Over the past 35 years the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 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 panels, fulfilling their mission to engage, enrich, and inspire people through the power of film.

Artist: Hank Pitcher

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival celebrates the art of cinema and provides impactful educational experiences for our local, national, and global communities.

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival continues its commitment to education and the community through many free educational programs and events. In June 2016 the Santa Barbara International Film Festival entered a new era with the acquisition of the historic and beloved Riviera Theatre. After a capital campaign and renovation, the theatre is now SBIFF’s new state-of-the-art, year-round home, showing new international and independent films every day. (Images for this post are from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s website and emails)

2022 Program Guide

Kristen Stewart Amerian Riviera Award March 4, 2022, Arlington Theatre 8 pm
Virtuosos Award Presented by UGG
Honoring Caitriona Balfe (Belfast), Ariana DeBose (West Side Story), Alana Haim (Licorice Pizza), Emilia Jones (CODA), Troy Kotsur (CODA), Simon Rex (Red Rocket), and Saniyya Sidney (King Richard)
Saturday, March 5th, 2022 – 8:00 pm
Arlington Theatre
Maltin Modern Master Award
Presented by Manitou Fund
Honoring Javier Bardem and Nicole Kidman
Thursday, March 10th, 2022 – 8:00 pm
Arlington Theatre
Outstanding Performers of the Year Award
Presented by Manitou Fund
Honoring Will Smith and Aunjanue Ellis
Sunday, March 6th, 2022 – 8:00 pm
Arlington Theatre
Montecito Award
Honoring Penélope Cruz
Tuesday, March 8th, 2022 – 8:00pm
Arlington Theatre
Cinema Vanguard Award
Sponsored by Deadline
Honoring Benedict Cumberbatch
Wednesday, March 9th, 2022 – 8:00 pm
Arlington Theatre
Closing Night Film
DIONNE WARWICK: DON’T MAKE ME OVER
Saturday, March 12th, 2022 – 8:00pm
Arlington Theatre
Santa Barbara International Film Festival https://sbiff.org/

In-Person Passes / Tickets * * * Virtual Tickets

Mark Danforth Lomas

Recent Posts

The Case for Opening State Street

For decades, State Street has been the rhythmic pulse of Santa Barbara—a historic boulevard connecting…

1 day ago

Rincon Classic Update

The legendary Rincon Classic is back for 2026, bringing together the best local talent and…

3 days ago

Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2026

The 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is set to transform the "American Riviera" into a…

1 week ago

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival Poster

The poster for the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), created by local artist Baret Boisson,…

1 week ago

Year End Analysis, and 2026 Outlook

As we close the books on 2025, the South Santa Barbara County real estate market…

2 weeks ago

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day

You may be wondering why a real estate blog would post something about Martin Luther King.…

2 weeks ago