MADU directors Joel Kachi Benson and Matthew Ogens at Santa Barbara International Film Festival opening night February 7.

Images by Mark Bennett

The 39th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival opened February 7 with the World Premiere of Disney Original Documentary’s MADU  directed by Matt Ogens and Kachi Benson (Both directors in attendance); Producers Jamie Patricof, Katie McNeill, and Rachel Halilej, Editor Georgia Dodson, Composer Jackson Greenberg.

Lots of rain that night, but the sun and heat came in time for a great opening. 

From practicing barefoot on the streets of Lagos to performing on stage in England, twelve-year-old Anthony Madu leaves his home in Nigeria to study at one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world. Anthony, who had barely left his neighborhood in Lagos, finds himself thrust into a new world where his wildest dream is suddenly within reach. His journey is a story of extraordinary obstacles, courage, growth, and ultimately, his search for belonging.

Festival Executive Director - Roger Durling

Mayor of Santa Barbara - Randy Rowse

City Councilmember - Eric Friedman

City Councilmember - Alejandra Gutierrez

City Councilmember -  Kristen Sneddon

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema. Over the past 38 years, SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States – attracting 100,000 attendees and offering 11 days of 200+ films, tributes, and symposiums, fulfilling their mission to engage, enrich, and inspire the Santa Barbara community through film.

Sponsors of the 39th SBIFF include: Manitou Fund, Black Market Spirits, DAOU Vineyards, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Panavision, Santa Barbara City, US Bank, Montecito Bank & Trust, Yardi, Kaleidoscope Productions, ADL Santa Barbara/Tri-Counties, American Society of Cinematographers, John C. Mithun Foundation, Audrey Hillman Fisher Foundation, Northern Trust, Netflix, Visit The Santa Ynez Valley, Bentson Foundation, Volentine Family Foundation, Toad&Co, Topa Topa Brewing Company, Boxed Water Is Better, Saige Private Wealth, El Encanto and many more generous supporters.

SBIFF continues its commitment to education and the community throughout many free educational programs and events. In 2016, SBIFF entered a new era with the acquisition of the historic and beloved Riviera Theatre. After a capital campaign and renovation, the theatre is now SBIFF’s new state-of-the-art, year-round home, showing new international and independent films every day. In 2019, SBIFF opened its own Education Center in downtown Santa Barbara on State Street to serve as a home for its many educational programs and a place for creativity and learning.

Lots of rain that night, but the sun and heat came for the great welcoming at this red carpet opening.

Click below to watch more red carpet interviews and footage from SBIFF opening February 7th

Patrick Hall "Above and Within"

Roger Durling (left) with the two MADU directors, stars of the night, also live in our video ...