SBIFF Announces Film Line Up

Click On Poster To View Festival Website

Click On Poster To View Festival Website

Santa Barbara, CA – The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), presented by UGG® Australia, announces its highly-anticipated line-up for 2015. The 30th edition offers a vast array of films representing 54 countries, 23 world premieres and 53 US premieres, tributes with the year’s top talent, panel discussions, and free community education and outreach.

SBIFF is proud to welcome filmmakers and honorees to join in the celebration of independent film. The Festival begins Tuesday, January 27 and continues through Saturday, February 7, 2015. SBIFF 2015 will kick off on Tuesday January 27, at the historic Arlington Theatre with the US Premiere of Desert Dancer, directed by Richard Raymond. Set in Iran, Desert Dancer is a powerful and unbelievable true story that follows the brave ambition of Afshin Ghaffarian. During the volatile climate of the 2009 presidential election, where many cultural freedoms were threatened, Afshin and his friends (including Elaheh played by Freida Pinto) risk their lives and form an underground dance company. Through banned online videos, they learn from timeless legends who cross all cultural divides, such as- Michael Jackson, Gene Kelly and Rudolf Nureyev. Afshin and Elaheh also learn much from each other, most importantly how to embrace their passion for dance and for one another.

On Closing Night, SBIFF proudly presents Disney’s McFarland, USA, Directed by Niki Caro and starring Kevin Costner and Maria Bello. Based on the 1987 true story, “McFarland, USA” follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school. Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic. With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his team achieve their own kind of American dream.

SBIFF is honored to welcome back UGG® Australia, returning for their 3rd year as the Presenting Sponsor of the Festival. “We are very proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of the 30th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival,” said UGG® Australia Vice President of Marketing Nancy Mamann, who is also a member of the festival’s Board of Directors. “It’s a privilege for our company to participate in this celebration of talent and creativity.”

SBIFF, in conjunction with Variety, is proud to present the first annual Variety Artisans Awards, which will take place on Tuesday, February 3, at the Arlington Theatre, moderated by Variety’s Sr. VP Awards Editor, Tim Gray. The Tribute evening will celebrate those essential to the filmmaking process and who have exhibited the most exciting and innovative work of the year in the fields of Cinematography, Costume Design, Editing, Hair & Makeup, Production Design, Score, Song, Sound Editing & Mixing and Visual Effects. The audience will be treated to a unique and lively discussion with the honorees about their individual crafts and the ways in which their fields all support and rely on each other.

Please click on Film Line Up for more info on the films & visit the festival website for anything else regarding the festival.

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