On Tuesday, Feb. 4., Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) opened their doors celebrating 40 years. The event is held at various locations around Santa Barbara, hosting numerous panels and events from Feb. 4. to Feb. 15. SBIFF is screening various movies from across the globe including student projects.
Tuesday, Feb 4. – Jane Austen wrecked my life
The Arlington Theater was filled with crowds and laughter when SBIFF held their opening night on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
On the red carpet Council member Wendy Santamaria was captured as well as other known figures.
After mayor Randy Rowse held a short speech acknowledging the Los Angeles fires and how the Film Festival will be donating and helping out our sister city, Roger Durling, executive director of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, took over and hosted the night. He greeted the crowd with lots of energy and in return was met by a vibrant crowd.
Durling proceeded to talk about his upbringing, film festival’s history and how important it was for him to give everyone a voice, no matter the gender, skin color, or origin.
“Art is for everyone,” Durling said.
As the colorful lights in Arlington Theater dimmed, the crowd was whispering in excitement while the french film Jane Austen a gâché ma vie (Jane Austin Wrecked My Life) played. The audience kept bursting into laughter while watching the film and ended the night with cheerful claps.
The film directed by Laura Piani is a romantic-comedy and was recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The movie is about protagonist Agathe, a writer struggling with a writing block, who proceeds to go to Jane Austens’ writing camp where she’s met by other writers and love dramas.
-Djamila Rodeck, A&E Editor
Wednesday, Feb. 5 – Maltin Modern Master Award ft. Angelina Jolie
SBIFF presented its Maltin Modern Master Award to actress Angelina Jolie on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at the Arlington Theatre.
Film critic and SBIFF moderator Leonard Maltin interviewed Jolie on her past movies and experiences when acting.
As everyone viewed Jolie’s work she said her jobs have given her unexpected moments and led her to unexpected places.
One of those unexpected places being Cambodia where Tomb Raider was filmed.
After watching Tomb Raider she reflected on that time of her life and admitted she originally turned it down. Jolie said this almost caused her to miss out on experiences that changed her life, one being meeting her first son.
Jolie became personal saying she started acting to help her mother who she dedicated and gave her first Academy Award to.
Maltin questioned Jolie on her passion for directing after seeing the film Unbroken.
Jolie conveyed her love for directing, announcing she prefers directing over acting.
“I love seeing the best in other people,” Jolie said. “I actually like being behind the camera . . . it’s amazing.”
Concluding the night with her recent movie Maria, Jolie explained she took opera classes and truly wanted to defend Maria Callas’ life. She enjoyed learning new skills when filming this movie.
“That’s the most extraordinary thing about being an actor,” Jolie said.
Closing the night Jolie was presented her award by Ava DuVernay.
Jolie gave a touching acceptance speech showing appreciation to her mother who died in 2007. She concluded by sharing gratitude for those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires and many who are losing solidarity and support at this time in our country.
-Viviana Ruiz, Associate Editor
Thursday, Feb. 6 – Outstanding Performer of the Year Award ft. Ralph Fiennes
The third night of SBIFF took place Thursday, Feb. 6 at the Arlington Theatre.
The night hosted Ralph Fiennes as their Outstanding Performer of the Year Award for his performance in Conclave.
Durling started with an opening statement talking about the work in cinema Fiennes has contributed throughout his career.
“There’s been one actor I’ve always wanted to celebrate. And finally, it happens tonight,” Durling said. “This man deserves every accolade in the world. The fact he hasn’t won an Oscar yet, damn it. Let’s rectify that.”
Before Fiennes walked out a compilation of his roles over the years was played showing his efforts in movies like Harry Potter, Schindler’s List, and The Menu.
Once the montage had ended Fiennes came out and shared stories of his upbringing and his experiences working in cinema and theatre.
“My mom was a great woman, she loved the arts. We always had drawing paper and paints and writing things available to us,” Fiennes said. “She took me to see my first Shakespeare experience, she just was fantastic at encouraging all her children to pursue what they believed in, as long as they did it thoroughly.”
Reflecting on the impact his mother left, he shared how he ultimately chose acting.
Fiennes attended an art school in London coming from a small town in England called Salisbury.
“You can imagine being in London with everything it has to offer was exciting,” Fiennes said. “And so that atmosphere led to me thinking. I just had this real sense that I wanted to be an actor. Suddenly, the sort of confidence I had came back to me like this, a weird sense of vocation. I think now I understand when people say they feel a calling.”
-Hiro Sato, Associate Editor
