Edhat Staff
Director Justin Gunn & cast/crew of “A Solstice in Santa Barbara” (Photo: Fritz Olenberger)
As quickly as it arrived, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival ended on Saturday with its traditional closing night film.
This year the festival highlighted a diverse and impressive line-up of documentary short films. Each film made their World Premiere at the Arlington Theatre as the final curtain fell for the festival this year. Every film was made by Santa Barbara locals. They were:
-
Chris Price and Casey McGarry’s CASCARÓN – Meet three Mexican-American families in Santa Barbara who carry on the folk-art tradition of making cascarones (confetti eggs) for Fiesta.
-
Ryan Slattery’s CROSSING THE CHANNEL – With no wetsuit, no breaks, or physical support, Rachel Horn swims the Santa Barbara Channel to help the Special Olympics.
-
Hallie Brown’s OUT OF THE ASHES – Beyond picturesque Santa Barbara is the looming threat of an insatiable blaze, poised to devour all that lies in its path.
-
Justin Gunn’s A SOLSTICE IN SANTA BARBARA – Take a trip inside the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade and Festival.
-
John Klein’s SOUL OF THE CITY – Three stories converge: East Beach, Francisco Aguilera, and Francisco’s bid to renew his lease for the East Beach Grill.
-
Danielle Cohen’s THE TIPPING POINT – Santa Barbara organizations and scientists fight against the suppression of science to safeguard our planet for generations to come.
Roger Durling invited some of the 700 volunteers that keep this festival running to the stage where they received rounds of rapturous applause.
Even though the main event is over, there’s still the unofficial 3rd film weekend for locals to watch the films that received the highest awards during the festival. Visit the Riviera Theatre’s website to learn more.
