Exciting news from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF)! After successful discussions with the City of Santa Barbara and its City Council, SBIFF is on the verge of securing a long-term lease for 916 State Street, formerly known as the Fiesta Five theatre, located in the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara. This new venture will see the transformation of the space into a state-of-the-art Film Center, promising to be a vibrant, year-round destination for film enthusiasts and a central hub for our annual Film Festival. Building on the success of the Riviera Theatre revitalization in 2016, SBIFF is thrilled to further its mission and invest in the enhancement of downtown Santa Barbara.
The Film Center will showcase a diverse array of films year-round, including foreign films, independent cinema, documentaries, retrospectives of classic films, and family programming. Additionally, it will host free educational and community programs, fostering a space for dialogue, learning, and community engagement while highlighting diverse social, political, historical, and cultural themes.
We’re looking forward to the Film Center’s grand opening on November 15, 2024, which will coincide with the 40th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival from February 4-15, 2025. After this major event, the Film Center will temporarily close for comprehensive renovations. When it reopens, visitors can expect an upgraded experience featuring state-of-the-art sound and projection, new comfortable seating, high-quality concessions with local artisanal snacks, modern heating and air conditioning, an art gallery in the lobby, and much more. This investment underscores SBIFF’s commitment to being a leading force in the global cinematic landscape and to the flourishing of Santa Barbara.
If you’re eager to experience the quality SBIFF is known for, don’t miss your chance to visit the SBIFF’s Riviera Theatre, which offers a glimpse into our vision for the Film Center. We invite you to join us at the Riviera! For more details, visit sbiffriviera.com, and we hope to welcome you to the Film Center this November!
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