SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2024 PROGRAM
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) announced today the highly anticipated lineup for the 39th edition, which will run February 7 to 17, 2024. The festival will showcase 45 world premieres and 77 U.S. premieres from 48 countries, along with tributes featuring the year’s top talent, panel discussions, and free community education and outreach programs.
“We have a wonderfully eclectic program this year from 48 countries around the world,” said Claudia Puig, Programming Director of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. “We are especially proud that half of our slate of films are directed by women, and a large percentage by under-represented filmmakers. We know there will be something for everyone at our festival-- and likely quite a lot for most. Nearly three-quarters of the films we’re showcasing have never been seen before in the US. We're excited to introduce these films to audiences and thrilled that filmmakers from nearly every continent will be on hand to meet those attending SBIFF, and share in the communal love of film."
OPENING NIGHT
SBIFF 2024 will kick off on Opening Night Wednesday, February 7 with the World Premiere of the documentary MADU directed by Matt Ogens and Joel 'Kachi Benson. Both directors will be joining us in-person.
From practicing barefoot on the streets of Lagos to performing on stage in England, twelve-year-old Anthony Madu leaves his home in Nigeria to study at one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world. Anthony, who had barely left his neighborhood in Lagos, finds himself thrust into a new world where his wildest dream is suddenly within reach. His journey is a story of extraordinary obstacles, courage, growth, and ultimately, his search for belonging.
CLOSING NIGHT
SBIFF 2024 will close on Saturday, February 17 with the World Premiere of CHOSEN FAMILY directed by Heather Graham and starring Heather Graham, Julia Stiles, Thomas Lennon, and Michael Gross. Director and cast will be joining us in-person.
Yoga teacher Ann is trying to find inner peace despite having a manic family, a miserable dating life, and an inability to say no that keeps her busy trying to fix everyone else's problems.
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. The 39th SBIFF proudly celebrates some of the year’s finest work in film. All tributes will be in person at the historic Arlington Theatre.
Outstanding Performer of the Year Award sponsored by Deadline honoring Bradley Cooper - Thursday, February 8 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Pete Hammond.
Maltin Modern Master Award Presented by Manitou Fund honoring Robert Downey Jr. - Friday, February 9 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Leonard Maltin.
Virtuosos Award honoring Danielle Brooks (The Color Purple), Colman Domingo (The Color Purple & Rustin), America Ferrera (Barbie), Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon), Greta Lee (Past Lives), Charles Melton (May December), Da’Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers), and Andrew Scott (All of Us Strangers) - Saturday, February 10 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Dave Karger.
Variety Artisans Award sponsored by Variety - Sunday, February 11 at 11:00am. Honorees to be announced. Moderated by Jazz Tangcay.
American Riviera Award honoring Mark Ruffalo - Sunday, February 11 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Anne Thompson.
Outstanding Directors of the Year Award sponsored by The Hollywood Reporter - Monday, February 12 at 8:00pm. Honorees to be announced. Moderated by Scott Feinberg.
Montecito Award honoring Jeffrey Wright - Thursday, February 15 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Roger Durling.
Cinema Vanguard Award honoree and date to be announced
THE PANELS
SBIFF is renowned for creating smart, insightful panels that feature a who’s who in the world of filmmaking, including many Oscar contenders. Returning will be our annual Producers, Writers, Women’s and International Panels. All Panels will be in person at the historic Arlington Theatre. Panelists, dates and times to be announced.
For the full list of events and films, visit https://sbiff.org/
