So the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is off and running – and better than ever. If you missed the world premiere of the new Woody Allen film “Melinda and Melinda,” the screenwriters panel featuring Zach Braff and Charlie Kaufman, the in-depth discussion between journalist Elvis Mitchell and “Sideways” star Paul Giamatti or the Platinum Award ceremony applauding Leonardo DiCaprio for his contribution to film – have no fear – there is still more fun to be had at this year’s festival. Here is a short rundown of what is left to come of the 20th Annual SBIFF. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.sbfilmfestival.org.
Thursday
Tonight, the newest Moonshine Conspiracy surf film, “A Brokedown Melody,” will be showing, complete with music from fellow Moonshine member Jack Johnson. The film follows a group of surfers who travel around the world in search of the spark of life and want to pass it on to the next generation. The film includes star surfers Kelly Slater, Tom Curren, Gerry Lopez, Rob Machado and Jack Johnson. The film will be playing at 4:45 p.m. at the Metropolitan Metro 4 Theatre downtown; tickets are $10 for students.
Friday
Two lucky UCSB alums, John McKinne and Jason Mason Grace are premiering their newest film at this year’s SBIFF. “Jared and Tyler’s House: Exploration of Worst Case Scenario” follows characters Jared and Tyler through everyday situations including romance, eating and music that become unusually difficult in 10 short vignettes. There will be a Q&A with the filmmakers after the screening. Tickets are $10; the film plays at 9:30 p.m. at Victoria Hall Theater.
Saturday
Director’s Panel: “Directors on Directing”
This panel discussion will sit Joel Schumacher of “Batman Forever” and, more recently, “The Phantom of the Opera” fame, Walter Salles, director of “The Motorcycle Diaries,” Terry George, who directed “Hotel Rwanda,” Alejandro Amenabar, director of “The Others” and “The Sea Inside,” and actor/director Kevin Bacon, whose latest venture is “Loverboy.” The panel will be moderated by Peter Guber, producer of films such as “Rain Man” and “The Bonfire of the Vanities.” Each panelist will answer questions about their work and participate in an audience Q&A session at the end. The panel will be held at 11 a.m. at the Lobero Theatre; tickets are $28 for students.
Sunday
Tonight is the last night of the festival, so why not take in the closing night feature, “The Moguls,” starring Jeff Bridges and Ted Danson, who will both be in attendance. “The Moguls” follows “everyman” Andy (Bridges) who, after getting a divorce, getting fired from a string of jobs and feeling bad about himself, decides to make a porno. The film will be held at the Arlington Theatre at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $15.
