The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), founded in 1986, is an annual 11-day event held in Santa Barbara, California. Showcasing over 200 feature films and shorts from various countries, the festival offers a rich and diverse cinematic experience.
Renowned for its celebrity tributes and industry panels, SBIFF has honored legendary figures such as Cate Blanchett, Guillermo Del Toro, Martin Scorsese, Michelle Yeoh, and Leonardo DiCaprio. In 2006, the festival dedicated part of its programming to films by Hispanic
filmmakers, showcasing its commitment to diverse storytelling. Categories have included nature films, surf flicks, and adventure-sports films, appealing to broad audiences.
SBIFF also runs year-round programming through its “Cinema Society” at the Riviera Theater. Dedicated to promoting independent and international cinema, SBIFF celebrates storytelling, cinematic excellence, and the preservation of film as an art form.
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) has become a significant cultural event, celebrating global cinema and attracting filmmakers and audiences from around the world.
Each February, the festival premieres acclaimed films, showcasing work from established and emerging filmmakers. In 2023, SBIFF featured 45 world premieres and 77 U.S. premieres from 48 countries. Highlights included TransMexico by Claudia Sanchez, winner of the Audience Choice Award, and Edge of Everything by Sophia Sabella and Pablo Feldman, recipient of the Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema.
SBIFF recognises outstanding contributions to the film industry through its prestigious awards. The Maltin Modern Master Award, the festival’s highest honor, was presented to Angelina Jolie in 2025 and Robert Downey Jr. in 2024. The Outstanding Performer of the Year Award acknowledged Ralph Fiennes in 2025 and Bradley Cooper in 2024 for their exceptional performances. The Virtuosos Award celebrates breakthrough performances, with recent honorees including Kieran Culkin, Harris Dickinson, and Selena Gomez in 2025.
SBIFF’s ongoing dedication to independent cinema, diverse storytelling, and industry innovation ensures its continued importance in the global film community.
To learn more, please visit festival website, or save as favorite and add notes.
