Santa Barbara County Farm Day, Saturday, August 24.

The sixth annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day, Saturday, Aug. 24, has added four first-time participants. More than 15 local farms and agricultural organizations are opening their doors on Farm Day, offering free tours, tastings, giveaways and kid-friendly activities. An adult woman and a young child pick up a seedling at Santa Barbara County Farm Day. (Courtesy photo) Santa Barbara County Farm Day visitors select a seedling for planting. (Courtesy photo) At Ballard Walnut Grove visitors will walk among 900 walnut trees and learn how walnuts grow from of owners of the family-owned farm. At the end of the tour, visitors will enjoy a walnut tasting and a children’s craft area. Visitors to Dare 2 Dream Farms can say hello to the pastured chickens and goats, walk the garden, and discover how the farm uses compost and beneficial insects in their growing practices. At Growing Minds Farm Education visitors learn about educational programs and have a chance to meet the animals (goats, pigs and horses) that call this farm home. Kids can participate in arts and crafts activities. Food will be available to purchase. Santa Barbara Blueberries offers educational tours that showcase the farm’s organic soil (made from earthworms and composted food and green waste), creating an ecosystem ideal for blueberry growing. U-Pick berries and farm stand produce are available for purchase. “Farm Day offers visitors a diverse mix of row crops, vineyards, orchards, livestock, ag support and ag education sites to choose from,” said Caitlin Case, executive director of the 501c3 nonprofit Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), which puts on Farm Day. Tour hours run 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The public can select which farms to visit by going to the Farm Day Trail Map, and then create their day’s driving itinerary. Participating locations are in Santa Maria, Santa Ynez Valley, Orcutt, Lompoc and Gaviota. To attend Farm Day, register at https://my805tix.com/e/sbfarmday-24. Some farms require visitors to sign up for specific tour times. Once registered, visitors show their 805Tix QR code at each location to enter without having to sign in. Plus, they are automatically entered into a drawing to win prizes. Winners are notified on Farm Day. Santa Barbara County Farm Day sponsors include The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, Driscoll’s, County of Santa Barbara, Edwin and Jeanne Wood Family Foundation, Santa Barbara Foundation, The Land Trust For Santa Barbara County, Church Brothers Farms, AgWest Farm Credit, Central West Produce, Plantel Nurseries and Bonipak. To learn more about Santa Barbara County Farm Day and to register, visit www.SantaBarbaraCountyFarmDay.com or call 805-892-8155. Information from Noozhawk Newsletter.

Santa Barbara Antique & Vintage Show and Sale

Santa Barbara Antique & Vintage Show and Sale July 19, 2024 JULY 19, 20, & 21, 2024 FRI: 11-6 SAT: 11-6 SUN: 11-4 Earl Warren Showgrounds at 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 *FREE PARKING* WHO: We are back again with the Santa Barbara Antique Show at the Earl Warren Showgrounds! WHAT: The finest Antique, Decorative Arts, and Vintage Show of the… Read more

Santa Barbara concerts in the park, see the summer line-up

The annual free concert series will bring live music to the park on Thursday evenings throughout the summer. The City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department has announced the return of the annual concert series, Concerts in the Park. The free, family-friendly summer tradition has brought large crowds and a range of musical entertainment to Chase Palm Park since its inception in 2000. Concerts will take place on Thursdays throughout the summer at the Great Meadow in Chase Palm Park from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Local opening acts will take the stage around 5:00 p.m. as crowds arrive. The community is invited to bring blankets, chairs, and picnics, to enjoy an evening of free music along Cabrillo Boulevard. Local businesses will also be onsite with food available for purchase. 2024 Concerts in the Park Schedule Thursday, June 27 – The Tearaways Thursday, July 11 – Brittney & The B-Sides Thursday, July 18 – Area 51 Thursday, July 25 – Mezcal Martini Thursday, August 8 – Echoswitch When: 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. – Main Act Where: Great Meadow in Chase Palm Park (map) The free concert series is hosted in partnership with the PARC Foundation. More information about Concerts in the Park can be found at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Concerts

Circus Vargas, June 7th as Santa Barbara Earl Warren Show Grounds

Fri, Jun 7, 2024 at 7:30 PM Add to calendar Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105 More info here Circus Vargas presents Jubilé! An Epic World Celebration in Ventura at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara June 7-17! The show features Opera trained Ringmaster, Johnathan Lee Iverson, who guides the audience through an experience of different cultures and nationalities, joining hand in hand, coming together through acrobatic and aerial artistry to entertain, laugh, live, love and celebrate as one! Featuring the world's finest performers from 15 different countries! Join us for more laughs, more thrills and more priceless memories, under the Big Top…ONLY at Circus Vargas! Don't miss the ultimate entertainment experience of 2024!

I Madonnari, Street Painting Festival at the Santa Barbara Mission May 25, 26 and 27

Celebrating the annual fundraising festival this Memorial Day Weekend with new street paintings, new vendors, and the same bountiful energy Art enthusiasts from near and far are invited to the 38th I Madonnari Street Painting Festival at the Old Mission Santa Barbara this Memorial Day Weekend from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 25, 26, and 27. I Madonnari, the first festival of its kind in North America, is produced by and raises vital funding for the Children’s Creative Project (CCP), a nonprofit arts education program of the Santa Barbara County Education Office. This year’s featured artist, Emily Lostaunau, began street painting in 1998 when she assisted her sister with a featured painting at the Italian Street Painting Festival in San Rafael. Lostaunau has since participated in our local I Madonnari many times. Lostaunau’s 2024 piece, titled “The Sunday Greys,” is an ode to her three grey stallions that she rides and cares for every Sunday. Lostaunau said of the piece: Each horse is exceedingly special in his own right: Veloz is a Dressage Grand Prix schoolmaster and epitomizes a strong work ethic and determination. Chupacabra (center) is a multiple world title holder and a model; he is sensitive and kind and everything you would imagine a real-life unicorn to be. Chacal (right) is the do anything, go anywhere horse, full of strength, power, and fierce courage. They will always make you humble and have one more lesson to teach you if you are willing to learn it. I always look forward to my happy mornings with the Sunday Greys. These animals tend to imprint themselves on you. They breathe your troubles in and exhale quiet confidence. In addition to celebrating Emily and hundreds of other artists creating beautiful works on the pavement, Children’s Creative Project dedicates this year’s festival to Margie Yahyavi, former Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Education Foundation who was a champion for education and the arts. “As a dear friend of Children’s Creative Project, we were deeply saddened by her passing and the loss of such a beacon of hope and inspiration,” said Kai Tepper-Jahnke, Executive Director of Children’s Creative Project “It is an honor to celebrate her legacy and to continue inspiring the next generation of creative thinkers and makers.” Originally inspired by the International Street Painting Competition in Grazie di Curtatone, Italy, the festival will feature over 140 chalk pastel street paintings drawn live in front of the Old Mission Santa Barbara. Live music and a food market will be available for enjoyment on the Mission lawn throughout the three-day event, with local vendors such as Dave’s Dogs, Elubia’s, and Nimita’s Cuisine, as well as traditional favorites like the much-loved lemon-rosemary roasted chicken, pizza, gelato, and more. The CCP staff and Board of Directors produce the festival with volunteers from the National Charity League and the Boys Charity League. CCP is grateful to work with the expertise of Eji Event Co. and WA Managment for festival support as well. All proceeds benefit the Children’s Creative Project and its vital arts programs in county public schools. Music performances include local talents such as Mezcal Martini, The Brasscals, Mark and the Logistics, and exceptional youth performances from several local junior high and high school jazz bands and choirs. An expanded area for children to create street paintings will be located on the west side of the Mission. Throughout the three-day event, over 600 Kids’ Squares, which include a box of chalk, can be purchased for $15. This year, the festival will be accessible via a new Santa Barbara Trolley Route, with pick-up points at the Visitors Center on Cabrillo Boulevard and the Santa Barbara Public Library Downtown on Anacapa Street. More information can be found at: https://ccp.sbceo.org/about-the-festival The 2024 I Madonnari festival is made possible by the generosity of many local individuals, foundations, and businesses. The year’s top sponsors include Nora McNeely Hurley and Michael Hurley, Bella Vista Designs, The Berry Man, and Village Properties. Additional sponsors include Santa Barbara Beautiful, Kendall Rhode and Associates, American Riviera Bank, Boys Charity League, COX Communications, Community West Bank, Haagen Printing/Typecraft Inc., KEYT NewsChannel3, Montecito Bank and Trust, National Charity League, Santa Barbara Bowl, and Santa Barbara City College Foundation. Children’s Creative Project gives a special thank you to the Old Mission Santa Barbara for hosting the 38th annual I Madonnari Festival. The organization also thanks and acknowledges Elly Iverson, Warner Events Management, and the Santa Barbara County Education Office. Major sponsorship opportunities are available. More information can be found here: https://ccp.sbceo.org/major-festival-sponsorship A final ceremony will take place on Monday, May 27, at 12:00 pm on the Mission steps to introduce and thank our major festival sponsors and featured artist Emily Lostaunau. About Children’s Creative Project Children’s Creative Project (CCP) began producing the I Madonnari Festival in 1987 to elevate the arts in the Santa Barbara community while raising much-needed funding for arts education in K-12 schools. In 2022, Kai Tepper-Jahnke stepped in as the new Executive Director of Children’s Creative Project to take over for CCP founder, Kathy Koury. Tepper-Jahnke, born and raised in Santa Barbara and benefited directly from CCP programs, is a champion for the arts throughout the community and eager to invigorate new opportunities. She is a member of several arts and culture organizations, including the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP), where she is Co-Chair of the Asian American History Affinity Group. Her most recent project with the SBHTP included the Year of the Dragon Celebration, which featured a mural by local artist, D.J. Javier and an all-AAPI art show in the Presidio Chapel, which she co-curated with Meiya Sidney. Tepper-Jahnke is honored to continue the legacy of I Madonnari which was created under the vision of Kathy Koury after a visit to Grazie di Curtatone, Italy to experience a street painting competition. Ms. Koury produced the first street painting festival in 1987, which claims to be the first street painting festival in North America. The I Madonnari festival has continued growing and is now replicated in more than 150 cities throughout the Western Hemisphere. Festival proceeds have enabled the CCP to sponsor fine arts programs conducted by professional artists during school hours for over 50,000 children in county public schools. Resident artists provide visual and performing arts workshops for more than 38,000 children. Fundraising from the I Madonnari festival helps to continue the CCP’s work to support free annual performance events and other activities. To support this program, festival proceeds provide every county public school with a $600 arts credit to help pay for Resident Artists and Touring Artist Performance fees. For festival photos, more information about the Children’s Creative Project or I Madonnari, or to arrange artist interviews, contact Meredith Ventura at 805-792-3287 or mventura@sbceo.org. You can also find more information at ccp.sbceo.org. Information from ED Hat Newsletter

First Thursday Art Walk downtown Santa Barbara, May 2nd

May 2nd Thursday ArtWalk May 2nd, 5-8 pm Enjoy art, music, and film on May 2nd with the 1st Thursday ArtWalk and enjoy free access to visual and performing arts in a fun and social environment. Venues feature attractions such as art openings, live music, artists' receptions, lectures, and more. We hope you will join us to enjoy our beautiful downtown and all that it has to offer and support these local businesses and artists. This 1st Thursday enjoy the following entertainment: 800 Block, in front of Bryant & Sons: Live music from The Coveralls.The Coveralls are a local “cover band” spanning the regions of Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. Combin - ing reggae vibes, country rhythms, rock riffs, and hip hop grooves, The Coveralls masterfully interpret con - temporary hits and classic legends. 1100 Block, in front of Satellite: Visit Satellite’s patio for a free-wheel - ing live music experience from rotating cast of local and roaming professional musicians. Led by local favorites Brett Hunter and Joe Farey, Riviera Culture Club combines high quality sound with Santa Barbara’s best talent, to create unforgettable entertainment experiences. Cover Venue Event 100th birthday tribute to James Galanos by Couture Pattern Museum at WorkZones Download the May 2nd, 1st Thursday ArtWalk Passport Venues and Attractions Voice Gallery 121 South Hope Ave. Abstract Art Collective’s “Surviving to Thriving” exhibit benefitting Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, will debut at May's 1st Thursday and run through May 30th. TBCF offers hope and support to families facing the terrible journey of childhood cancer. AAC will celebrate TBCF’s work by raising funds through art sales. SBIFF'S Santa Barbara Filmmaker Series 1330 State St. We are featuring Rachel Burnett's 841. A surfboard-stealing otter ignites a media frenzy around the globe, sparking a widespread discourse and placing her freedom into question. Showtimes 5:30pm, 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 7:00pm. Runtime: 18 mins Santa Barbara Fine Art 1321 State St. Michael Drury, a UCSB Alumni,has been painting for over 52 years. Many of those years were spent painting side by side with longtime friend Ray Strong. Drury, Original member of The Oak Group, has an excellent eye for observing detail in his paintings of Nevada, Santa Barbara and the California Coastline CPC Gallery 36 E Victoria St Abstract artist Francis Scorzelli presents COLOR INTERACTION. His large-scale artwork is energetic and complex, a result of countless layers and time-consuming processes. Enjoy live music by guitarist David Pat, who specializes in Bossa Nova and Spanish influences of South America, while sipping local wine by Stolpman Vineyards. Legacy Arts Listening Room 1230 State St. SBVA returns to LASB for yet another beautiful & thought-provoking exhibition from May 1 through June 30, 2024. SBVA is a non-profit organization of active Santa Barbara artists who meet together socially to produce and celebrate art and to exhibit their original works in diverse media. The SBVA artists developed camaraderie and nurtured a common bond and passion for viewing and creating personal art. Opening reception on May 2, 22024, between 5 - 8pm with some live music, food & wine. Come experience the magic thereafter between Wed - Fri, 12 to 7p, Sat - Sun 12 - 7p. Appointments welcome. domecíl 1223 State St. domecíl hosts the incredible work of Santa Barbara ceramicist Burt Horowitz. Don’t miss his life-like sculptures which serve to incite an emotional response. KAAREM 1221 State St., #14 Come celebrate the release of Christina Vo’s dual memoir My Vietnam, Your Vietnam, co-authored by her father, Nghia M. Vo. Enjoy an evening of convergence over the art of storytelling through book and song - sharing Vietnamese experiences of healing and hope. We will be connecting over conversation, followed by an intimate musical performance by Linda Sao of See Night. 10 West Gallery 10 W. Anapamu St. SPRING FLING: With both exuberance and reflection, Spring has made a showy entrance into 10 West Gallery. Ten abstract/contemporary Santa Barbara area artists featuring new paintings, photography, stitched collage, stone and bronze sculpture. April 3 – May 12. Image: Carol Paquet, Breathwork for Plants, oil on canvas, 24 x 30 inches. Sullivan Goss 11 E. Anapamu St. Join us for a celebration of the season with our new exhibition WONDERLAND, inspired by the sights and sounds of Spring and featuring work by Roland Petersen. Also on view, Phoebe Brunner: Westward, The Land Is Bright, and The Spring Salon. Santa Barbara Museum of Art 1130 State St. Join SBMA for Pop-Up Opera on the Front Terrace at 5 pm. Later, dive into the enchanting melodies of Quire of Voyces in Ludington Court at 6:30 pm. Then, enjoy Family 1st Thursday and Teaching Artist-led activities from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Afterward, explore the galleries until 8 pm. All free! Silver Lining Magazine x KIVA Cowork 1117 State St. The Silver Lining presents Kiva Sensoria. UNLEASH YOUR INNER SENSES. Marlyn Daggett, Kenji J. Fukudome, Lisa Trivell,Philip Jolles, Heritage Valley Goods, Pali Wine, Cutler's Distillery, Surf Rock Acoustic Band, Nibs, and Sober drink offerings for further delight. Gallery 113 1114 State St., #8 Members of the Santa Barbara Art Association exhibit their original artwork here. Artist of the Month is Sandy Fisher with a show called Diverse Beauty of California and the West. Featured artists are Skip Lau, Mardilan Georgio, Bonny Butler, Gloria Cassidy, and Charlotte Mullich. Waterhouse Gallery 1114 State St., #9 The Gallery features figurative works, interiors, and cityscapes, by some of today’s finest nationally known local and Oak Group artists. Enjoy works by Ray Hunter, Derek Harrison. Wyllis Heaton, Camille Dellar, Ann Sanders, Thomas Van Stein, Nancy Davidson, Rick Garcia, Ellie Freudenstein, and Ralph Waterhouse. The Crafter's Library 9 E. Figueroa St. Stop by The Crafter’s Library for an evening of fun with crafting, cocktails and karaoke! You can let your inner child out or your inner diva out or both at this fun and free event (cash bar). The Yes Store 1100 State St. Join us as we Celebrate Spring. Enjoy a beverage. View the work of Featured Artist Martha Moran a sculptor, fountain-builder and designer of "Art Showers" and “Rock-Stackers”. Looking for locally handmade gifts or something special for yourself? Look no further than The Yes Store-Local Arts Gallery Slice of Light 9 W Figueroa St. We welcome you to join us for a magnificent evening at our photography gallery, featuring the natural beauty of earth and space. Every piece is captured by Santa Barbara local, J K Lovelace. Enjoy fine wine as you explore our latest exhibit, "Passage."

Santa Barbara Kite Festival, Sunday April 21, 2024

The Santa Barbara Kite Festival Rescheduled to April 21 at SBCC’s West Campus by Edhat ReaderEdhat Reader April 11, 2024, 5:14 am 1.1kViews 2Comments Santa Barbara Kite Festival free fly 2019 (Courtesy) [UPDATE]: Due to rain in the forecast, The Santa Barbara Kite Festival, originally scheduled for this Sunday April 14th, has been moved to 11am-4pm Sunday April 21st on the west campus at Santa Barbara City College. By the Santa Barbara Kite Festival The 2024 Santa Barbara Kite Festival returns 11am to 4pm this Sunday, April 14th to the “Great Meadow” on the west campus of Santa Barbara City College! This year’s theme is “Love is a Breeze!” Festival Kite Master Rakesh Bahadur and director David Hefferman selected this year’s festival theme to celebrate the love, laughter, and togetherness of families and friends at the festival. The “Childrens Tail Chase” is guaranteed to generate even more fun and laughter at the event. The tail chases feature groups of kids chasing and capturing the tail of a kite expertly flown by Mr. Bahadur. The festival schedule is full with family-friendly kite contests including “Most Beautiful” (handmade & commercial), “Highest Flying”, “Largest & Smallest Kites”, ”Youngest & Oldest Kite Flyers”, “Most Unique Or Unusual Kite”, “Funniest Kite”, “Most Unflyable Kite”, “Best Handmade Kite” (a new category), and “Best of Fest” – recognizing the best overall kite entry and participant of the day. Finally, festival organizers will select this year’s winner of the “Lion Award”- created in the memory of local legend Chad Dreier and presented by the Dreier family. The “Great Meadow” is located on the west campus of Santa Barbara City College, 973 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, Ca 93109. Admission to the festival is free. Parking is available on both west campus and the main campus. Kites, food, and beverages can be purchased at the event. Thanks to a 2007 proclamation by the Santa Barbara City Council, April is officially designated as “Kite Month” in Santa Barbara, The Santa Barbara Kite Festival has also been recognized by the city for its annual contributions to community recreation and family fun. Santa Barbara’s kite month of April is promoted in coordination with the National Kite Month of April – co-founded by the American Kite Flyers Association and the Kite Trade Association International . Free flying of your kite is allowed & encouraged outside of the Festival Flying Safety Zone (approx 75 yard area marked off at Festival for events listed below). Note: This schedule is wind & conditions dependent and may change without notice. Please respect the event participants in the competition area Do not fly your kite or your child’s kite over the competition area please. Santa Barbara Kite Festival -Green cap & blue skies 2019 (Courtesy) Children’s Tail Chase Game, Santa Barbara Kite Festival 2014 (Courtesy) No Kite Fighting exhibitions Private Play allowed at the Festival CHILDRENS’ KITE TAIL CHASE 11am-330pm Top & Bottom Of Hour- GAME- groups of kids chase and try to capture the kite master’s kite tail. Age groups ranging from ages 3-4/5, 6-8, 8-12, Please fill out a participation waiver at the information booth, 12:45pm: MOST BEAUTIFUL- COMMERCIAL & HANDMADE KITES 1:15 pm YOUNGEST & OLDEST FLYERS 1:45 pm MOST UNIQUE KITE, MOST UNUSUAL KITE 2:15 FUNNIEST KITE, MOST UNFLYABLE KITE! 2:45 pm LARGEST KITES, HIGHEST FLYING KITES 3:15pm BEST OF FEST & Lion Award! TIME TBC SPORT FLYER & TOY/AERIAL DEMOS FAQs (frequently asked questions about the event) BATHROOMS ARE EASY WALKING DISTANCE in the LRC (Library Center – the building directly east of the festival), and portable restrooms. Kites on sale at the event Summerland Catering (Tinker’s Hot Dogs) and beverages for sale Free Admission, plenty of parking (some metered, some free in upper lots) www.sbkitefest.net www.facebook.com/santabarbarakitefestival For more info, visit our website at www.sbkitefest.net, our facebook page/santabarbarakitefestival, or call 805-637-6202. For info about National Kite Month go to www.nationalkitemonth.org, and www.kite.org. Information and photo from ED HAt Newsletter

Eclipse Viewing Party April 8

Eclipse Viewing Party in Goleta At Camino Real Marketplace, Goleta APRIL 8, 2024 / 10:00 AM–1:00 PM Watch the solar eclipse with us at Goleta’s Camino Real Marketplace!* Looking directly at a solar eclipse is dangerous, so we’re offering two cool ways to safely experience this cosmic phenomenon. Enjoy a closer view through our specially filtered solar telescopes and get your own pair of eclipse glasses while supplies last ($4.59 plus tax, proceeds support the Museum). The main action will take place starting at 10:06 AM, when the Moon begins to move in front of the Sun. Our best viewing will be 11:11 AM, when the approximately 55% partial eclipse visible from our region will be most impressive. By 12:19 PM, the Moon will have moved totally out of the way, and we'll enjoy normal solar telescope viewing for the remainder of our party (weather permitting). This free public eclipse viewing party in Goleta is presented by the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit (SBAU) in collaboration with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History's Astronomy Programs. Can't come to the party? Check out our eclipse tips, including special tips just for teachers on the Astronomy Programs page. *In the sunken plaza in front of Starbucks and Los Agaves Partial eclipse photo by NASA/Norah Moran/Johnson Space Center ASTRONOMY ALL AGES FEATURED Information from the SB Museum ofNatural HistoryNewsletter

Santa Barbara International Film Festival Opens Wednesday for 39th Annual Celebration

Downtown Santa Barbara is about to come alive with the glitz and glamour of the silver screen as the 39th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) kicks off on Wednesday evening. With its rich history and reputation as one of California’s premier film events, the festival promises an exquisite showcase of international cinema, inspiring stories, and unforgettable cinematic experiences. The opening night of SBIFF is always a highly anticipated affair, and this year is no exception. Film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and celebrities from around the world will gather at the historic Arlington Theatre, ready to embark on a remarkable cinematic journey that will unfold over the course of the festival. As the curtains rise, attendees will be treated to the world premiere of a highly anticipated film, selected for its artistic merit and ability to captivate audiences. The screening will set the tone for the entire festival, offering a glimpse into the artistic vision and storytelling prowess that awaits moviegoers in the days to com The festival will open with an already sold-out World Premiere of Disney’s MADU. The film’s subject, Anthony Madu, went viral in 2020, touching the hearts of people around the world after his dance teacher posted a 44-second clip of him dancing ballet in the rainy streets of Lagos. The documentary, from Academy Award nominee Matt Ogens and ‘Kachi Benson, follows 12-year-old Madu as he leaves his family and community in Nigeria to study at one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world in England. Having never left his home outside of Lagos, Anthony finds himself thrust into a new world where his wildest dreams are suddenly within reach. His courageous journey is a story of extraordinary obstacles as he searches for belonging and acceptance, a family far away, and unexpected challenges that could impact his future. “Forming a rich and immersive tapestry told on multiple continents, MADU introduces the world to a boy chasing a dream of inspiration that will resonate with us all,” the film states. Beyond the captivating films, SBIFF is known for its tribute programs that honor some of the most remarkable talents in the industry. This year the festival will present awards to Bradley Cooper, Robert Downey Jr, Mark Ruffalo, Paul Giamatti, Jeffrey Wright, Annette Bening, and more. These tributes provide an opportunity for attendees to gain unique insights into the creative processes and achievements of these artists. Throughout the festival’s duration, downtown Santa Barbara will be filled with film screenings, panel discussions, and educational programs. These diverse events aim to foster dialogue, inspire aspiring filmmakers, and offer unique perspectives on the ever-evolving world of cinema. From thought-provoking documentaries to cutting-edge independent films, the festival curates a wide array of genres and filmmakers, ensuring there is something for every film enthusiast. Many events are already sold out but there’s still time to buy tickets. Learn more here: https://sbiff.org/