Film & TV

February 22, 2024

SBIFF 2024: Two UCSB student documentaries featured at festival

By Stella Mullin

“The Salt on our Skin” and “841” were created by UCSB students through the Coastal Media Project nine-week summer program. 

February 20, 2024

SBIFF “The Fight for Black Lives” Premiere: Filmmaking as Activism

By Caitlin Scialla

The Fight for Black Lives,” which premiered at SBIFF, centers on the health disparities faced by Black Americans, underscoring the experiences of Black mothers and newborns.

February 20, 2024

SBIFF 2024: “Ezra” in review

By Kirill Vorobyev

“Ezra” doesn't aspire to be a masterpiece, but it will warm your heart, make you smile and, when the credits roll, it will invite you to reflect.

February 20, 2024

SBIFF 2024: “Io Capitano” is profound and raw

By Jasmine Kwan

From the mind of director Matteo Garron, yet another transcendental, thought-provoking film reexamining and reconstructing the traditional migrant story from an authentically stark lens was created.

February 17, 2024

SBIFF 2024: “Dance First” falls flat on US premiere

By Anna Zerouali

“Dance First” seems to be more of a theoretical conversation about the mistakes he has made and the ones he chose to take responsibility for, whether or not he directly caused them.

February 17, 2024

SBIFF 2024: “Achilles” takes on the plight of Iranian artists

By Yasmeen Tsipena

The film premiered at the 39th Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and exemplifies the cinematic innovation and rebellion coming out of Iran.

January 25, 2024

“The Boy and the Heron”: Miyazaki’s latest masterpiece takes flight

By Jasmine Kwan

Miyazaki breathes to life a Wonderland-esque world brimming with outlandish surrealism and their underlying complexities, all for the sake of posing one singular question: “How do you live?”

January 25, 2024

“Mean Girls” (2024) falls flat

By Diana Mateescu

Despite the high expectations prior to its release, there is much left to be desired from what was supposed to be one of the most recognizable movie musical adaptations.

January 18, 2024

Editor favorites: Top 10 films of 2023

By Lauren Chiou

Co-Artsweek Editor Lauren Chiou’s favorite watches of 2023, just in time for awards season.

December 26, 2023

Are you “…Ready for It?” Swift bigger than life in “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour”

By Jasmine Kwan

Global sensation Taylor Swift continues to shatter not just concert ticket sales but now box office sales with the release of her concert film “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” in theaters worldwide since Oct. 13.

December 26, 2023

The Hunger Games 5: Does the songbird or the snake land on top? 

By Cassie Cruz

Suzanne Collins’ fourth book in the Hunger Games franchise, titled “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” finally made it to theaters Friday, Nov. 17.

December 5, 2023

“All the Light We Cannot See” in review: A swing and a miss

By Lucy Dixon

The television adaptation of Anthony Doerr's 2014 novel falls flat in comparison to its original source material.

November 22, 2023

“Five Nights at Freddy’s?” More like two hours of mediocrity

By Lea Vazquez

After eight years in the making, the “Five Nights at Freddy’s” film finally made it to the silver screen on Oct. 27.

October 25, 2023

In review: “Bottoms” marks a new age of comedy

By Sally Shapiro

“Bottoms” signifies a shift in the types of movies being made, proving that when women are in the driver's seat, good things can happen.

October 25, 2023

Movies and shows to watch for Hispanic Heritage Month

By Lauren Chiou

While National Hispanic Heritage Month is almost over, representation is worth celebrating year-round. Here are 10 movies and shows that you should watch to honor Hispanic heritage and culture!

September 2, 2023

In Review: Season two of “The Bear” raises the stakes and serves up chaos

By Ashna Ahmed

Season two of “The Bear” gets the best of both worlds. Long takes and fast cuts, antithetical elements that all come together to create a moving depiction of grief and how having a passion can become a double-edged s...