Now in its 36th year, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization with a mission to engage, enrich and inspire people through film.
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is an eleven day event held in the seaside city of Santa Barbara, California (90 minutes north of Los Angeles). SBIFF is proud to present a diverse slate of more than 200 films to over 90,000 film enthusiasts. Our audience is a unique combination of film industry professionals, local, regional and International attendees, and a large student population.
SBIFF has devoted sections for documentaries that address social justice issues, nature and oceanography, food and wine, and the performing arts. Additional sidebars highlight contemporary world cinema from Nordic countries, Israel, Eastern Europe, Asia and Spain/Latin America.
In addition to showcasing a diverse spectrum of films, tributes and galas. SBIFF also offers seminars with industry professionals including Directors, Writers, Producers and Women in the Business Panels, as well as Q&A sessions with a diverse selection of filmmakers.
SBIFF has established itself as one of the premiere international film festivals and we look forward to building on that success in 2021 and creating opportunities for participants to network with some of the world's leading independent distributors and filmmakers. In addition to expanding our slate each year to highlight emerging genres, styles and regions, SBIFF is growing our free children's educational and community outreach programs which cumulatively serve over 18,000 students and families. Please visit our website for more information on these and other SBIFF programs at www.sbiff.org
All categories juried by industry professionals. Awards and prizes are subject to change
Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema
Prize: camera package worth approximately $60,000
Award for Best Independent Film
Jeffrey C. Barbakow Award for International Cinema
Award for Best International Film
Nueva Vision Award
For the best Spanish-language film
Best Documentary Award
For the best documentary feature
Valhalla Award
For the best Nordic feature
The Social Justice Award
For a documentary feature film that addresses social justice issues
Bruce Corwin Award for Best Live Action Short Film
Winning film will be eligible for Academy Award nomination.
Bruce Corwin Award for Best Animated Short Film
Winning film will be eligible for Academy Award nomination.
Best Documentary Short Film
Audience Choice Award