We are pleased to announce the 41st annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) will take place from February 4 through February 15, 2026. SBIFF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema. Recently, the festival celebrated its 40th year with multiple sold out events and screenings throughout the fest. SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States – attracting 100,000 attendees and offering 11 days of 200+ films, tributes, and symposiums, fulfilling their mission to engage, enrich, and inspire through film.

Fall of 2024, SBIFF secured a long-term lease for the iconic multi-plex at 916 State Street in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. This landmark acquisition paves the way for the creation of a state-of-the-art Film Center — a vibrant, year-round destination that will serve as a central hub for cinema enthusiasts and the heart of SBIFF’s renowned Film Festival. Building on the success of the Riviera Theatre revitalization in 2016 and the opening of its own Education Center in 2019 in the downtown area, SBIFF continues to strengthen its commitment to the cultural fabric of Santa Barbara.

“There is nothing better than the theatre experience as we just saw with our 40th anniversary. With the upcoming inauguration of our new state of the art Film Center just in time for the 41st SBIFF, we can’t wait to celebrate cinema with you again!” says Roger Durling, SBIFF’s Executive Director.

The 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival will be happening LIVE February 4 - February 14, 2026. Official events including screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes, will be held at SBIFF’s soon to be fully renovated Film Center in the heart of Downtown, SBIFF’s Riviera Theatre, as well as the historic Arlington Theatre.

During the 40th edition of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival celebrated an array of top award contenders such as Mikey Madison, Timothée Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Angelina Jolie, Ralph Finneas, Demi Moore, Fernanda Torres, Jesse Eisenberg, Monica Barbaro, Selena Gomez, Colman Domingo, Zoe Saldaña, Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce, Kris Bower. It had a program of 200+ films from over 60 countries including 33 World premieres and 74 US premieres. The festival drew filmmakers from all over the world, 52% of whom were women. Passes to the Festival will go on sale in August at 25% off. The festival lineup and schedule will be announced January, 2026.