Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) 2025, California

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a prestigious annual event held each February on the American Riviera, attracting over 90,000 visitors. Celebrating the best in the film industry, it features screenings of new films, panel discussions, and glamorous parties, drawing A-list actors, acclaimed directors, and top producers. With numerous free events and screenings, the festival invites everyone to experience the magic of filmmaking up close. Spanning 11 days, SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States.

Films

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) showcases over 200 independent, edgy, and international films, offering a diverse cinematic experience. With juried competition sections for independent films, international cinema, documentaries, Spanish/Latin American cinema, and short films, the festival highlights a wide range of storytelling. Additional sidebars focus on themes like social justice, nature, oceanography, food, wine, performing arts, and contemporary world cinema, including films from Nordic countries, Israel, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Awards

SBIFF honors outstanding achievements in filmmaking with various prestigious awards. For feature films, the Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema provides a camera rental package valued at $60,000. Other notable accolades include the Best Documentary Award, the Jeffrey C. Barbakow Award for Best International Feature Film, the Nueva Vision Award for Spain/Latin America Cinema, the Social Justice Award for Documentary Film, and the Audience Choice Award. Short films are also celebrated, with winners of the Best Live Action Short Film, Best Animated Short Film, and Best Documentary Short Film Awards becoming eligible for Academy Award nominations.

Events

In addition to its diverse film screenings, tributes, and galas, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival offers engaging seminars with industry professionals, including Directors, Writers, Producers, and Women in Business Panels. Filmmakers often attend the festival in person and participate in Q&A sessions following their screenings, allowing for meaningful dialogue with audiences. Exclusive daily happy hours for Platinum Passholders add a social dimension to the festival.

Venues

The Film Festival is hosted at several key venues in the city. Film screenings take place at Metro 4 Theatre, 618 State Street; Fiesta 5 Theatre, 916 State Street; Riviera Theatre, 2044 Alameda Padre Serra; and Arlington Theatre, 1317 State Street. The SBIFF Education Center, located at 1330 State Street, Suite 101, serves as the hub for the Box Office, Will Call, and Volunteer Headquarters.

Tickets

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival offers various ticket options to suit various preferences. A Cinema Pass, granting extensive access, costs $850. Individual panel tickets are $20, while tickets for award ceremonies range from $35 to $100. Tickets to individual screenings can only be purchased five minutes before a film starts.

Schedule & Parking

Film screenings run daily from 9 am to 8:15 pm. Attendees should note that parking is limited to street parking, as use of the 1330 State Street lot risks towing or fines.