Carole Horst Roger Durling can’t conceal his excitement for the 40th edition of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
The SBIFF director sees the need for a celebration of art as Los Angeles, 90 minutes or so to the south of Santa Barbara, begins to recover from devastating wildfires that destroyed large areas of the county. “It gives you a sense of togetherness, a sense of community, and that’s what we need right now.
I have always found that in the most difficult times in my life, film festivals and films have always been a beacon,” Durling says.
SBIFF and Direct Relief are partnering in a response to the wildfires as well, accepting donations for relief and putting up a $100,000 matching grant. “We’re going to be printing limited edition 40th anniversary T-shirts, and then all the funds from the merchandise will go towards the Direct Relief fund,” he says.
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