As the Santa Barbara International Film Festival gears up for its milestone 40th edition, Roger Durling’s enthusiasm is infectious. For two decades, the SBIFF director has been at the helm, but his passion for cinema and community engagement is stronger than ever. “You would imagine that after 20 years [at the festival], I would start getting tired, but it’s the opposite; I am so fired up,” he says.
This year, SBIFF isn’t just about celebrating film—it’s also about giving back. With wildfires devastating areas south of Santa Barbara, the festival has teamed up with Direct Relief to provide aid, launching a $100,000 matching grant and limited edition anniversary T-shirts to support relief efforts. “It gives you a sense of togetherness, a sense of community, and that’s what we need right now. I have always found that in the most difficult times in my life, film festivals and films have always been a beacon,” Durling reflects.
To mark its 40th anniversary, SBIFF is extending its run by an extra day, offering a lineup that includes 33 world premieres and a record 52% of films directed by women. The festival, running from February 4-15, will open with the U.S. premiere of Jane Austen Wrecked My Life, directed by Laura Piani, and close with A Missing Part, written and directed by Guillaume Senez. In between, film lovers will be treated to a selection of global cinema, with entries from 60 countries, including The Penguin Lessons (Spain, U.K.), Balomanía (Denmark, Spain), Democracy Under Siege (Belgium, Luxembourg, U.S.), and Seeking a Haven for Mr. Rambo (Egypt).
The festival will also be a major stop for Hollywood’s biggest stars. Honorees include Angelina Jolie (Maria), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez (Emilia Pérez), Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce (The Brutalist), Colman Domingo and Clarence Maclin (Sing Sing), Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain), Harris Dickinson (Babygirl), Ariana Grande (Wicked), and more.
Beyond the glitz, SBIFF continues its strong commitment to education. Durling’s personal favorite moment is the annual event where 5,000 elementary school students from northern Santa Barbara County are invited for a special screening. This year, they’ll be watching DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot. “When everybody thinks about Santa Barbara, they just think about the big tributes and the panels, which are Oscar-oriented. But behind the curtain, there’s quite a lot for cinephiles, and it’s a blast,” Durling says.
With six screens dedicated to year-round programming, 60 Academy screenings since September, and a legacy of fostering film appreciation, SBIFF’s longevity is no accident. As the festival prepares to celebrate four decades of cinema, it remains a vital force—not just for filmmakers and moviegoers, but for the community it calls home.
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