Santa Barbara: Silver Screen Central
~ Words by Vickie Sam Paget, Sky Blue Content ~
Grab your most gorgeous gown or your smartest suit: the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) kicks off on February 1.
Offering an incredible array of films from more than 50 countries, as well as 51 world premieres and 64 US premieres, this year’s SBIFF is set to be the very best yet.
There’s also an incredible line up of tributes, panel discussions and free community education and outreach programs to sign up for over the 11 days of the festival. Here are just a few of the highlights from this world class event…
Opening Night
The action starts on Wednesday February 1 at the historic Arlington Theatre with the world premiere of Charged. The film chronicles the journey of chef and outdoorsman, Eduardo Garcia, and his recovery after being electrocuted by 2,400 volts of electricity miles from help in Montana’s backcountry. The film tells Eduardo’s remarkable journey from getting up off the forest floor to becoming the man he is today.
International Gala
This year’s International Gala will feature the US Premiere of Heal the Living (Réparer les Vivants), a French–Belgian drama starring Tahar Rahim (A Prophet, The Past, Grand Central, The Informant), Emmanuelle Seigner (Venus in Fur, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly) and Anne Dorval (Mommy, Heartbeats).
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. This year’s honorees include Denzel Washington, who will be awarded the esteemed Maltin Modern Master Award, and Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone who will take home the Outstanding Performers of the Year Award. Jeff Bridges will receive the coveted American Riviera Award.
Closing Night
This year’s festival will come to an end with the period comedy-drama Their Finest on Saturday, February 11 – in advance of the film’s March 24 stateside release. The year is 1940, Britain. With the nation devastated by the war, the British ministry turns to propaganda films to boost morale at home. Realizing their films could use ‘a woman’s touch’, the ministry hires Catrin Cole (Gemma Arterton) as a scriptwriter in charge of writing the female dialogue. Catrin’s natural flair quickly gets her noticed by charming lead scriptwriter Buckley (Sam Claflin). Catrin and Buckley set out to make an epic feature film based on the Battle of Dunkirk starring pretentious fading movie star Ambrose Hilliard (Bill Nighy). As bombs are dropping all around them, Catrin, Buckley and their colorful cast and crew work furiously to make a film that will warm the hearts of the nation.
Located in the heart of town, the Holiday Inn Express Santa Barbara is just steps from State Street’s world-class restaurants, shops and nightlife, and just minutes from peaceful beaches and surf-worthy ocean. The property’s proximity to Historic Old Town Santa Barbara places you at the very center of this exciting city, and yet it offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle in its comfortable, spacious guest rooms.
Image: flickr.com/photos/nivrae/
This blog first appeared at santabarbarahiex.com/hotel-blog.
