SBIFF Unveils 46 World Premieres, New McHurley Film Center, and Star-Studded Tributes
ANNOUNCES 2026 PROGRAM
GRAND OPENING OF SBIFF’S NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART HOME - THE MCHURLEY FILM CENTER
OPENS WITH THE US PREMIERE OF “A MOSQUITO IN THE EAR” AND CLOSES WITH US PREMIERE OF “LAUNDRY (Uhlanjululo)”
JULIAN SCHNABEL RETROSPECTIVE AND US PREMIERE OF “IN THE HAND OF DANTE”
FESTIVAL TO PRESENT 46 WORLD PREMIERES AND 81 U.S. PREMIERES FROM 50 COUNTRIES WITH 50% OF FILMS DIRECTED BY WOMEN
Santa Barbara, CA, Wednesday, January 14, 2026 –The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) announced the lineup for the 41st edition, which will run February 4 to 14, 2026. The festival will showcase 46 world premieres and 80 U.S. premieres from 50 countries with 50% of films directed by women, along with tributes featuring the year’s top talent, panel discussions, and free community education and outreach programs.
“We have a standout slate this year, and we’re especially proud to continue SBIFF’s legacy of showcasing fascinating movies from local filmmakers to international voices in our state-of-the-art theatrical setting. - Claudia Puig, Programming Director."
SBIFF’S THE MCHURLEY FILM CENTER
The 2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival marks the grand opening of SBIFF's McHurley Film Center at 916 State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. SBIFF took on the lease for the property in late 2024 and has since completed a down-to-the-studs, state-of-the-art renovation. Hundreds of film screenings and filmmaker Q&As will take place at The McHurley Film Center during this year's Festival, and going forward, will run as a year-round arthouse alongside the Riviera Theatre. The McHurley Film Center will add 5,000 screenings to SBIFF’s programming throughout the year. SBIFF is more than 60% to a $25M capital campaign goal for this project and is still soliciting support. More information can be found at https://sbifftheatres.com/filmcenter/ .
OPENING NIGHT
SBIFF’s Opening Night will be on Wednesday, February 4, with the US Premiere of A MOSQUITO IN THE EAR. Written and directed by Nicola Rinciari and starring Jake Lacy, Nazanin Boniadi, Ruhi Pal. The Writer/Director Nicola Rinciari and Co-Writer Emily Dillard will be joining in-person.
A MOSQUITO IN THE EAR follows Andrew and Daniela as they travel to Goa, India, to bring home their newly adopted four-year-old daughter, Sarvari. But their world begins to unravel when Sarvari refuses to leave the orphanage she calls home. The couple’s attempt to safely ferry their new child from India to the U.S. proves to be an untenable task filled with chaos, intermarital conflict, and adventure around every corner.
CLOSING NIGHT
SBIFF will close on Saturday, February 14 with the US Premiere of “LAUNDRY (Uhlanjululo)”. Written and directed by Zamo Mkhwanazi and starring Ntobeko Sishi,Tracy September. The Writer/Director will be joining in-person.
Johannesburg, 1968. Khuthala hates his father's laundry and doesn't want to take over the family business, but the apartheid government is cracking down on Black business ownership. Khuthala is torn between pursuing his own dream of becoming a musician and fighting against the injustice that threatens the business—his only means of subsistence and the glue that holds his family together.
JULIAN SCHNABEL RETROSPECTIVE
We will feature a retrospective of filmmaker Julian Schnabel’s past work including BASQUIAT (BLACK AND WHITE RESTORATION), BEFORE NIGHT FALLS, THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY, and AT ETERNITY'S GATE leading up to the US Premiere of Schnabel’s new film IN THE HAND OF DANTE, starring Oscar Issac, Gerard Butler, John Malkovich, Gal Gadot, Martin Scorsese and more. Julian Schnabel will attend for a Q&A.
THE JURY
SBIFF is pleased to announce the distinguished jury members who will be celebrating and honoring the films of this year’s Festival lineup. The jury will include Adam Guettel, Adrien Martinez, Jordana Brewster, Joseph Novoa, Karla Quintero, Langdon Page, Marissa Chibas, Michael Patti, Tina Sawtelle, Travis Preston. The award-winning films will be announced at a ceremony hosted by El Encanto with the Jury and Filmmakers in attendance.
THE TRIBUTES
SBIFF is an important showcase for Academy Award frontrunners. The 41st SBIFF proudly celebrates some of the year’s finest work in film. All tributes will be in person at the historic Arlington Theatre Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara.
- Maltin Modern Master Award honoring Adam Sandler - Thursday, February 5 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Leonard Maltin.
- American Riviera Award - Friday, February 6 at 8:00pm. Honoree to be announced.
- Variety Artisans Award - Saturday, February 7 at 8:00pm. Honorees to be announced. Moderated by Jazz Tangcay.
- Virtuosos Award presented by Nora McNeely Hurley Foundation honoring Jacob Elordi, Chase Infiniti, Amy Madigan, Wagner Moura, Renate Reinsve, Sydney Sweeney, Teyana Taylor, and Jeremy Allen White - Sunday, February 8 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Dave Karger.
- Hammond Cinema Vanguard Award honoring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro - Monday, February 9 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Pete Hammond.
- Outstanding Directors of the Year Award - Tuesday, February 10 at 8:00pm. Honorees to be announced. Moderated by Scott Feinberg.
- Montecito Award honoring Stellan Skarsgård - Wednesday, February 11 at 8:00pm.
- Outstanding Performer of the Year Award presented by Nora McNeely Hurley Foundation honoring Michael B. Jordan - Thursday, February 12 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Roger Durling
- Arlington Artist of the Year Award honoring Kate Hudson - Friday, February 13 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Scott Feinberg
THE PANELS
SBIFF is renowned for creating smart, insightful panels that feature a who’s who in the world of filmmaking, including many Oscar contenders. Returning will be Producers, Writers, Women’s and International Panels with the introduction of a Casting Directors Panel. Panelists to be announced.
Women’s Panel - Saturday, February 7at 11:00am - Arlington Theatre - Moderated by Madelyn Hammond
Casting Directors Panel - Saturday, February 7 at 2:00pm - Arlington Theatre - Moderated by Debra Birnbaum
Producers Panel - Sunday, February 8 at 11:00pm - Arlington Theatre - Moderated by Nicole Sperling
International Directors Panel - Sunday, February 8 at 2:00pm - Arlington Theatre - Moderated by Roger Durling
Writers Panel - Saturday, February 14 at 11:00am - Arlington Theatre - Moderated by Anne Thompson
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, FREE PROGRAMS, AND OTHER MENTIONS
SBIFF Poster Designed by Artist Baret Boisson - “When I think of film, I think of the many artists involved in telling a story, and transporting viewers into another realm. Artists worldwide need to be free to express themselves, whether it be in Iran or Russia or the United States. The message is about artistic freedom, and the magical worlds that open to us through art.” commented Baret Boisson.
SBIFF Filmmaker Fund - SBIFF’s Filmmaker Fund is offered in partnership with The Veraison Fund to help foster independent filmmakers of Santa Barbara County. SBIFF invites filmmakers to pitch their projects to a jury of industry professionals and four filmmakers are selected to each receive up to $10,000 each to help fund their film. Winners will be announced on the final day of SBIFF.
Mike’s FieldTrip to the Movies – Named for renowned nature cinematographer Mike deGruy, Mike’s FieldTrip to the Movies uses filmmaking to nurture creative, confident, and culturally aware thinkers. This year’s program will be offered to 4,000+ 4th--6th grade students from Title I (low-income) schools throughout Santa Barbara County. This year will feature Q&As following ZOOTOPIA 2 and ELIO. Sponsored by John C. Mithun Foundation, Yardi, US Bank, Montecito Bank & Trust, Bentson Foundation, Volentine Family Foundation.
Film Studies Program – The Film Studies Program will invite 30 undergraduate film students from across the country to the Film Festival where they'll take part in a packed curriculum that turns the festival into an interactive classroom. Participants receive priority access to the films, panels, filmmaker seminars, tributes, as well as intimate Q&As with filmmakers.
10–10–10 Student Screenwriting and Filmmaking Mentorship and Competition – The 10-10-10 Program is made up of 20 area high school and college screenwriters and filmmakers. This year’s program includes filmmaking workshops, individual mentorship, and access to casting, visual effects, producing and sound mentors. The student screenwriters and directors are paired together and guided through the process of taking a film from script to screen. All 10 shorts will be shown for FREE at the Arlington Theatre on Saturday, February 14th at 2:00pm. Sponsored by Kaleidoscope Productions, American Society of Cinematographers, Sony, Final Draft, and Coverfly.
Free Filmmaker Seminars – SBIFF will again present seminars with filmmakers premiering at this year’s festival. These seminars will be FREE to the public and will take place on each weekday at 11:00am during the Festival at 901 State St.
The Social Justice Award sponsored by the Fund for Santa Barbara honors a film that engages community and galvanizes change to advance Economic, Environmental, Political, Racial or Social Justice.
The ADL Stand Up Award sponsored by ADL Santa Barbara/Tri-Counties, Steve Lyons, and Julianna & Tom Dain – This award will be presented to a dramatic film in the festival that represents an important message consistent with ADL’s efforts "to secure justice and fair treatment for all." The winner will be announced during the Festival.
The ASC Award for Cinematography sponsored by The American Society of Cinematographers will recognize a film with exceptional visual composition that advances the art and science of cinematography and promotes the motion picture as an art form.
Youth CineMedia is a local Santa Barbara organization that teaches documentary filmmaking to diverse groups from both urban and rural communities. Founded by Osiris Castañeda in 2002, YCM focuses on creating films that address social justice issues, helping to create positive change through the lens of today’s next generation of filmmakers. This year the short films will premiere with FREE admission on Saturday, February 14 at 11:00am.
## 2026 Press Release Provided by SBIFF. View PDF of the official press release.