Santa Barbara International Film Festival to be held from 8 to 18 February 2023

The 38th edition of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) will take place in Santa Barbara, California from 8 to 18 February 2023.

The festival will consist of screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes, which will be held at the historic Arlington Theatre.

Executive director Roger Durling, in a statement, said, “SBIFF has long been a place to celebrate and showcase the enduring power of cinema. As we have been confronted with difficult times, film and festivals have continued to be a place for reflection and inspiration. It is with that in mind that we excitedly prepare the 38th SBIFF edition and look forward to bringing the year’s best cinema and talent to our devoted patrons.”

Last year, SBIFF returned with in-person screenings, panels, and events. The 37th edition featured 48 world premieres and 95 US premieres, and artistes and filmmakers such as Javier Bardem, Nicole Kidman, Kristen Stewart, Penélope Cruz, Will Smith and Aunjanue Ellis, Benedict Cumberbatch, Caitriona Balfe, Ariana DeBose, Alana Haim, Ciarán Hinds, Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Simon Rex, Saniyya Sidney, Paul Thomas Anderson, Kenneth Branagh, Jane Campion, Ryusuke Hamaguchi and Steven Spielberg were honoured at the festival.

The features Manikbabur Megh, Dug Dug and Paka (River Of Blood), along with the documentary Geeta, represented India at the festival this year.

The final screening lineup and schedule will be announced in January 2023. Passes for the event are on sale on the festival website at a 25% discount.