Santa Barbara International Film Festival Unveils 2026 Lineup, Premieres and Tributes

Overview

• SBIFF’s new McHurley Film Center will host the bulk of screenings across five screens and operate year-round alongside the Riviera Theatre.
• The festival runs February 4–14 in Santa Barbara, with tributes staged at the 2,000-seat Arlington Theatre and some events already sold out.
• This year’s slate includes 46 world premieres and 80 U.S. premieres from 50 countries, with 50% of films directed by women.
• Opening night features the U.S. premiere of Nicola Rinciari’s A Mosquito In The Ear and closing night presents Zamo Mkhwanazi’s Laundry (Uhlanjululo), with both filmmakers attending.
• Programming includes a Julian Schnabel retrospective, industry panels with a new casting directors session, free community offerings, and a 10-10-10 competition that adds movie music mentorships.