Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Roll Out the Red Carpet

January 27 - February 6, 2011

Film lovers and food fans are gearing up to enjoy an eleven day celebration of a cinnematic and gastronomic feast 

Nicole Kidman will be presented with the coveted Cinema Vanquard Award

Annette Benning is the recipient of the American Riviera Award

Christopher Nolan will receive the esteemed Modern Master Award

Details, tickets and information http://sbiff.org/

In addition to the opportunity to see many wonderful films and celebrities, this is also a time for a delicious Food Fest.  Dozens of downtown restaurants will be participating in the excitement by offering "Short" (two-course), "Feature" (three-course) and "Epic" (four-course) length Fest Feast Delights providing a time-saving and tasty way to sample some of the region's best epicurian delights.

Santa Barbara's Urban Wineries also offer Film Sips wine tasting events.

Looking for a place to stay?  Book one of our local special Film Sleeps hotel packages.  And be sure to download the free Sip and Savior app to help you locate participating local businesses to make your Film Festival visit a memorable one.

Here's a sneak preview of the film schedule: http://www.sbiff.org/images/temporary_schedule.pdf

First Thursday, January 6th

First Thursdays in Downtown Santa Barbara

1st Thursday is an evening of art and culture in downtown Santa Barbara.

On the first Thursday of each month, participating galleries and art-related venues offer free access to visual and performing art in a fun and social environment from 5-8 p.m. 1st Thursday venues feature attractions, such as art openings, live music, artists' receptions, lectures, wine tastings and hands-on activities. In addition, State Street comes alive on 1st Thursday with performances and interactive exhibits. Look for previews of forthcoming plays, symphony performances, concerts and dance productions, as well as local up-and-coming performers. The Downtown Organization also partners with Santa Barbara cultural groups for one-time 1st Thursday attractions.
1st Thursday is for locals and visitors alike. It provides an opportunity for residents to indulge in local culture, mingle with neighbors and participate in the arts community. The program also offers visitors the chance to experience, in one evening, the diversity of downtown Santa Barbara’s visual and performing arts scene. 1st Thursday is aimed at developing a lively atmosphere downtown as well as showcasing the cultural variety that Santa Barbara has to offer.

The 1st Thursday Passport is a printed guide and map to all of the 1st Thursday attractions and is available at participating galleries and venues, MTD shuttles, The Visitors’ Center, and hotel concierge desks. OR you can download a printable version from the Santa Barbara Downtown Organization's website (link below).

Expect something special in art and culture on the first Thursday of every month!

In the meantime, be sure to check out all of the other great Featured Events happening in Downtown Santa Barbara: http://www.santabarbaradowntown.com/

Information on the International Film Festival, Film Feast, Film Sips and Film Sleeps (Jan 27-Feb  6) also available on the SBDO website. Details will also be listed on this blog in the near future

The New Year Has Arrived!

Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot