Actor Alexander Skarsgård at US premier of 'Disconnect' (2012) at 28th SBIFF. Photo by Benjamin Schwartz

On Thursday, January 24th, the 28th Santa Barbara International Film Festival opened with the U.S. premier of director Henry-Alex Rubin's first ever feature film 'Disconnect' (2012). Rubin is most known for his documentary film, 'MurderBall' (2005), which he co-directed with Dana Adam Shapiro, and which was nominated for an Oscar the same year. 'Disconnect' is a multi-character story about the effects internet has on us today and our total dependence upon it.

'Disconnect' stars Jason Bateman, Hope Davis, Frank Grillo, Paul Patton, Michael Nyqvist, Andrea Riseborough, Alexander Skarsgård and Max Thieriot. Cast members Alexander Skarsgård, Paula Patton, Frank Grillo, Colin Ford, Andrea Riseborough and Haley Ramm attended the opening night premier as well as the premier gala and VIP gala which took place at the SBIFF Paseo Nuevo mall.

Also in attendance on opening night were this year's jury members, including Ralph Macchio with Karina Smirnoff, Brad Hall, Pamela Gray, Anthony & Arnette Zerbe, Mimi deGruy, producer Debra Martin Chase, playwright Roger Hedden, and SBIFF Founder Phyllis dePicciotto.

The 2013 SBIFF runs from Jan 24th-Feb 3rd. 

Written by Vanessa McMahon

Actor Frank Grillo at US premier of 'Disconnect' (2012) at 28th SBIFF. Photo by Benjamin Schwartz

Actress Paula Patton at opening night of 28th SBIFF. US premier of 'Disconnect' (2012). Photo by Benjamin Schwartz