SBIFF to open film centre in downtown Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) announce that after successful negotiations with the City of Santa Barbara and its City Council, and pending final adoption of the ordinance approving the lease, SBIFF will acquire a long-term lease to 916 State Street (previously the Fiesta Five theatre) in Downtown Santa Barbara. SBIFF plans to create a state-of-the-art Film centre, a vibrant year-round destination for film lovers and a central hub for their annual Film Festival.

Following the successful revitalisation of the Riviera Theatre in 2016, SBIFF is eager to build upon its mission and their future investment in the improvement of downtown Santa Barbara.

“This is one of the most important chapters in the history of SBIFF and just as we’re celebrating forty years of its existence. This is a huge leap forward for the organisation while simultaneously helping with the revitalization of the downtown corridor of Santa Barbara. We’ve successfully run a year-round art house, the Riviera Theatre, for the past eight years. Now we will have five more screens to mindfully curate, and we will redefine people’s idea of what a sophisticated movie going experience is all about. At SBIFF, our mission has always extended beyond film; we’ve used cinema as an educational tool. Now, with this expanded canvas, we can inspire and educate on an even grander scale!” stated SBIFF Executive Director, Roger Durling.

“The renovation of the Fiesta 5 theatre by SBIFF will create immediate cultural and economic benefits for the downtown. The added foot traffic will bring vitality and vibrancy to the centre of State Street, the heart of our city’s business district. We’re excited to bring this infusion of culture and art to the centre of our downtown,” stated Santa Barbara Mayor, Randy Rowse.

This film mecca will year-round show foreign films, independent cinema, documentaries, retrospectives of classic films and important filmmakers, family programming, as well as free educational and community programming. It will serve as a place for discourse, education, and community, with a commitment to presenting diverse social, political, historical, and cultural realities.

We anticipate the SBIFF’s Film Center will be open on November 15, 2024, and remain open through the 40th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival from February 4-15, 2025. Following this marquee event, the Film Center will temporarily close for full renovations. Once re-opened, the entire centre will provide an upgraded experience, including state-of-the-art sound and projection, new comfortable seating, high-quality concessions including local artisanal snacks, brand new heating and air conditioning, an art gallery in the lobby, and much more. This new investment exemplifies SBIFF’s identity as an important leader in the worldwide cinematic landscape and a commitment to the well-being of the city of Santa Barbara.

For those unfamiliar with the quality that SBIFF is dedicated to providing, you are in luck, as you can visit the SBIFF’s Riviera Theatre, which represents a sneak peek into our vision for the SBIFF Film Center.