SBIFF 2026 Unveils Its Most Ambitious Program Yet as New McHurley Film Center Opens Its Doors
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) has announced its full 2026 programming lineup, marking a milestone year that pairs an expansive slate of global cinema with the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art McHurley Film Center. As the festival enters its 41st year, organizers describe this edition as one of the most dynamic in its history — a showcase of world premieres, international storytelling, industry tributes, and expanded education offerings.
The 2026 festival runs February 4–14, presenting 46 world premieres and 81 U.S. premieres from 50 countries, with an impressive 50% of films directed by women.
A Landmark Opening: The McHurley Film Center
At the heart of this year’s excitement is the official launch of the McHurley Film Center, SBIFF’s new home on State Street. The venue — the result of a down-to-the-studs renovation — will host hundreds of screenings and Q&As throughout the festival and operate year-round as an arthouse cinema alongside the Riviera Theatre. The organization is currently more than 60% toward its $25 million capital campaign to fund the project, which will add 5,000 annual screenings to Santa Barbara’s cultural landscape.
Opening and Closing Night Premieres
SBIFF opens on February 4 with the U.S. Premiere of A Mosquito in the Ear, a dramatic feature from writer-director Nicola Rinciari, starring Jake Lacy, Nazanin Boniadi, and Ruhi Pal. The film follows an adoptive couple whose journey to bring home their daughter spirals into conflict and emotional uncertainty. Rinciari and co-writer Emily Dillard will attend in person.
Closing night on February 14 features the U.S. Premiere of LAUNDRY (Uhlanjululo), written and directed by Zamo Mkhwanazi. Set in apartheid-era Johannesburg, the film explores a young man’s struggle between personal ambition and family survival amid escalating political oppression. The director will also appear in person.
A Julian Schnabel Retrospective and Major U.S. Premiere
In a centerpiece tribute, SBIFF will host a retrospective of celebrated filmmaker and artist Julian Schnabel, screening Basquiat (Black and White Restoration), Before Night Falls, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, and At Eternity’s Gate. The series leads into the U.S. Premiere of Schnabel’s new film In the Hand of Dante, starring Oscar Isaac, Gerard Butler, John Malkovich, Gal Gadot, and Martin Scorsese. Schnabel will be present for a Q&A.
Star-Powered Tributes Return to the Arlington Theatre
Continuing one of its most high-profile traditions, SBIFF will host a lineup of in-person tributes honoring the year’s standout performers, artisans, and industry leaders. Highlights include:
Maltin Modern Master Award to Adam Sandler (Feb. 5)
Virtuosos Award honoring Jacob Elordi, Chase Infiniti, Amy Madigan, Wagner Moura, Renate Reinsve, Sydney Sweeney, Teyana Taylor, and Jeremy Allen White (Feb. 8)
Hammond Cinema Vanguard Award honoring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro (Feb. 9)
Outstanding Performer of the Year Award to Michael B. Jordan (Feb. 12)
Arlington Artist of the Year honoring Kate Hudson (Feb. 13)
All tributes take place at the historic Arlington Theatre.
Panels Featuring Leading Creators and Oscar Contenders
SBIFF’s renowned panels return with a robust lineup, including the Producers, Writers, International Directors, Women’s, and — newly added this year — Casting Directors Panel. These conversations, known for attracting top-tier filmmakers and awards-season luminaries, remain a cornerstone of the festival experience.
A Diverse, Global Film Lineup
The 2026 slate spans 200+ films across features and shorts, encompassing voices from every continent. Titles range from political dramas and intimate character studies to experimental works and major international co-productions.
Highlights include:
World Premiere: Imbalance (U.S.)
U.S. Premiere: Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream (Iraq/UAE/Qatar/France/UK/Saudi Arabia)
World Premiere: The Last Picture Shows (U.S.)
U.S. Premiere: Nomad Shadow (Thal Badaoui) (U.S./Spain/France)
World Premiere: Stand By, Mother (U.S.)
U.S. Premiere: Laundry (Uhlanjululo) (South Africa)
The full alphabetical list — encompassing 22 world premieres and 52 U.S. premieres in the feature film category alone — reflects the festival’s continued commitment to global and independent perspectives.
Education and Community Programs
SBIFF’s mission-driven programs return with expanded reach:
Mike’s FieldTrip to the Movies will serve 4,000+ Title I students, with screenings of Zootopia 2 and Elio followed by Q&As.
The Film Studies Program brings 30 undergraduate filmmakers for an immersive festival curriculum.
The 10–10–10 Student Competition continues its mentorship program, culminating in a public screening of 10 films on Feb. 14.
Daily Free Filmmaker Seminars, the SBIFF Filmmaker Fund, and multiple social justice–oriented awards further bolster SBIFF’s community impact.
A Festival Still Growing After 40 Years
SBIFF, a 501(c)(3) arts nonprofit, now attracts 100,000 attendees annually across its 11-day run. With the new McHurley Film Center joining the Riviera Theatre and SBIFF Education Center, the organization continues to deepen its year-round footprint in Santa Barbara’s cultural ecosystem.
