Early February (11–12 days)
Downtown Santa Barbara & The Arlington Theatre
Why SBIFF Matters
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is one of the leading film festivals in North America. For nearly four decades, it’s brought filmmakers, industry insiders, and movie fans together for red-carpet premieres, international features, documentaries, filmmaker Q&As, and career tribute events. The 40th festival ran February 4–15, 2025, and showcased more than 180 films from around the world. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
SBIFF is also known for honoring major actors and directors right before awards season. Recent honorees have included Timothée Chalamet (Arlington Artist of the Year Award), Angelina Jolie (Maltin Modern Master Award), and other Oscar contenders, all appearing live on stage at Santa Barbara’s historic Arlington Theatre.
What Happens During the Festival
- Film Screenings: Narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and world premieres at venues like the Arlington Theatre and Riviera Theatre.
- Celebrity Tributes & Panels: In-depth onstage interviews with actors, directors, writers, and composers — often tied to current Oscar races.
- Industry Events: Filmmaker roundtables and panels focused on cinematography, screenwriting, and producing.
- Community Access: Student film programs and affordable passes make it surprisingly accessible even if you’re not “industry.”
Good to Know
- Timing: The festival typically runs in late January or early/mid February. In 2025 it spanned Feb 4–15, and the next edition is scheduled for early February 2026.
- Where to Stay: Hotels within walking distance of State Street or the Funk Zone are ideal if you plan on late screenings or after-parties.
- Dress Code: Daytime screenings are casual. Tribute nights at the Arlington lean red-carpet chic — jackets, dresses, etc.
Official Info
Festival Website: sbiff.org
Category: Events
Tags: Film, Red Carpet, Nightlife, Celebrity, Winter
Recent Festival Highlights
- Timothée Chalamet received the inaugural Arlington Artist of the Year Award and spoke onstage about his work portraying Bob Dylan.
- Angelina Jolie was honored with the Maltin Modern Master Award, one of SBIFF’s most prestigious career tributes.