona Balfe (Belfast), Ariana DeBose (West Side Story), Alana Haim (Licorice Pizza), Jamie Dornan (BELFAST) Emilia Jones (CODA), Troy Kotsur (CODA), Simon Rex (Red Rocket), and Saniyya Sidney (King Richard) at an in-person conversation about their respective films and Hinds Oscar-nominated performance in Kenneth Branagh’s BELFAST from Focus Features.

The Virtuosos Award is an honor created to recognize a select group of talent whose noteworthy performances in film have elevated them into the national cinematic dialogue. The evening will be moderated for the 12th year by Dave Karger, Turner Classic Movies host.

Last year’s Virtuosos included Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal), Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm), Kingsley Ben-Adir (One Night in Miami), Andra Day (The United States vs. Billie Holiday), Sidney Flanigan (Never Rarely Sometimes Always), Vanessa Kirby (Pieces of a Woman), Tahar Rahim (The Mauritanian), and Zendaya (Malcolm & Marie).

 

The 37th Santa Barbara International Film Festival, presented by UGG®, will take place in IN-PERSON from March 2 through March 12, 2022. 200+ films, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes, will be held throughout Santa Barbara, including at the historic Arlington Theatre. This year’s lineup is available on SBIFF’s mobile app. For additional information or to buy passes, visit sbiff.org.

 

About the Santa Barbara International Film Festival

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema. Over the past 36 years, SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States – attracting 100,000+ attendees and offering 11 days of 200+ films including 100+ premieres representing over 60 countries, tributes, and panel discussions, fulfilling their mission to engage, enrich, and inspire the Santa Barbara community through film.

In 2016, SBIFF entered a new era with the acquisition of the historic and beloved Riviera Theatre. After a capital campaign and renovation, the theatre is now SBIFF’s new state-of-the-art, year-round home, showing new international and independent films every day. In 2019, SBIFF opened its own Education Center in downtown Santa Barbara on State Street to serve as a home for its many educational programs and a place for creativity and learning.

 

(Sourced from SBIFF News)

 

 

#SBIFF, Santa Barbara International Film Festival

SBIFF’s Announces Variety Artisans Award Honorees!

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Posted by Larry Gleeson

Variety Artisans Award
sponsored by Variety

Variety’s eighth annual Artisans Awards celebrate those essential to the filmmaking process and who have exhibited the most exciting and innovative work of the year in their respective fields. The in-person conversation and tribute will take place Monday, March 7th at 8:00 pm at the historic Arlington Theatre.

 


“What I love so much about the Artisans Awards and honoring them here at SBIFF, is that this shines a spotlight on those essential to the art of filmmaking and storytelling,” said Variety senior artisans awards editor Jazz Tangcay. “This is their moment to shine and share how they tell a story through their craft and celebrate them. It’s so great to be back in person and to share this with an in-person crowd at the festival.”

SBIFF’s Executive Director added “What festivals and events like the Artisans Awards are all about is connectivity and building community through the art of film. The past two years have not been good to those essential aspects of cinema that I cherish so much. Both Variety and SBIFF are thrilled to be back together celebrating our talented artisans.”

The Variety Artisans Award will be presented to:

Frederic Aspiras and Göran Lundstrom for Makeup and Hairstyling in HOUSE OF GUCCI

Tamara Deverell for Production Design in NIGHTMARE ALLEY

Germaine Franco for Score in ENCANTO

Greig Fraser for Cinematography in DUNE

Lin-Manuel Miranda for Song in ENCANTO

Paul Massey for Sound in NO TIME TO DIE

Kelly Port for Visual Effects in SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME

Peter Scriberras for Editing in THE POWER OF THE DOG

Jacqueline West and Bob Morgan for Costume Design in DUNE

The 37th Santa Barbara International Film Festival, presented by UGG®, will take place in IN-PERSON from March 2 through March 12, 2022. 200+ films, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes, will be held throughout Santa Barbara, including at the historic Arlington Theatre. This year’s lineup is available on SBIFF’s mobile app. For additional information or to buy passes, visit sbiff.org.

 

 

About the Santa Barbara International Film Festival

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema. Over the past 36 years, SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States – attracting 100,000+ attendees and offering 11 days of 200+ films including 100+ premieres representing over 60 countries, tributes, and panel discussions, fulfilling their mission to engage, enrich, and inspire the Santa Barbara community through film.

In 2016, SBIFF entered a new era with the acquisition of the historic and beloved Riviera Theatre. After a capital campaign and renovation, the theatre is now SBIFF’s new state-of-the-art, year-round home, showing new international and independent films every day. In 2019, SBIFF opened its own Education Center in downtown Santa Barbara on State Street to serve as a home for its many educational programs and a place for creativity and learning.

 

(Sourced from SBIFF News Release)

#SBIFF, Santa Barbara International Film Festival

SBIFF’s Montecito Award honoree announced!

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Posted by Larry Gleeson

 

Penélope Cruz will be honored with the Montecito Award at the 37th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Cruz will receive the award on Tuesday, March 8th, at an in-person conversation about her career leading up to this year’s performance in Pedro Almodóvar’s PARALLEL MOTHERS from Sony Pictures Classic.

 

SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling (Photo cr. Clint Weisman Studio)

“In the most complex role written by the master Almodovar, Penelope Cruz delivers the best performance of her career and a master class in calibration and detailed acting,” remarked SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling. “In my book, she’s one of the great performers of our time.”

 

 

 

 

In PARALLEL MOTHERS; Two women, Janis (Penélope Cruz) and Ana (Milena Smit), coincide in a hospital room where they are going to give birth. Both are single and became pregnant by accident. Janis, middle-aged, doesn’t regret it and she is exultant. The other, Ana, an adolescent, is scared, repentant, and traumatized. Janis tries to encourage her while they move like sleepwalkers along the hospital corridors. The few words they exchange in these hours will create a very close link between the two, which by chance develops and complicates, and changes their lives in a decisive way.

 

PARALLEL MOTHERS

 

The Montecito Award is named after one of the most beautiful and stylish areas in Santa Barbara. Past recipients include Amanda Seyfried, Lupita Nyong’o, Melissa McCarthy, Saoirse Ronan, Isabelle Huppert, Sylvester Stallone, Jennifer Aniston, Oprah Winfrey, Daniel Day-Lewis, Geoffrey Rush, Julianne Moore, Kate Winslet, Naomi Watts, and Javier Bardem.

The 37th Santa Barbara International Film Festival, presented by UGG®, will take place IN-PERSON on March 2 through March 12, 2022. 200+ films, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes, will be held throughout Santa Barbara, including at the historic Arlington Theatre. This year’s lineup is available on SBIFF’s mobile app.

About the Santa Barbara International Film Festival

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema. Over the past 36 years, SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States – attracting 100,000+ attendees and offering 11 days of 200+ films including 100+ premieres representing over 60 countries, tributes, and panel discussions, fulfilling their mission to engage, enrich, and inspire the Santa Barbara community through film.

In 2016, SBIFF entered a new era with the acquisition of the historic and beloved Riviera Theatre. After a capital campaign and renovation, the theatre is now SBIFF’s new state-of-the-art, year-round home, showing new international and independent films every day. In 2019, SBIFF opened its own Education Center in downtown Santa Barbara on State Street to serve as a home for its many educational programs and a place for creativity and learning.

(Sourced from SBIFF News Release)

#SBIFF, Arlington Theater, Film Festival, Santa Barbara International Film Festival

SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2022 PROGRAM

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Posted by Larry Gleeson

37TH FESTIVAL OPENS WITH THE U.S. PREMIERE OF “THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN” AND CLOSES WITH “DIONNE WARWICK: DON’T MAKE ME OVER”

FESTIVAL TO PRESENT 95 U.S. PREMIERES AND 48 WORLD PREMIERES

 

Santa Barbara, CA. (Thursday, February 10, 2022) –The Santa Barbara International Film Festival ® (SBIFF), presented by UGG , announced today the highly anticipated lineup for the 37th edition, which will run March 2 to 12, 2022. The festival will feature 48 world premieres and 95 U.S. premieres from 54 countries, along with tributes featuring the year’s top talent, panel discussions, and free community education and outreach programs.

 

SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling (Cr. Clint Wiseman Studio)

SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling stated this morning,

“It brings us an unbridled joy to share our slate for this edition of SBIFF. After two years of incertitude, it feels good to know we can continue to count on film and the festival to give us a sense of comfort and continuity. We’re extremely proud of the offerings at the 37th fest.”

 

 

OPENING NIGHT

SBIFF 2022 will start with the Opening Night Film, presented by UGG , on Wednesday, March 2 with the U.S. Premiere of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN, a heartwarming British comedy starring Oscar winners Sally Hawkins and Mark Rylance. The film is based on the true story of Maurice Fitcroft, who entered the 1976 British Open despite never having played a round of golf before.

CLOSING NIGHT

SBIFF 2022 will close on Saturday, March 12 with DIONNE WARWICK: DON’T MAKE ME OVER, with the iconic singer in attendance. The documentary follows Warwick as she smashed through cultural, racial, and gender barriers to become the soundtrack for generations and a voice fighting for humanitarian causes. Featuring interviews with Burt Bachrach, Gladys Knight, Gloria Estefan, Snoop Dogg, Bill Clinton, and many more.

THE TRIBUTES

SBIFF is an important showcase for Academy Award frontrunners, many of whom have arrived as nominees and gone on to win the Oscar. The 37th SBIFF proudly celebrates some of the year’s finest work in film. All tributes will be in person at the historic Arlington Theatre as well as streamed live.

    • Outstanding Directors of the Year Award sponsored by The Hollywood Reporter – Thursday, March 3, at 8:00 pm. Honorees to be announced. Moderated by Scott Feinberg.
    • ●  American Riviera Award honoring Kristen Stewart – Friday, March 4 at 8:00 pm. Moderated by Anne Thompson.®
    • ●  Virtuosos Award presented by UGG, honoring Caitriona Balfe (Belfast), Ariana DeBose (West Side Story), Jamie Dornan (Belfast), Alana Haim (Licorice Pizza), Emilia Jones (CODA), Troy Kotsur (CODA), Simon Rex (Red Rocket), and Saniyya Sidney (King Richard) – Saturday, March 5 at 8:00 pm, moderated by Dave Karger.
    • ●  Variety Artisans Award sponsored by Variety – Monday, March 7 at 8:00 pm. Honorees to be announced. Moderated by Jazz Tangcay.
    • ●  Montecito Award – Tuesday, March 8 at 8:00 pm. Honoree to be announced.
    • ●  Outstanding Performers of the Year Award presented by Manitou Fund honoring Will Smith and Aunjanue Ellis – Sunday, March 6 at 8:00 pm. Moderated by Scott Feinberg.
    • ●  Cinema Vanguard Award sponsored by Deadline honoring Benedict Cumberbatch -Wednesday, March 9 at 8:00 pm. Moderated by Pete Hammond.
    • ●  Maltin Modern Master Award presented by Manitou Fund honoring Javier Bardem and Nicole Kidman – Thursday, March 10 at 8:00 pm. Moderated by Leonard Maltin.
    • 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. Returning will be our annual Producers Panel, Writers Panel, and Women’s Panel. All Panels will be in person at the historic Arlington Theatre as well as streamed live. Panelists to be announced. Writers Panel – Saturday, March 5 at 11:00 am – Moderated by Anne Thompson Producers Panel – Saturday, March 5 at 2:00 pm – Moderated by Glenn Whipp Women’s Panel – Sunday, March 12 at 11:00 am – Moderated by Madelyn Hammond.

SPECIAL SCREENINGS AND Q&A’s

  • ●  THE POWER OF THE DOG followed by a Q&A with Jane Campion – Thursday, March 3 at 2:00 pm – FREE admission
  • ●  10th Anniversary screening of SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK followed by a Q&A with DAVID O. RUSSELL – Date and Time to be announced – FREE ADMISSION
  • ●  More to be announced
    GREG NAVA RETROSPECTIVE
  • Also, slated are Greg Nava’s seminal immigration saga, EL NORTE, and SELENA, the riveting biopic about the famous Tejano music legend who met a tragic end at only 23, starring Jennifer Lopez and Edward James Olmos. Olmos will be in attendance at the screening.

SELENA – Tuesday, March 8 at 2:00 pm – FREE admission

EL NORTE – Wednesday, March 9 at 2:00 pm – FREE admission

Nava will be present for a Q&A following each of the screenings. Edward James Olmos will also be joining the SELENA Q&A.

Free Screenings made possible with support from John C. Mithun Foundation.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, FREE PROGRAMS, AND OTHER MENTIONS

SBIFF Poster Designed by Acclaimed Artist Hank Pitcher

The 2022 SBIFF poster was painted by acclaimed artist and Santa Barbara resident Hank Pitcher. He remarked, “Standing on a beach, looking out to sea, or sitting in a theater looking at the screen, we project our hopes and dreams out onto those vast surfaces. It is like waiting in line to buy a ticket, then walking through the lobby into the auditorium to find a seat, or going to the shore and walking down to stand by the water. Both are about desire and discovery. I love big old movie theaters like the Riviera and the Arlington and the Granada. I have long thought of my painting as a way to stop the film at my favorite part and walk up on the stage and into the scene to look around.”

Mike’s Field Trip to the Movies – Named for renowned nature cinematographer Mike deGruy, Mike’s Field Trip to the Movies uses filmmaking to nurture creative, confident, and culturally aware thinkers. This year’s MFT Program will be offered to 2,000 4th–6th-grade students from Title I (low-income) schools throughout Santa Barbara County. This year’s program will feature critically acclaimed films and live Q&As with their directors, recorded discussions with the filmmakers and artisans from this year’s top animated films, along film education study guides. Sponsored by Montecito Bank & Trust, Patagonia, Union Bank, Bentson Foundation, and Volentine Family Foundation.

Film Studies Program – The Film Studies Program will invite 30 undergraduate film students from across the country to the Film Festival where they’ll take part in a packed curriculum that turns the festival into an interactive classroom. Participants receive priority access to the films, panels, filmmaker seminars, tributes, as well as intimate Q&As with filmmakers, talent, and other professionals. Sponsored by Lynda Weinman and Bruce Heavin.

10–10–10 Student Screenwriting and Filmmaking Mentorship and Competition – The 10-10-10 Program is made up of 20 area high school and college screenwriters and filmmakers. This year’s program includes virtual workshops, individual mentorship, and access to casting, visual effects, producing, and sound mentors. The student screenwriters and directors are paired together and guided through the process of making a film from script to screen. Other program highlights include pitching sessions, table reads, guest speaker Q&As and film talks. Sponsored by Kaleidoscope Productions.

Free Filmmaker Seminars – SBIFF will again present educational seminars with filmmakers premiering at this year’s festival. These seminars will be FREE to the public and will take place on each weekday during the Festival at Casa de la Guerra in downtown Santa Barbara just off the State Street Promenade.

The ADL Stand Up Award sponsored by ADL Santa Barbara/Tri-Counties – This award will be presented to a dramatic film in the festival that represents an important message consistent with ADL’s efforts “to secure justice and fair treatment for all.” The winner will be announced during the Festival.

Visit sbiff.org for more information on the 2022 Program of Films!

(Press release provided by Brooke Blumberg, Sunshine Sachs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

#SBIFF, Maltin Award, Santa Barbara International Film Festival

SBIFF Announces Maltin Modern Master Award Honorees

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Posted by Larry Gleeson

MALTIN MODERN MASTER AWARD
HONORING JAVIER BARDEM AND NICOLE KIDMAN THURSDAY, MARCH 10th, 2022

 

Academy Award-winners Javier Bardem and Nicole Kidman will be honored with the prestigious Maltin Modern Master Award at the 37th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. They will receive the award on Thursday, March 10th following an in-person conversation about their careers leading up to this year’s performances as Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball in Aaron Sorkin’s BEING THE RICARDOS from Amazon Studios, for which they have both received individual Lead Actor SAG Award nominations. Bardem and Kidman previously won Oscars for NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (2007) and THE HOURS (2002), respectively.

 

Leonard Maltin

“Nicole Kidman continues to challenge and reinvent herself year after year. Javier Bardem’s talent is a gift to the world. Only in Hollywood could these actors find themselves playing America’s all time favorite tv couple. It’s cause for celebration.” remarked Leonard Maltin.

 

Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) and Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) are threatened by shocking personal accusations, a political smear, and cultural taboos in Academy Award®-winning writer and director Aaron Sorkin’s behind-the-scenes drama Being the Ricardos. A revealing glimpse of the couple’s complex romantic and professional relationship, the film takes audiences into the writers’ room, onto the soundstage, and behind closed doors with Ball and Arnaz during one critical production week of their groundbreaking sitcom I Love Lucy.

The Modern Master Award was established in 1995 and is the highest accolade presented by SBIFF. Created to honor an individual who has enriched our culture through accomplishments in the motion picture industry, it was re-named the Maltin Modern Master Award in 2015 in honor of long-time SBIFF moderator and renowned film critic Leonard Maltin. Past recipients include Bill Murray, Brad Pitt, Glenn Close, Denzel Washington, Michael Keaton, Bruce Dern, Ben Affleck, Christopher Plummer, Christopher Nolan, James Cameron, Clint Eastwood, Cate Blanchett, Will Smith, George Clooney, and Peter Jackson.

The 37th Santa Barbara International Film Festival, presented by UGG®, will take place LIVE on March 2 through March 12, 2022. Official events including screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes, will be held throughout the city, including at the historic Arlington Theatre. This year’s lineup will be announced in February 2022. For additional information or to buy passes, visit sbiff.org.

(Sourced from SBIFF News Release)

#SBIFF, Santa Barbara International Film Festival

SBIFF’s Announces Benedict Cumberbatch Cinema Vanguard Award honoree

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Posted by Larry Gleeson

Academy Award nominee Benedict Cumberbatch will be honored with the Cinema Vanguard Award at the 37th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. He will receive the award on Wednesday, March 9th, following an in-person conversation about his career leading up to this year’s performance in Jane Campion’s THE POWER OF THE DOG from Netflix.

“He’s an intelligent, enigmatic and deeply committed artist who comfortably straddles a career in blockbusters and independent cinema where he works with visionary talent like Jane Campion. We’re ecstatically planning our celebration of Benedict Cumberbatch” remarked SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling.

SBIFF Director Roger Durling on the red carpet at the Opening Night Film ‘Diving Deep: The Life And Times Of Mike deGruy’ during 34th Santa Barbara International Film Festival at the historic Arlington Theatre, January 31, 2019, in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Larry Gleeson/HollywoodGlee)

The Cinema Vanguard Award recognizes actors who have forged their own path, taking artistic risks and making a significant and unique contribution to film. Previous honorees include Carey Mulligan, Laura Dern, Michael B. Jordan, William DaFoe, Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Rooney Mara, Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Amy Adams, Jean Dujardin, Bernice Bejo, Nicole Kidman, Peter Sarsgaard, Christoph Waltz, Vera Farmiga, Kristin Scott Thomas, Stanley Tucci, and Ryan Gosling.

The 37th Santa Barbara International Film Festival, presented by UGG®, will take place LIVE on March 2 through March 12, 2022. Official events including screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes, will be held throughout the city, including at the historic Arlington Theatre. This year’s lineup will be announced in February 2022.

(Sourced from SBIFF News Release)

#SBIFF, Santa Barbara International Film Festival

KRISTEN STEWART TO BE HONORED WITH AMERICAN RIVIERA AWARD AT 2022 SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

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Posted by Larry Gleeson

KRISTEN STEWART TO BE HONORED WITH

AMERICAN RIVIERA AWARD

AT 2022 SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

SANTA BARBARA, CA (December 6, 2021) – Kristen Stewart will be honored with the American Riviera Award at the 37th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Stewart will receive the award on Friday, March 4th, 2022, 8PM, at the historic Arlington Theatre with an in-person conversation about her career leading up to this year’s performance as Princess Diana in Pablo Larraín’s SPENCER from NEON.

“Seeing Stewart in “Spencer” is not a question of a star being born for she was already that, but we’re witnessing the coming into her own as a major cinematic force,” remarked SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling.

 

SPENCER is written by Steven Knight and directed by Pablo Larraín. Though rumors of affairs and a divorce abound, peace is ordained for the Christmas festivities at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate. There’s eating and drinking, shooting and hunting. Diana knows the game. But this year, things will be profoundly different. SPENCER is an imagining of what might have happened during those few fateful days.

 

The American Riviera Award was established to recognize actors who have made a significant contribution to American Cinema. Previous recipients include Delroy Lindo, Renée Zellweger, Viggo Mortenson, Sam Rockwell, Jeff Bridges, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Robert Redford, Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, Annette Bening, Sandra Bullock, Mickey Rourke, Tommy Lee Jones, Forrest Whitaker, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Kevin Bacon and Diane Lane.

The 37th Santa Barbara International Film Festival, presented by UGG®, is taking place LIVE from March 2 through March 12, 2022.  For additional information or to buy passes, visit sbiff.org.

 

 

About the Santa Barbara International Film Festival

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema. Over the past 36 years, SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States – attracting 100,000+ attendees and offering 11 days of 200+ films including 100+ premieres representing over 60 countries, tributes, and panel discussions, fulfilling their mission to engage, enrich, and inspire the Santa Barbara community through film.

In 2016, SBIFF entered a new era with the acquisition of the historic and beloved Riviera Theatre. After a capital campaign and renovation, the theatre is now SBIFF’s new state-of-the-art, year-round home, showing new international and independent films every day. In 2019, SBIFF opened its own Education Center in downtown Santa Barbara on State Street to serve as a home for its many educational programs and a place for creativity and learning.

(Source: Press release provided by Michelle Tarangelo, Sunshine Sachs)

 

#SBIFF, outstanding performer of the year, Santa Barbara International Film Festival

WILL SMITH AND AUNJANUE ELLIS TO BE HONORED WITH OUTSTANDING PERFORMERS OF THE YEAR AWARD AT 2022 SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

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Posted by Larry Gleeson

WILL SMITH AND AUNJANUE ELLIS TO BE HONORED WITH OUTSTANDING PERFORMERS OF THE YEAR AWARD AT 2022 SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

SANTA BARBARA, CA (November 11, 2021) – Will Smith and Aunjanue Ellis will receive the Outstanding Performers of the Year Award at the 37th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Smith and Ellis will be honored at an in-person conversation about their cinematic careers leading up to their outstanding performances in this year’s “King Richard” from Warner Bros Pictures. The date will be determined soon.


“We’re so excited to be able to salute the incomparable Will Smith and the revelatory Aunjanue Ellis with this award. The ‘doubles match’ of their intricate relationship onscreen as Richard and Oracene in “King Richard” is electrifying and a joy to behold,” remarked SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling.

Based on the true story that will inspire the world, Warner Bros. Pictures’ “King Richard” follows the journey of Richard Williams, an undeterred father instrumental in raising two of the most extraordinarily gifted athletes of all time, who will end up changing the sport of tennis forever. Two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith (“Ali,” “The Pursuit of Happiness,” “Bad Boys for Life”) stars as Richard. Aunjanue Ellis (“If Beale Street Could Talk,” HBO’s “Lovecraft Country”) plays Oracene, the girls’ mother. Driven by a clear vision of their future and using unconventional methods, Richard has a plan that will take Venus (played by Saniyya Sidney) and Serena Williams (played by Demi Singleton) from the streets of Compton, California to the global stage as legendary icons. The profoundly moving film shows the power of family, perseverance, and unwavering belief as a means to achieve the impossible and impact the world.

The Outstanding Performers of the Year Award recognizes select individuals who have distinguished themselves with exceptional performances in film this past year. Past recipients of the award include Sacha Baron Cohen, Adam Driver, Rami Malek, Margot Robbie and Allison Janney, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, Brie Larson and Saoirse Ronan, Steve Carell, Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Lawrence, Viola Davis, James Franco, Colin Firth, Penelope Cruz, Angelina Jolie, Helen Mirren, Heath Ledger, Kate Winslet and Charlize Theron.
 
The 37th Santa Barbara International Film Festival, presented by UGG®, will take place LIVE on March 2 through March 12, 2022. Official events including screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes, will be held throughout the city, including at the historic Arlington Theatre. This year’s lineup will be announced February 2022. For additional information or to buy passes, visit sbiff.org.   

About the Santa Barbara International Film Festival

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema. Over the past 35 years, SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States – attracting 100,000+ attendees and offering 11 days of 200+ films, tributes and symposiums, fulfilling their mission to engage, enrich, and inspire the Santa Barbara community through the power of film.

In 2016, SBIFF entered a new era with the acquisition of the historic and beloved Riviera Theatre. After a capital campaign and renovation, the theatre is now SBIFF’s new state-of-the-art, year-round home, showing new international and independent films every day. In 2019, SBIFF opened its own Education Center in downtown Santa Barbara on State Street to serve as a home for its many educational programs and a place for creativity and learning.

(Source: News release Michelle Tarangelo, Sunshine Sachs)

#AFI, #AFIFEST, #SBIFF, Film Festival, Santa Barbara International Film Festival

SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES CLAUDIA PUIG AS PROGRAMMING DIRECTOR

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August 12, 2021 – Santa Barbara, CA. – The Santa Barbara International Film Festival announced today the appointment of Claudia Puig as Programming Director. In her role, Puig will lead the curation of the film slate for the 2022 edition of the Festival. The program will include a broad array of over 200 international and independent films with a commitment to diversity and inclusion, with most films being World or U.S. Premieres. Puig will lead insightful Q&As and seminar discussions with hundreds of attending filmmakers, and she will report to Roger Durling, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Puig is currently serving as president of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and is a longtime critic on NPR’s Film Week. 

 

“Claudia has tremendous film festival programming expertise, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the team. We have the utmost faith in her ability to bring forward a program of unmatched quality to share with our community; and with both Claudia and I being Latino, this marks a first for any major Film Festival’s artistic leads,” said Roger Durling, SBIFF’s Executive Director.

Prior to joining SBIFF, she handled programming for AFI Fest, the Mendocino Film Festival, and the Napa Valley Film Festival. She has been a speechwriter for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In addition, Claudia has a film consulting business specializing in cultural consulting and teaches a college class on Diversity in the Media. Previously, she was USA Today’s film critic for 15 years. During that time, she also hosted The Screening Room video series and wrote film reviews and analytical articles about the film industry. Before that, she was a staff writer at the Los Angeles Times for 11 years covering city government, courts, and the entertainment industry.

 

The 37th Santa Barbara International Film Festival, presented by UGG®, will take place LIVE on March 2 through March 12, 2022. Official events including screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes, will be held throughout the city, including at the historic Arlington Theatre. This year’s lineup will be announced February 2022. 

 

Over the past 36 years, SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the world attracting 100,000+ attendees throughout the week. Funds raised through the festival directly support SBIFF’s year-round free programs that serve over 18,000 people. Passes for the 2022 Festival will be on sale for 25% off starting next Monday, August 16th. For additional information or to buy passes, visit sbiff.org.

About the Santa Barbara International Film Festival

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema. Over the past 35 years, SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States – attracting 100,000+ attendees and offering 11 days of 200+ films, tributes and symposiums, fulfilling their mission to engage, enrich, and inspire the Santa Barbara community through film.

In 2016, SBIFF entered a new era with the acquisition of the historic and beloved Riviera Theatre. After a capital campaign and renovation, the theatre is now SBIFF’s new state-of-the-art, year-round home, showing new international and independent films every day. In 2019, SBIFF opened its own Education Center in downtown Santa Barbara on State Street to serve as a home for its many educational programs and a place for creativity and learning.