The weekend-long program will be run in association with Traction Media, a Los Angeles-based film production and sales company, and was created to allow the acquisitions community easy, industry-friendly access to films at SBIFF. Together, SBIFF and Traction will select the films to be presented in the program, and buyers will be afforded priority access to the chosen films. For more information, log onto www.sbfilmfestival.org.

Doug Stone, President of the SBIFF Board and a principal of Traction Media, commented, “Over the years, SBIFF has continuously showcased an incredibly high-caliber film program, one that has left a lasting impression with the audience. We are eager to now be able to shine a spotlight on these films for the acquisitions community.”

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival will bid farewell to its Director of Programming Candace Schermerhorn, who is leaving to produce a documentary film that is currently in pre-production. Schermerhorn remarks, “It’s been a really terrific experience working with SBIFF and Executive Director Roger Durling. As a filmmaker at heart, I am compelled to take advantage of the opportunity that’s come along, but I am leaving with some of the most memorable experiences and friendships one could ask for.” Schermerhorn started with SBIFF 2001, leaving after the 2004 fest to shoot a documentary. She then returned in 2007, where she has served a vital role in elevating SBIFF to its current stature within the industry. Under her leadership, the festival has showcased a plethora of films from all across the world.

SBIFF welcomes Michael Albright as the Programming Manager, who brings with him a diverse background in film. Mr. Albright learned documentary production by working in New York City for renowned direct cinema filmmaker Albert Maysles on several projects including Jean-Claude and Christo’s HBO documentary The Gates. In 2006 Albright started Project Moonshine, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in his hometown, Reno, Nevada, that teaches filmmaking skills to teenagers by providing opportunities to document important cultural events happening in their community. Albright received his MA in Cinema and Media studies at UCLA in 2008 and is currently pursuing his PhD in Film and Media Studies at UCSB.

The Call for Entries is underway for the 2012 season. Films will be accepted until the drop deadline on December 9. All films can be submitted through withoutabox.com.

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is dedicated to the art of filmmaking, which seeks out and consequently offers a broad array of international and independent films, with a commitment to diversity. SBIFF, which attracts more than 70,000 visitors each year, endeavors to enrich the community both culturally and economically by presenting eleven days of films, tributes and symposiums, raising consciousness of film as an art form. SBIFF presents quality American and world independent films, Latin American and Asian sidebars as well as documentary cinema within the beautiful setting of downtown Santa Barbara, a premier tourist destination. SBIFF continues its commitment to education through its 10-10-10 Student Filmmaking and Screenwriting Competitions, Field Trip to the Movies and educational seminars. For more information, log onto www.sbfilmfestival.org

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