The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is back and ready to take movie lovers on a journey through some of the most captivating independent and international films. SBIFF is a non-profit arts and educational organization that has been dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema for over 37 years. Over the years, SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States, attracting 100,000 attendees and offering 11 days of 200+ films, tributes and symposiums.

This year, the 38th edition of SBIFF will take place from February 8 to February 18, 2023 and promises to be a cinematic extravaganza. The festival will feature official events including screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes that will be held throughout the city, including at the historic Arlington Theatre. The festival is a must-stop location on the awards circuit, and organizers are expecting A-list guests to ascend to Santa Barbara again this year, delivering an unprecedented number of films with many world and U.S. premieres.

SBIFF’s opening night film will be the world premiere of Miranda’s Victim. The film, directed by Michelle Danner, is a true-life story of 18-year-old Patricia “Trish” Weir who was kidnapped and brutally raped in 1963. Committed to putting her attacker, Ernesto Miranda, behind bars, Trish’s life is destroyed by America’s legal system as she triggers a law that transforms the nation. The film stars Abigail Breslin, Mireille Enos, Emily VanCamp, Josh Bowman, Luke Wilson, Ryan Phillippe, Enrique Muricano, Andy Garcia, and additional talent/guests to be confirmed.

Aside from the film screenings, SBIFF also offers a wide range of educational programs and events, making it more than just a film festival. SBIFF continues its commitment to education and the community through its many free educational programs. In 2016, SBIFF acquired the historic and beloved Riviera Theatre, which has now become its new state-of-the-art, year-round home, showing new international and independent films every day. In 2019, SBIFF opened its own Education Center in downtown Santa Barbara to serve as a home for its many educational programs and a place for creativity and learning.

Santa Barbara is a city that celebrates film and its impact on the arts and culture. The festival offers movie lovers the opportunity to experience the best in independent and international cinema, as well as meet some of the most talented filmmakers, actors and industry professionals. The city itself is also a wonderful place to visit, with stunning beaches, a thriving downtown, and a rich history.

Passes for the 2023 festival are on sale now at sbiff.org. If you’re a movie lover, then this is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of film and celebrate the power of cinema. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this incredible event and experience the best in independent and international film.