SBIFF Opening Night 2010

February 4, 2010 is the date that kicked off the 25 year anniversary of the Santa Barbara Film Festival. Once again, the host venue, was the historic Arlington Theater which has been the traditional location for the festival since its inception. The night was sure to be special as Santa Barbara has become the stop that the elite of Hollywood makes after the Golden Globe Awards and right before the Oscars.

The traditional opening night red carpet was graced this year by local celebrities Dennis Franz and Jane Seymour. Both stopped and shared stories with all media outlets which included major entertainment news stations as well as local junior high and high school students.

The entire cast of Flying Lessons, this years opening night film, was also on hand to participate on the red carpet.

Inside, the Dynamic Duo team of film festival President, Jeffrey Barbakow and Executive Director, Roger Durling welcomed the capacity crowd to a full 10 days of lights, camera, and action.

Flying Lessons, the brainchild of first time director Derek Magyar, followed the opening night welcome. The film revolves aroung 25 year old Sophie Conway who returns home to the small town she always wanted to forget. Once home, she reunites with her alcoholic mother, friends and lovers she left behind, and Hal Holbrook's character, an Alzheimer's patient. Although slow and depressing in certain areas, the film was blessed with a very high caliber of ensemble actors. Maggie Grace gave an excellent performance as Sophie and Cary Elwes did the same as the friend to Sophie's mother played by

Christine Lahti. It would be very difficult for Hal Holbrook and Christine Lahti to give a sub par performance and they certainly did not disappoint here.

After the film, the 2500 plus crowd made their way down to the Paseo Nuevo Mall where local restaurants and bands dined and entertained everyone. The buzz was high as people partied into the late night hours.

If the next 10 days is anything like the first, the Santa Barbara Film Festival will once again show the world that this wonderful coastal city is a must stop for film makers and enthusiasts alike.