Destination Santa Barbara International Film Festival

This year’s Santa Barbara International Film Festival once again provides a thrilling stage for independent filmmakers from around the world. The opening night film this year, Desert Dancer, comes from the UK and tells the surprising true story of a group of artists in Iran. In 2009, political unrest was high and dancing was banned, but despite the danger, a group of your men and women came together to form an illegal underground dance group and find an outlet for their creativity.

The closing night of the festival will offer a film set right here in California. From Disney, comes the new film “McFarland, USA.” The film stars Kevin Costner as a cross-country coach that comes into a disadvantaged Latino high school and teaches students how to run. Based on a true story from 1987, it is a film that shows how grit and determination can help overcome any obstacles.

SBFF makes a point of awarding artists who have shown great work in cinema over the past year. Two of the stars being honored accordingly are Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette for their work in the much-acclaimed film Boyhood. The two actors worked together, with director Richard Linklater, to develop characters over the course of twelve years. They each drew from their own lives each year to flush out who that character was, how they changed with time, and then rediscover over and over again what it meant to embody that role. They will be receiving the American Riviera Award on Feb. 5.

For an award a little more outside the box, consider this year’s Montecito Award. The award is given to someone who “has given a series of classic and standout performances throughout his or her career and whose style has made a major contribution to film.” This year, the voting body felt that the award should go to Jennifer Aniston. Aniston was shortlisted for the award after her surprising turn in this year’s film Cake. Her career will be honored on Jan. 30.

While at the festival, make sure to stop by a few of the panels. January 31st will hold two of the fest’s biggest. The morning will have a prestigious screenwriter’s panel bringing together top talent to discuss their craft. The panel will be moderated by Indiewire. For producers, Los Angeles Times writer Glenn Whipp will be talking with industry “Movers and Shakers” to gain insight into the creative process and look forward to what the industry may look like in coming years.

EAT & DRINK:

For an out of this world Bloody Mary that can rocket you into your day, check out Tupelo Junction Café, where you can also enjoy delectable breakfast/brunch treats.

Fitting the Santa Barbara lifestyle, Italian eatery Seagrass specializes in coastal cuisine and fine dining. The restaurant also features Santa Barbara wines and takes pride in serving organic and locally grown ingredients.

Bouchon has remained popular since its opening in 1998, serving up an intimate setting with a killer menu. Favorite food items include spinach-stuffed lipstick peppers and the supreme cheese platters Humboldt Fog, Midnight Moon and Purple Haze.

Wine Cask offers a flawless collection of supreme culinary zests and soulful wines that will satisfy your palate well in to the night. Before you indulge at Wine Cask join the intimate masses in the adjacent Margerum Wine Tasting Room, where you can sample some of Margerum Wine Company’s Reserves. You’ll be happy you did.

STAY: 

The oceanfront Bacara Resort and Spa is famed for embodying comfort, ease and natural Southern California splendor. The hotel offers four restaurants and lounges, a gorgeous spa featuring a Jacuzzi, redwood sauna, eucalyptus steam room, a salon, and two oceanfront zero-edge saline swimming pools.

Only steps from Santa Barbara’s historic State Street, lies the Canary, the area’s premier luxury boutique hotel. The Canary offers a culturally rich blend of modern décor and Spanish accents. The hotel’s restaurant the Finch & Fork serves organic local veggies and fresh-caught fish in its lovely rooftop restaurant.

The Simpson House Inn is the only five diamond B&B in North America. The 1874 Victorian estate offering 15 extravagant suites and cottages, and rests on an acre of English gardens. The property’s enchanting stone walkway with a 120-year-old English oak tree is just one of many storybook aspects of the inn. Guests are spoiled with wine and hors d’ oeuvres in the evening, and fresh made breakfast in the morning. A limited amount of beach cruisers are offered to explore the surrounding city and beaches.

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival will take place from Jan. 27 through Feb. 7. For more information, click here.