Iranian Connections, Pop Renaissance Man
High, medium, and pop culture play out on screens and stage on day five of SBIFF 2026.
Josef Woodard
Recent Stories
Review | Neo-Fusion Has a Field Day/Night
Italian Neo-Fusion guitar wizard Matteo Mancuso and his trio blew through town, fingers flying.
Romanian Orchestral Maneuvers and Artisanal Craftsmanship
Among the highlights of Day Three at SBIFF is the Romanian classical music biopic ‘The Yellow Tie,’ with other musical stops during the day/night.
Blue Moon Shot, Trophies in the Air at SBIFF
Versatile artist Ethan Hawke’s Oscar-nominated ‘Blue Moon’ tour de force paves the way to his deserved Arlington tribute.
Day 3 | Further Cinematic Globetrotting at SBIFF
From volunteer medics in war to memory’s slippery terrain and indigenous art’s bold presence, new films resonate beyond the screen.
ON the Beat | FOSB | Old but Good Times
Folk Orchestra of Santa Barbara steps out and back several centuries, Poncho Sanchez leads the smart party charge, and music news of the week.
Film Review | The Empress’s New Clothes Horseplay
Polarizing “documentary” ‘Melania’ plays like propaganda with infomercial production values.
Virgin Cinematic Voyaging
Notes from the SBIFF ground, on day two.
Masked Musical Foray, Going Baroque
Acclaimed Venice Baroque Orchestra comes to the Lobero Theatre as part of CAMA’s “Masterseries,” bringing along a serious Carnivale attitude.
Wonderful Timing and Auspicious Home Basing at the Fest
Opening night blends a sweet adoption drama with a pointed defense of artistic freedom as SBIFF settles into its downtown home.
