FilmDrops
2025 SBIFF Movies To See
A list of movies with Q&A and buzz! If you are a filmmaker or publicist - email Ben - bhyatt@filmdrops.com if you have additional info for your film, a trailer or you are available for an interviw - either in-person in Santa Barbara or virtually!
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Incandescence (2024)
Incandescence is an immersive cinematic experience that weaves together on-the-ground footage with extraordinary stories of survival and adaptation that transform our understanding of wildfire.
Fine Young Men (Hombres íntegros)
Alf encounters a new student at his Catholic school who captivates him, leading him away from his lifelong friends. When faced with adversity, Alf betrays this attraction, opting to display his masculinity to the others. This choice results in dire consequences that will leave an indelible mark on them all.
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter Two (2024)
Academy Award-winning visionary filmmaker Kevin Costner directs New Line Cinema’s vast “Horizon: An American Saga” Chapters One and Two.
Her Name Was Moviola
A cinematic love letter to the Moviola film editing machine, led by Academy Award-winning editor Walter Murch, detailing how it dominated English-language filmmaking for most of the 20th century.
Spring of the Vanishing
A mother’s search for her missing teenage son uncovers mass murder and a conspiracy of silence on America’s doorstep, and a mystery of why the US and Mexico are blocking justice from being served.
Coup 53
TAGHI AMIRANI’s Thrilling deep dive into the US/UK conspiracy that crushed democracy in Iran and toppled a beloved leader.
Magic Hour
After years of procrastination and self-recrimination, a middle-aged woman decides to upend her life and go to film school in an effort to realize a lifelong dream. Comic adventures and self-discovery ensue.
Carissa
A young woman, who dreams of leaving small village life to live in the city, breaks away from her grandmother’s home, only to be drawn into the care of her grandfather’s mountain rooibos plantation.
Anora (2024)
Sean Baker's Palme d'Or winner ANORA is an audacious, thrilling, and comedic variation on a modern day Cinderella story.
The Substance (2024)
Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? You. Only better in every way. You've got to try this new product. It changed my life.
Paddle Out
PADDLE OUT chronicles the extraordinary life of surfer Melissa Pappageorgas, who defied cystic fibrosis by surfing with an oxygen tank. Her love of life and resilience deliver an uplifting and inspiring story of joy and courage.
Roads of Fire
ROADS OF FIRE examines the global migrant crisis through the lens of the $35 billion immigrant smuggling trade.
Mr. Floof
When seven-year-old Elsie’s mom’s new boyfriend steals Elsie’s precious Halloween candy, Elsie vows to find a way to get rid of him. This film is part of the 2025 Santa Barbara International Film Festival Santa Barbara Narrative Shorts. Viewing time will be 90 minutes.
4th Dementia
Nellie’s dementia has an unexpected side-effect. She must think fast and act naturally, no matter what life she’s dropped into. This film is part of the 2025 Santa Barbara International Film Festival Santa Barbara Narrative Shorts. Viewing time will be 90 minutes.
Among Neighbors
The film delves into the lost Jewish history of a small Polish village, where Jews and Christians once peacefully co-existed and no Jewish residents remain today. Descendants of the town's Jews travel from California to uncover traces of their heritage.
Marching in the Dark
Shunned by cultural traditions in the midst of India’s farmer suicide crisis, a young widow’s emerging voice helps her navigate her grief as she discovers strength and joy in unexpected community with others like her.
The Village Next to Paradise
In a windy Somali village, a newly assembled family must navigate between their different aspirations and the complex world surrounding them. Love, trust, and resilience will power them through their life paths.
At the Door of the House Who Will Come Knocking
In this patient and dreamlike observation of the natural world, an elderly man works exhausting hours alongside his horse in the nearby forest while the monotonous rhythm of his solitary life hides a deeper wound.
Quasi a Casa
QUASI A CASA is the story of a magnetic bond between a wannabe singer and her idol. A bright and moving pop drama about finding one’s own voice.
The Swedish Torpedo
Inspired by real events nearing WWII, filmmaker Frida Kempff and star Josefin Neldén capture the timeless story of the record-breaking swimmer Sally Bauer, who defied expectations and broke societal norms to pursue her dream.
Parrot Kindergarten
Dive into the fascinating tale of a woman raised in a cult, whose journey of healing through teaching her parrot to read reshapes our understanding of interspecies communication.
The New Yorker Theater: The Talbots’ Legacy
In 1960, the Talbots launched the New Yorker Theater, which quickly became one of the most influential arthouses in America.
Indecent Proposal (1993)
Would you risk it all for a million dollars? A wealthy stranger makes a shocking offer that tests the limits of love and loyalty.
