SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2020 PROGRAM * * * 35TH FESTIVAL OPENS WITH THE U.S. PREMIERE OF A BUMP ALONG THE WAY AND CLOSES WITH SANTA BARBARA DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILMS * * * FESTIVAL TO PRESENT 47 WORLD PREMIERES AND 71 U.S. PREMIERES * * * BONG JOON-HO RETROSPECTIVE INCLUDING FREE SCREENING OF PARASITE FOLLOWED BY Q&A WITH BONG JOON-HO * * * 20TH ANNIVERSARY FREE SCREENING OF THREE KINGS FOLLOWED BY Q&A WITH DAVID O. RUSSELL * * *
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Santa Barbara, Calif. (Dec. 30, 2019) –The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), presented ® th by UGG , announced today the highly anticipated lineup for the 35 edition, which will run January 15 to 25, 2020. The festival will feature 47 world premieres and 71 U.S. premieres from 50 countries, along with tributes with the year’s top talent, panel discussions, and free community education and outreach programs.
SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling stated this morning, “For 35 years, SBIFF has been a reflection of the city that hosts this festival - inclusive - diverse - intelligent - warm and welcoming. Celebrating cinema and all of its aspects - has become the conduit to bring together visitors from near and far, locals, old friends - and national and international artists to our beloved town. We're proud of our festival, and grateful for your love and support throughout all these years.”
OPENING NIGHT
® SBIFF 2020 will start with the Opening Night Film, presented by UGG , on Wednesday, January 15, at the historic Arlington Theatre with the U.S. Premiere of A BUMP ALONG THE WAY directed by Shelly Love and starring Bronagh Gallagher, Lola Petticrew, Mary Moulds, Dan Gordon and Brendan Farrell.
A BUMP ALONG THE WAY is female-led, feel-good, comedy drama set in Derry, Northern Ireland, about a middle-aged woman whose unexpected pregnancy after a one-night stand acts as the catalyst for her to finally take control of her life and become the role model her teenage daughter needs and craves.
Following the film, the Opening Night Gala will take place in the beautiful outdoor Paseo Nuevo Shops and Restaurants in downtown Santa Barbara. It will feature entertainment, food, libations, and celebrate the start of SBIFF.
CLOSING NIGHT
For our Closing Night Film on Saturday, January 25, we put the spotlight on Santa Barbara to highlight a series of short documentaries by local filmmakers. This distinctive selection of films covers a range of iconic people and places in the Santa Barbara area including immigrant farm workers, an aging bronc rider, a female cyclist that defied all odds, backpackers exploring the Los Padres National Forest, artists documenting the breathtaking landscapes of the Carrizo Plain, and a celebrated local guitarist who performs in parking garages and public spaces throughout downtown Santa Barbara. The Closing Night Film is sponsored by Winchester Mystery House.
THE TRIBUTES
SBIFF has become an important showcase for Academy Award frontrunners, many of whom have arrived as nominees and gone on to win the Oscar. The 35th SBIFF proudly celebrates some of the year’s finest work in film.
● Renée Zellweger will receive the American Riviera Award, sponsored by Bella Vista Designs, on Thursday, January 16 at 8:00pm. ● Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver will receive The Outstanding Performers of the Year Award, presented by Belvedere Vodka, on Friday, January 17 at 8:00pm.
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® ● The Virtuosos Award, presented by UGG , will be awarded to Awkwafina (The Farewell), Taron Egerton (Rocketman), Cynthia Erivo (Harriet), Beanie Feldstein (Booksmart), Aldis Hodge (Clemency), George MacKay (1917), Florence Pugh (Little Women, Midsommar), and Taylor Russell (Waves) on Saturday, January 18 at 8:00pm, moderated by Dave Karger. ● The Variety Artisans Awards, sponsored by Variety, will take place on Sunday, January 19 at 8:00pm, and will be moderated by Tim Gray. Honorees are: Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez – Songwriting (Frozen 2), Michael Giacchino – Composing (Jojo Rabbit), Kazu Hiro - Makeup/Hairstyling (Bombshell), Barbara Ling – Production Design (Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood), Steve Morrow – Sound Mixing (FORD V. FERRARI), Christopher Peterson and Sandy Powell – Costume Design (The Irishman), Lawrence Sher – Cinematography (Joker), Lee Smith – Editing (1917), and Adam Valdez – VFX (The Lion King) ● Laura Dern will receive the Cinema Vanguard Award on Tuesday, January 21 at 8:00pm. ● Brad Pitt will receive the Maltin Modern Master Award, moderated by award namesake Leonard Maltin on Wednesday, January 22 at 8:00pm. ● The Outstanding Directors of the Year Award, sponsored by The Hollywood Reporter, will be at 8:00pm. Honorees to be announced.
All tributes take place at the historic Arlington Theatre with the exception of the Variety Artisans Award which will be at the Lobero Theatre.
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.
● Producers Panel will take place on Sunday, January 19 at 10:00am moderated by Glenn Whipp. ● Writers Panel will be on Sunday, January 19 at 1:00pm, moderated by Anne Thompson. ● Women’s Panel will be on Saturday, January 25 at 11:00am, moderated by Madelyn Hammond.
All panels take place at the Lobero Theatre. Panelists to be announced.
BONG JOON-HO RETROSPECTIVE
SBIFF will present a retrospective of four landmark films from director Bong Joon-ho that will feature MEMORIES OF MURDER, THE HOST, MOTHER, and a free screening of PARASITE followed by a Q&A with Bong Joon-ho.
DAVID O. RUSSELL’S THREE KINGS 20TH ANNIVERSARY
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, SBIFF will present a free screening of THREE KINGS followed by a Q&A with David O. Russell.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND FREE SCREENINGS
Mike’s FieldTrip to the Movies – Named for renowned nature cinematographer Mike deGruy, Mike’s FieldTrip to the Movies uses filmmaking to stimulate creative, confident, and culturally aware thinkers. th th th The program is offered to 4,000 4 , 5 , and 6 grade students throughout Santa Barbara County and
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SBIFF provides free transportation to students from Title I schools. This year SBIFF is thrilled to present two critically acclaimed films: FROZEN 2 with directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck and TOY STORY 4 with Director Josh Cooley. The directors will participate in a Q&A following the screenings with the students to discuss the craft of animated filmmaking. Sponsored by Montecito Bank & Trust, Patagonia, Union Bank, Bentson Foundation and Volentine Family Foundation.
Film Studies Program – Returning for its sixth year thanks to the generosity of Lynda Weinman and Bruce Heavin and Netflix, the national student Film Studies Program will bring 30 undergraduate film students from across the country for a three-day symposium with a focus on film appreciation, criticism, and analysis. SBIFF also invites an additional thirty college students in Santa Barbara to take an 11-Day Film Festival course through Santa Barbara City College.
AppleBox Family Films – SBIFF will again screen animated feature frontrunners free to families on the weekends of the Festival with complimentary popcorn and refreshments. This year’s screenings will include FROZEN 2 (10:00am on January 18), TOY STORY 4 (10:00am on January 19), and an encore screening of FROZEN 2 (10:00am on January 25). Sponsored by Metropolitan Theatres.
10–10–10 Student Screenwriting and Filmmaking Mentorship and Competition – In October, 20 high school and college screenwriters and filmmakers were accepted after a competitive application process before beginning a series of workshops, a table read, and a casting day. Since then, the ten writer/director teams and their crews have worked with industry mentors to produce short films that will be screened on Saturday, January 25 at 2:00pm at The Arlington Theatre, with an announcement of the winning scripts and films following the screening. Sponsored by Final Draft Inc.
Free Public Screenings – SBIFF will again offer critically acclaimed film screenings free to the public at the Lobero Theatre everyday throughout the Festival.
Free Filmmaker Seminars – SBIFF will again present educational seminars that will be FREE to the public and will take place in the Festival Pavilion daily at 11:00am.
Super Silent Monday – On Monday, January 20 at 7:00pm, SBIFF will present the 1923 classic THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME starring Lon Chaney 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. Admission is Free. Sponsored by Winchester Mystery House.
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 on Saturday, January 25.
FOCUS ON SANTA BARBARA
Santa Barbara Filmmakers – The Santa Barbara filmmaking community continues to captivate and inspire audiences with this year’s impressive lineup. Santa Barbara filmmakers provide a diverse, thought–provoking series of features and shorts.
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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 addition to the efforts of the ADL "to secure justice and fair treatment for all."
35th Festival Poster Unveiled - Barbara Boros has designed the SBIFF poster each year for 17 years, this year highlighting Santa Barbara’s Rainbow Chromatic Gate.
Official Festival Hub – The official festival hub will again be located at Hotel Santa Barbara, returning for th their 17 year as supporters of SBIFF.
2020 FILMS
Below is the list of feature and short films at the 2020 SBIFF. For the complete list of films, synopses, and other special events please visit www.sbiff.org or the SBIFF app.
22 WORLD PREMIERE FEATURE FILMS (listed alphabetically)
Amazing Grace, USA - World Premiere Directed by Lynn Montgomery
Americaville, USA, China - World Premiere Directed by Adam Smith
Bastard’s Road, USA - World Premiere Directed by Brian Morrison
Born in a Ballroom, USA - World Premiere Directed by Clara Lehmann and Jonathan Lacocque
By Hand, USA - World Premiere Directed by Kellen Keene
The Delicacy, USA - World Premiere Directed by Jason Wise
Exploring the Pacific Northwest, USA - World Premiere Directed by Ian A. Nelson
Faith Based, USA - World Premiere Directed by Vincent Masciale
The Lafayette Escadrille, USA - World Premiere Directed by Darroch Greer
Man in the Field: The Life and Art of Jim Denevan, USA - World Premiere Directed by Patrick Trefz
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Medicating Normal, USA - World Premiere Directed by Lynn Cunningham and Wendy Ractliffe
Mentors - Tony and Santi, USA - World Premiere Directed by Andrew Davis
The Mustangs: An American Story, USA - World Premiere Directed by Steven Latham
The Nature Makers, USA - World Premiere Directed by Scott Saunders
The Night, USA - World Premiere Directed by Kourosh Ahari
The Oratorio, USA, Italy - World Premiere Directed by Mary Anne Rothberg
Overland, USA - World Premiere Directed by Elisabeth Haviland James and Revere La Noue
The Prison Within, USA - World Premiere Directed by Katherin Hervey
The Restoration (La restauracion), Peru - World Premiere Directed by Alonso Llosa
Sergio Mendes in the Key of Joy!, UK - World Premiere Directed by John Scheinfeld
Tell My Story, USA - World Premiere Directed by David Freid
A Worm in the Heart, USA - World Premiere Directed by Paul Rice
61 U.S. PREMIERE FEATURE FILMS (listed alphabetically)
The Amber Light, UK - U.S. Premiere Directed by Adam Park
Amundsen, Norway - U.S. Premiere Directed by Espen Sandberg
The Art of Waiting (Neffilot), Israel - U.S. Premiere Directed by Erez Tadmor
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Back Towards Light (Takaisin valoon), Finland - U.S. Premiere Directed by Arto Halonen
The Birdcatcher’s Son (Fågelfångarens son), Sweden - U.S. Premiere Directed by Richard Hobert
Birth Wars, Mexico - U.S. Premiere Directed by Janet Jarman
Black Conflux, Canada - U.S. Premiere Directed by Nicole Dorsey
Born 2 Drive, Norway - U.S. Premiere Directed by Daniel Fahre
A Brother’s Love, Canada - U.S. Premiere Directed by Monia Chokri
A Bump Along the Way, UK - U.S. Premiere Directed by Shelly Love
By a Sharp Knife (Ostrým nozom), Slovakia - U.S. Premiere Directed by Teodor Kuhn
Call Mom! (Ring mamma!), Sweden - U.S. Premiere Directed by Lisa Aschan
Chronology (Kronoloji), Turkey - U.S. Premiere Directed by Ali Aydin
The Clash (La bronca), Peru, Columbia - U.S. Premiere Directed by Daniel and Diego Vega
Collision (Kollision), Denmark - U.S. Premiere Directed by Mehdi Avaz
Daniel, Denmark, Norway, Sweden - U.S. Premiere Directed by Niels Arden Oplev and Anders W. Berthelsen
Disco, Norway - U.S. Premiere Directed by Jorunn Myklebust Syversen
Easy Living, Italy - U.S. Premiere Directed by Peter and Orso Miyakawa
The Exception (Undtagelsen), Denmark - U.S. Premiere Directed by Jesper W. Nielsen
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Fatei and the Sea, Russia - U.S. Premiere Directed by Alina Rudnitskaya and Sergey Vinokurov
The Flying Circus (Cirku Fluturues), Kosovo, U.S. Premiere Directed by Fatos Berisha
The Good One (La volta buona), Italy - U.S. Premiere Directed by Vincenzo Marra
The Goya Murders (El asesino de los caprichos), Spain - U.S. Premiere Directed by Gerardo Herrero
Gutterbee, Denmark - U.S. Premiere Directed by Ulrich Thomsen
Gipsy Queen, Germany, Austria - U.S. Premiere Directed by Hüseyin Tabak
Hope Gap, UK - U.S. Premiere Directed by William Nicholson
I Was, I Am, I Will Be (Es gilt das gesprochene wort), Germany - U.S. Premiere Directed by Ilker Catak
If Only (Magari), Italy, France - U.S. Premiere Directed by Ginevra Elkann
James Vs. His Future Self, Canada - U.S. Premiere Directed by Jeremy Lalonde
Kuessipan, Canada - U.S. Premiere Directed by Myriam Verreault
Land of Ashes (Ceniza Negra), Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile, France - U.S. Premiere Directed by Sofia Quiros
Lane 4 (Raia 4), Brazil - U.S. Premiere Directed by Emiliano Cunha
The Last Mountain (Ostatnia góra), Poland - U.S. Premiere Directed by Dariusz Załuski
Leaving Afghanistan (Bratstvo), Russia - U.S. Premiere Directed by Pavel Lungin
Liberté: A Call To Spy, USA - U.S. Premiere
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Directed by Lydia Dean Pilcher
Love Beats (La banda), Spain - U.S. Premiere Directed by Roberto Bueso
The Marijuana Conspiracy, Canada - U.S. Premiere Directed by Craig Pryce
Master Cheng (Mestari Cheng), Finland, China - U.S. Premiere Directed by Mika Kaurismaki
Mosh, Domican Republic - U.S. Premiere Directed by Juan Antonio Bisonó
My Life (Mi Vida), Netherlands - U.S. Premiere Directed by Norbert Ter Hall
My Life as a Comedian (En komikers uppväxt), Sweden - U.S. Premiere Directed by Rojda Sekersoz
Nevia, Italy - U.S. Premiere Directed by Nunzia De Stefano
Once in Trubchevsk, Russia - U.S. Premiere Directed by Larisa Sadilova
Only the Animals (Seules les bêtes), France, Germany - U.S. Premiere Directed by Dominik Moll
Outdeh - The Youth of Jamaica, Germany - U.S. Premiere Directed by Louis Josek
Outlaw (Autlo), Russia - U.S. Premiere Directed by Ksenia Ratushnaya
Pandora’s Box: Lifting the Lid on Menstruation, Canada - U.S. Premiere Directed by Rebecca Snow
Paris: A Wild Story, France - U.S. Premiere Directed by Frederic Fougea
The Pencil (Prostoy karandash), Russia - U.S. Premiere Directed by Natalya Nazarova
Psychosia (Psykosia), Denmark - U.S. Premiere Directed by Marie Grahtø Sørensen
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The Retirement (El retiro), Argentina - U.S. Premiere Directed by Ricardo Diaz Lacoponi
River Silence, Canada - U.S. Premiere Directed by Rogério Soares
Santa Clara, Bolivia - U.S. Premiere Directed by Pedro Antonio Gutierrez
The Songpoet, USA - U.S. Premiere Directed by Paul Lamont
Sovereign Soil, Canada - U.S. Premiere Directed by David Curtis
Stitches (savovi), Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina - U.S. Premiere Directed by Miroslav Terzić
Super Frenchie, USA - U.S. Premiere Directed by Chase Ogden
Supernova, Poland - U.S. Premiere Directed by Bartosz Kruhlik
That Click, USA - U.S. Premiere Directed by Luca Severi
Towards the Battle (Vers la bataille), France, Columbia - U.S. Premiere Directed by Aurélien Vernhes-Lermusiaux
White on White (Blanco en blanco), Spain, Chile, France, Germany - U.S. Premiere Directed by Théo Court
2020 SBIFF FEATURE FILMS (non-premieres listed alphabetically)
14 Days, 12 Nights (14 jours, 12 nuits), Canada Directed by Jean-Phillippe Duval
37 Seconds, Japan Directed by Hikari
Antigone, Canada Directed by Sophie Deraspe
Blow the Man Down, USA Directed by Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy
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Born in Jerusalem and Still Alive, Israel Directed by Yossi Atia and David Ofek
Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn, USA Directed by Ivy Meeropol
Burnt Orange Heresy, USA, UK Directed by Giuseppe Capotondi
The Changin’ Times of Ike White, USA Directed by Daniel Vernon
Finding Farideh, Iran, Netherlands Directed by Kourosh Ataee and Azadeh Moussavi
Golda, Israel, Germany Directed by Sagi Bornstein, Udi Nir, Shani Rozanes
The Grand Unified Theory of Howard Bloom, USA Directed by Charlie Hoxie
Greed, UK Directed by Michael Winterbottom
Invisible Life (A vida Invisível), Brazil, Germany Directed by Karim Aïnouz
Kosher Beach, Isreal Directed by Karin Kainer
Lina From Lima, Chile, Peru, Argentina Directed by Maria Paz Gonzalez
Lost Transmissions, USA Directed by Katharine O’Brien
The Mayor of Rione Sanità (Il sindaco del rione sanità), Italy Directed by Mario Martone
My Friend Fela, Brazil Directed by Joel Zito Araújo
Papicha, France, Algeria, Belgium, Qatar Directed by Mounia Meddour
Parasite, South Korea Directed by Bong Joon-ho
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Personhood, USA Directed by Jo Ardinger
Red Penguins, USA Directed by Gabe Polsky
She’s in Portland, USA Directed by Marc Carlini
Shindisi, Georgia Directed by Dito Tsintsadze
Show Me What You Got, USA Directed by Svetlana Cvetko
System Crashers (Systemsprenger), Germany Directed by Nora Fingsche
Truth and Justice, (Tõde ja õigus), Estonia Directed by Tanel Toom
The Vast of Night, USA Directed by Andrew Patterson
Verdict, France, Philippines Directed by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez
The Wandering Chef, South Korea Directed Hye-Ryoung Park
Whale Wisdom, USA Directed by Rick Rosenthal
2020 SBIFF SHORTS - (listed alphabetically) 26 WORLD PREMIERES AND 10 U.S. PREMIERES
10 Miles Out, USA - World Premiere Directed by Preston Maag
Abe’s Story, Ireland Directed by Adam H Stewart
Affinity, USA - World Premiere Directed by Margaret Lazarus
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After Class, China - World Premiere Directed by Charles Xiuzhi Dong
Attorneys at Love, USA - World Premiere Directed by Daniel Findlay
Basic, USA - World Premiere Directed by Chelsea Devantez
Backyard Chefs (Wansah Wanza), India - US Premiere Directed by Mevhish Rather
Bad Assistant, USA Directed by Kyle Cogan
A Battle in Waterloo, UK Directed by Emma Moffat
Birds of Las Baños, USA - World Premiere Directed by Gail Osherenko
Breaking Bread, USA Directed by Beth Elise Hawk
Blue Noise, USA Directed by Jonah Moshammer
Cabrillo Village, USA - World Premiere Directed by Chris Ward
Calaveras Creek, USA - World Premiere Directed by Jon Zuber
Carrizo Plain - A Sense of Place, USA - World Premiere Directed by Jeff McLoughlin
Chicken, Australia Directed by Alana Hicks
Coffee Shop Names, USA - World Premiere Directed by Deepak Sethi
Cry of the Wild, USA, US Premiere Directed by Harry Rabin
The Coin, China Directed by Siqi Song
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Con Fuerza, USA Directed by Andrés Eduardo
Cosmic Fling, USA - US Premiere Directed by Jonathan Langager
Date Nite, USA - World Premiere Directed by JJ Shpall
Dear Georgina, USA Directed by Adam Mazo and Ben Pender-Cudlip
Dear Jane, USA - World Premiere Directed by Noah Kistler
The Death Vendor, South Korea Directed by Jeon Jinkyu
Debbie & Doug Drop Acid in the Desert, USA Directed by Scott Brown
The Dumpling King, USA - World Premiere Directed by Zizheng Liu
Earache, USA - US Premiere Directed by Alara Worrick
Fishbon: The Art of Interactive Theater, USA - World Premiere Directed by Justin Gunn
A Fistful of Rubbish, Spain - US Premiere Directed by David Regos
A Glimpse, UK - US Premiere Directed by Tom Turner
God, USA Directed by Greg Brunkalla
Ghost of the Towers, Chile Directed by Michael Blake
Grizzly Country, USA Directed by Ben Moon
Hannah’s Ride, USA - World Premiere
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Directed by Andrew Shoneberber
The Haunted Swordsman, USA Directed by Kevin McTurk
Healing Hands, USA - World Premiere Directed by Chris Sibley
Heirloom, USA Directed Paul Walter Hauser
In The Dark Room (En cuarto oscuro), Spain Directed by Luigi Abanto Varese
The Kite (Sarkan), Czech Republic Directed by Martin Smatana
Kopitiam, USA - US Premiere Directed by Sancheev Ravichandran
Lady Samurai, USA Directed by James Latimer
The Last Ride, USA Directed by Andrew Schoneberger
Lean Against the Wind, USA - World Premiere Directed by Keith Malloy
A Little Piece of Earth, USA Directed by Ryan Malloy
The Love Bugs, USA Directed by Allison Otto and Maria Clinton
Margaret Singer: Seeking Light, USA Directed by Loise Palanker
Marsha!, USA Directed by Rowen Kahn
A Million Eyes, USA Directed by Richard Raymond
Mochitsuki, USA - World Premiere Directed by Sky Bergman
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Mother of Chernobyl, USA Directed by Alexander Shuryepov
Monsters in the Dark, USA Directed by Apollonia Thomaier
Musical Voyage, USA - World Premiere Directed by Patrick Trefz
The Name of the Son (Le Nom Du Fils), France Directed by Louis Delva
No Hard Feelings, Australia - US Premiere Directed by Paul Henri and James Ballard
North Country, USA Nick Martini
Not For Sale, USA Directed by
Pizza, Spain - US Premiere Directed by Iñaki Rikarte and Aitor de Kintana
Please & Thank You, USA Directed by Jake Oleson
Ride In Progress, USA - World Premiere Directed by April Moreau
Saguaro, USA Directed by Damon Stea
Santa Barbara, USA - World Premiere Directed by Diana Markosian
Second Sight, USA, Philippines Directed by Cole Sax
Shoot, USA Directed by Veronica Rodriguez
Sin Cielo, USA Directed by Jianna Maarten
Sixth of June, USA - US Premiere Directed by Henry Roosevelt
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Sky West and Crooked, USA - World Premiere Directed by Heather Edwards
Song Sparrow, Denmark Directed by Farzaneh Omidvarnia
Sophie’s Quinceañera, USA Directed by Kieth Powell
State Street Serenade, USA - World Premiere Directed by Michael Love
The Takeback, USA Directed by Jesse D. Turk
Tattoo, Iran Directed by Farhad Delaram
Then They Laid Themselves Down, USA - World Premiere Directed by Andrew Baxt
Tribes, USA - World Premiere Directed by Nino Aldi
The Watchmaker, USA - US Premiere Directed by Charlie Fonville
The Way Home, China Directed by Yiran Zhou
Whales Without Walls, USA - World Premiere Directed by Charles Vinick, Dr. Lori Marino, Michael Mountain, Matt Stamm
Wonder, USA Directed by Javier Molina
You Got the Part, USA Directed by Jason Sereno
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 34 years, SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States – attracting 95,000 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.
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® Sponsors of the 35th SBIFF include: UGG , Belvedere Vodka, Netflix, Toyota Mirai, City of Santa Barbara, ADL Santa Barbara/Tri-Counties, Montecito Bank & Trust, Union Bank, Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation, Sephora, Bentson Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, SEE International, Manitou Fund, Patagonia, Winchester Mystery House, Lynda Weinman & Bruce Heavin, Volentine Family Foundation, Boxed Water Is Better, Audrey Hillman Fisher Foundation, California Arts Council and many more supporting through trade.
SBIFF continues its commitment to education and the community throughout many free educational programs and events. 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.
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Press Contacts Brooke Blumberg Sunshine Sachs [email protected] 323.822.9300
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