Courtesy of SBIFF

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival kicked off its 40th anniversary with the United States premiere of French filmmaker Laura Piani’s “Jane Austen Wrecked My Life.” Over the past four decades, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival has evolved from a regional showcase into an international event, welcoming filmmakers, cinephiles and industry professionals from varying corners of the world. This year’s festival is not just a celebration of film, but also a testament to its enduring influence and role in fostering a vibrant local community. 

City of Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse opened the evening of Feb. 4 by reflecting on the festival’s growth over the years. Comparing its humble beginnings to its current stature, Rowse praised its impact on both the local community and the broader film industry. “It’s grown, it’s become fabulous, it’s become international,” he remarked. 

This year marks another milestone, as the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) finally has a proper home, now boasting five screens in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. The film center is located at the former Fiesta Five theaters, and will be undergoing state of the art renovations after the conclusion of this year’s festival. 

Beyond the night’s festivities, Rowse also took a moment to recognize the challenges facing California. In light of recent fires down in the greater Los Angeles area, SBIFF has partnered with Direct Relief to support those affected. The organization has pledged $100,000 in matching grants to aid those impacted by the disaster. 

“Hopefully your visit here will at least be a distraction for a little while,” Rowse said in regards to visiting LA residents. “The arts and film are a great way to escape from all the nonsense you have to go through the rest of your life.”

Shortly after Rowse’s opening remarks, Roger Durling, executive director of SBIFF, took the stage. He emphasized SBIFF’s commitment to supporting the local filmmaking community, highlighting the new education center and film programs for students of all ages and expertise. 

Durling also shared his broader perspective on the importance of film festivals, underscoring his efforts to expand the festival’s reach. “Art is not isolationist … film festivals to me represent the embodiment of the impartiality inherent in art,” Durling said. His words reinforced SBIFF’s commitment to global storytelling, a fitting sentiment for an event which continues to invite international and local talent. 

The opening film, “Jane Austen Wrecked My Life,” follows Agathe Robinson (Camille Rutherford), an aspiring writer working at the world renowned Shakespeare and Company bookstore in the heart of Paris, France. A hopeless romantic, she finds herself disillusioned with the technological landscape of modern dating, feeling as though she was born in the wrong generation. She longs for the kind of sweeping romance and adventure that only seems to exist within the novels she reads and the stories she creates. 

When her coworker and best friend Félix (Pablo Pauly) secretly submits her unfinished manuscript to a writers retreat at the Jane Austen Residency in England, she is forced to step outside her comfort zone, in both her career and her romantic life. There, she meets Oliver (Charlie Anson), a reserved and sharp-witted literary scholar with an air of mystery and a touch of arrogance.

A set of coincidences suddenly places her at the center of a budding love triangle in a fittingly Austen-esque setting. Will she manage to find her own Mr. Darcy, or will reality fail to live up to the magic of fiction?

At its heart, the film is a love letter to both Austen’s timeless storytelling and romantic comedies, one that taps into the timeless and reliable escapism which define both genres. With plenty of classic tropes and slapstick humor, the film strikes the perfect balance between coziness and raunch. It also finds a fresh angle in its linguistic interplay, weaving between French and English with playful banter that heightens both the romantic tension and comedic timing. 

Rutherford shines in her performance as Robinson, embodying a protagonist who is equally exasperating and endearing. Her character embodies the anxious yet charmingly unique quirks reminiscent of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s titular role in “Fleabag.” 

Beyond the romance, the film delves into themes of creative insecurity, exploring the struggles of a writer who dreams big but hesitates to believe in her own talent. The film understands the allure of getting lost in stories while also celebrating the beauty of embracing life as it is — messy, unpredictable and full of surprises.

As the festival continues over the coming days, audiences can expect a diverse lineup of films that celebrate storytelling in all its forms.