Frequently Asked Questions

BOX OFFICE/WILL CALL

All purchases for the SBIFF are available for pickup at will call, orders will not be mailed.

 

Ticketing Office at SBIFF’s Education Center

1330 State Street Suite 101

Monday, February 5th – Saturday, February 17th, 2024

9:00am – 6:00pm

6:30pm – 8:15pm for Evening Arlington Events

 

*Street Parking ONLY* Parking in the 1330 State Street parking lot may result in a ticket or your car being towed.

 

PASSES

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is a pass-based festival, offering 4 levels of passes which grant priority admission to films and/or events. Passholders are seated in order of Pass level (Concierge, Platinum, Cinema, & State Street) 30 minutes before each film. Admission for special events starts one hour before each event. All passes (except for Concierge) are transferable.

 

MINIPAKS & Q CARDS

The MiniPak is valid for 4 film screening admissions (1 person to 4 films, 4 people to 1 film or any other combination). Films are NOT pre-selected, MiniPaks are treated on a first come first served basis. A numbered Q card will be offered one hour prior to show time to reserve your place in line, after which you are welcome to leave the line and enjoy downtown. Once Passholders have been admitted we will seat MiniPak Holders with Qs in numerical order until everyone is seated or the theatre is full. A MiniPak and Q do not guarantee admission as the number of Passholders varies at each screening.

 

INDIVIDUAL FILM TICKETS

Individual (rush) film tickets are only available for purchase 5 minutes before the start of the film, space permitting. A rush ticket line will be at each venue for these last-minute available seats. Rush tickets are $15.

 

RUSH TICKETS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS

Individual tickets to all special events such as tributes, panels, opening night and closing night are pre-sold via our website and at the door if still available. All tickets are general admission and doors open 30 minutes before the start time. If an event is “sold out”, there is a possibility for rush tickets. These are only available for purchase after everyone has been seated, space permitting. A rush ticket line will be at each event for these last-minute available seats.

 

FREE EVENTS

There are daily free events during the Film Festival, including family friendly films, independent releases, and filmmaker discussions. Admission is always on a first come first served basis after Passholders have been admitted. A schedule of events will be released closer to the film festival.

 

VENUES

Metro 4 Theatre – 618 State Street

Fiesta 5 Theatre – 916 State Street

Arlington Theatre – 1317 State Street

SBIFF’s Education Center (Box Office/Will Call, Volunteer HQ) – 1330 State Street Suite 101

 

ADMISSION FOR SPECIAL EVENTS

For Opening Night Film, Closing Night Film, Tributes and Panels, doors open for applicable Passholders 1 hour before event start time. Ticket holders are admitted starting 30 minutes before event start time.

 

REFUNDS

We do NOT allow refunds. All passes/tickets are non-refundable and non-replaceable.

 

LOST TICKET/PASS

We do NOT replace a lost ticket/pass. All passes/tickets are non-refundable and non-replaceable.

 

Will there be a printed guide of films?

We will have a printed program guide outlining all of SBIFF’s events and films. It will not be available until the day before the Festival starts. Also check out the SBIFF app on any smart device.

 

Are there any parties at SBIFF this year?

There will be daily happy hours exclusively for Platinum Passholders.

 

Will there be Q&A’s w/ filmmakers after screenings?

Many filmmakers will be attending the Festival in-person and participating in post-screening Q&A’s.

 

Can I attend the Film Festival Online?

SBIFF does NOT offer any online/virtual options.

 

Don’t see your question here?

Email us at help@sbiff.org