Santa Barbara Film Fest to focus on French auteurs

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) has announced the launch of “The Wave Film Festival,” a new initiative designed to bring an eclectic mix of films to audiences in addition to the fest's winter run. With the inaugural fest focusing on a French theme, the first “Wave” will feature 11 new films from French auteurs, with new editions — or “waves” — to be launched throughout the year, TheWrap said.

Roger Durling, the Executive Director of The Santa Barbara Film Festival, stated, “It's fitting that as we approach the 30th anniversary SBIFF expands its programming and have more of a year round presence with the Wave Film Festival. ”

“The Wave Film Festival” will include the work of notable directors like Claude Lelouch, who won the 1996 Palm d'Or for his film “A Man and a Woman.” The festival will also feature Sylvain Chomet. Though he's well known for his animated films, he'll be presenting a live action piece this summer, called “Attila Marcel.” Nine other works will screen across the five-day festival.

The Wave Film Festival will begin July 16 at The Rivera Theatre in Santa Barbara.