SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2023 | Luxury Realtor Cristal Clarke

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I, for one, can't wait for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), which celebrates the art of cinema and provides impactful educational opportunities and experiences for our local, national, and global communities.

The audience of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival at the Arlington Theater listens to one of the keynote speakers.

SBIFF, 2023 Features 52 World Premiers from 43 Countries Along With 78 U.S. Premiers

February in Santa Barbara means it’s time for what has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States, SBIFF, attracting more than 100,000 people each year. The highly anticipated event takes place over 11 action-packed days from February 8 to 18, 2023, featuring 200+ films from around the world, tributes honoring the year’s top talent, industry panels, and more. Following the festival’s mission to “engage, enrich, and inspire people through the power of film," the 38th annual event opens with the world premiere of the powerful film, "Miranda's Victim." The festival closes with the premiere of the Canadian comedy-drama “I Like Movies.” And in between, events will take place all around the community.

“At a time when there's a dwindling of movie theater attendance, the role of film festivals has never been more important,” explains SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling. “At SBIFF, with the 38^th edition, our marching orders are clear, to celebrate movies and to nurture and exalt the film community, the artists, as well as the cinephiles. It's a great slate, with 43 countries represented."

While the festival events occur around our community, there is some news about the organization’s ongoing commitment to film. In 2016, SBIFF acquired the iconic and beloved Riviera Theatre; now, the non-profit organization has its own state-of-art year-round home where the public is invited to watch new international and independent films every day. Also, in 2019, SBIFF opened an official Education Center located on State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. This facility serves as a home for SBIFF's many ongoing educational programs as a place for creativity and learning.

For the complete list of film synopsis and other special events in this year’s festival, visit the SBIFF app. You can also sign up there to receive updates.

The Tributes

Besides the opening and closing night film screenings and galas, SBIFF's celebrity tribute events are among the most popular SBIFF programs. Always insightful and thought-provoking, tribute nights are not to be missed. This year, some of the finest in the entertainment industry will be honored in person at the historic Arlington Theater. These special events include the prestigious Montecito Award honoring Angela Bassett on Thursday, February 9, at 8:00 pm. In addition, the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award will be presented to Cate Blanchett on Friday, February 10, at 8:00 pm. Check the SBIFF website for other tribute events.

The Panels

SBIFF has become renowned for creating intelligent panels featuring a who's who in the world of filmmaking, including many Oscar contenders. Returning will be the annual Producers Panel, Writers Panel, and Women's Panel, and introducing the NEW International Directors Panel. All Panels will be held in person at the Arlington.

A collage of 8 actor headshots who are participating in the 2023 Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Educational Programs

There will also be interesting educational programs, including filmmaking workshops and individual mentorship. Students who attend can also access information on casting, visual effects, producing, and sound mentors. These programs will be of special interest to the students attending the festival, including 30 undergraduate film students from across the country and 20 local high school and college screenwriters and filmmakers. Plus, SBIFF will again present seminars free to the public showcasing the filmmakers whose work is premiering at this year's festival.

Tickets

The SBIFF ticketing system is very flexible, with three basic tiers:

Choose events a la carte
Invest in packaged bundles
Go for it! Buy an all-inclusive pass

Tickets and passes can be purchased online. Or, if you feel lucky, enter the SBIFF MiniPak Giveaway from the Santa Barbara Independent. Each MiniPak is valid for four film screening admissions (One person to four films, four people to one film, or any other combination). Enter the giveaway before Wednesday, February 1 at 11:59 pm for your chance to win.

If you’re a cinephile like me who can’t wait to binge on films from around the world, or you’re just looking to soak in all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood right here in the American Rivera, SBIFF is a not to miss event. Meantime, I invite you to give me a call at (805) 879-5000 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com for a free consultation regarding selling and buying a home here. I will happily add your listing to my portfolio of impressive estates for sale and find you a new home simultaneously. So, let's all celebrate at one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic events of the year, SBIFF. I’ll see you at the 2023 Santa Barbara International Film Festival!

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Client Reviews

“Cristal Clarke has conducted numerous real estate transactions for me beginning 13 years ago with the purchase of a Lemon Ranch. She has handled both large and small purchases and sales with equal dedication. As a negotiator, you can’t find anyone better. Her transactions are always conducted in the most appropriate and professional manner. Cristal has considerable knowledge of the Santa Barbara market.”

- S.N. Decker Ph.D.

“Living in Europe, we were to say the least, unaccustomed to the nuances of Real Estate acquisition in California and Cristal steered us through the process with absolute professionalism and personal attention to detail at every turn. Her in-depth knowledge of the market place combined with enthusiasm and drive was the only reason we secured the property of our dreams and will be forever grateful. If you are looking for personal discrete and private representation of the highest quality we suggest you look no further than Cristal Clarke.”

- Johan and Paula van den Berg

“Cristal is very straightforward, cheerful, helpful, professional and trustworthy….we felt very lucky to work with her.”

- John and Lacey Williams

“After considering our many choices, we are grateful it was Cristal Clarke of Sotheby’s International who represented the sale of our Montecito cottage. We are familiar with Cristal’s reputation of hard work and dedication to clients, but it was her attention to detail that made our experience so positive. She offered suggestions for staging the property, worked in harmony with potential buyers and was even able to secure back up offers. The sale of our cottage was completed much sooner than we expected, due in great part to Cristal’s professional skills and support. We highly recommend Cristal as a first choice for anyone needing representation with real estate.”

- Michael & Nancy Lee

“Our experience in working with Cristal Clarke resulted in the successful and discrete acquisition of a property which was not yet on the open market. Her knowledge of the Montecito/Santa Barbara area and vast expertise blended with her passion for real estate and architecture, provided us with the very highest level of professionalism and personalized services. Cristal exhibited a rare combination of excellent communications, attention to detail, creativity and patience.”

- Richard and Catherine Frinier

“Cristal really breaks the mold. She knows every nook and cranny of this real estate market, understands value, and follows up on everything, all the time. She was incredibly patient with our two year quest to find the perfect house. Every house hunting trip from across the country was well planned, and our time was never wasted. On top of her professionalism and expertise, she is delightful to spend time with. We are thrilled with the home we purchased, and grateful to Cristal for so wisely advising us through this process, right through to the close and beyond.”

- Laurie Siegel

“We met Cristal first in the course of renting a winter home (for three years), then buying a house using her as our agent. She was amazingly good at listening to our wants and showing us homes that fit our needs. Her mastery of the paperwork was perfect. Most importantly, there was never a situation where we doubted her straightforwardness or integrity. If we do another real estate transaction in Montecito (which I doubt, we’re happy with what we purchased), without question we’d use Cristal again.”

- Ken Saffir

“Susan and I just want to thank you for your efforts in the sale of our home. You are really quite amazing. Your competence, persistence, optimism and humor made the entire process effortless. Every problem that arose, you somehow fixed; any obstacle, you overcame. We have bought and sold many homes. It has never been such a painless and enjoyable process!”

- Michael & Susan Marquart

“A little something about “our” realtor, Cristal Clarke. My wife and I came to Santa Barbara about fifteen years ago looking for a seasonal home from which to enjoy the weather and amenities of the central coast. Being in the real estate business myself I was familiar with agents and brokers so entered the market with open eyes. We “flipped” a few houses in the early years, dealing with various agents and finally ended up in Montecito. That’s when good fortune put us together with Cristal. To say we were impressed is to put it mildly. Cristal really knows the market. She is familiar with the area, its history and trends. When we have questions about a particular property she either has the answers immediately or gets back to us by phone or email. There is no waiting or wondering with Cristal. She is an agent who is “on top of it.” Her recommendations as to price points, contractors, inspectors and title agents have proven to be exceptional, showing great insight and the highest professional standards. We consider ourselves exceedingly fortunate to say that Cristal Clarke is our realtor and would recommend her services to any serious buyer or seller.”

- Rob & Judi Kelch