{"id":8728,"date":"2018-02-05T18:38:42","date_gmt":"2018-02-06T02:38:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lesliedinaberg.com\/wordpress\/?p=8728"},"modified":"2018-02-05T10:46:37","modified_gmt":"2018-02-05T18:46:37","slug":"photo-gallery-sbiff-opening-night","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lesliedinaberg.com\/wordpress\/?p=8728","title":{"rendered":"Photo Gallery: SBIFF Opening Night"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"(L-R)

(L-R) Spencer Garret, Jacob Vargas, Michael K. Williams, Jenna Malone, Emilio Estevez, Alec Baldwin and Rhymefest (Che Smith) at the Opening Night Film “The Public” Presented by Belvedere Vodka during the 33rd Santa Barbara International Film Festival at Arlington Theatre on January 31, 2018 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp\/Getty Images for SBIFF)<\/p><\/div>\n

The 33<\/span>rd<\/sup><\/span>\u00a0annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) kicked off Wednesday with the world premiere of Emilio Estevez<\/a>\u2019s The Public<\/em><\/a> and the Opening Night Gala. <\/span><\/p>\n

On hand to celebrate was SBIFF Executive Director\u00a0Roger Durling<\/a>; Estevez and fellow cast members\u00a0Alec Baldwin<\/a>,\u00a0Michael K. Williams<\/a>,\u00a0Jena Malone<\/a>,\u00a0Che Smith<\/a>,\u00a0Spencer Garrett<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Jacob Vargas<\/a>; as well as\u00a0Martin Sheen<\/a>\u00a0(Estevez\u2019s father), Mayor of Santa Barbara\u00a0Cathy Murillo<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Supervisor Joan Hartmann<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Emilio

Emilio Estevez at the Opening Night Film “The Public” Presented by Belvedere Vodka during the 33rd Santa Barbara International Film Festival at Arlington Theatre on January 31, 2018 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp\/Getty Images for SBIFF)<\/p><\/div>\n

Durling welcomed attendees at The Arlington Theatre and addressed the recent devastation from the wildfires and mudslides, saying,\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThe past few months have been some of the hardest for everyone in Santa Barbara. The devastation and the emotional toll it has taken on all of us is not quantifiable\u2026 Film has the power to unify us. To make us feel less fragmented as human beings. The events of the past weeks have fragmented this community\u2014we\u2019ve felt alone\u2014but tonight and for the next 10 days we\u2019re alone no more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The turquoise ribbons seen around town this week are a\u00a0moving tribute in honor of the victims, representing clarity of thought, harmony, and healing. In an emotional opening to the Festival, Durling read off the names of each person that passed away or is currently reported as missing.<\/span><\/p>\n

He then brought Estevez on stage who was joined by his cast to introduce the film.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Emilio

Emilio Estevez and Alec Bladwin at the Opening Night Film “The Public” Presented by Belvedere Vodka during the 33rd Santa Barbara International Film Festival at Arlington Theatre on January 31, 2018 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp\/Getty Images for SBIFF)<\/p><\/div>\n

The film was followed by a fabulous party presented by Belvedere Vodka<\/a> at Paseo Nuevo<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Santa

Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann, Santa Barbara Mayor Cathy Murillo and Emilio Estevez at the Opening Night Film “The Public” Presented by Belvedere Vodka during the 33rd Santa Barbara International Film Festival at Arlington Theatre on January 31, 2018 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp\/Getty Images for SBIFF)<\/p><\/div>\n

Throughout the festival, ribbons will be available for purchase at the Metro 4 Theatre with all proceeds going directly to United Way of Santa Barbara County.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Michael

Michael K. Williams at the Opening Night Film “The Public” Presented by Belvedere Vodka during the 33rd Santa Barbara International Film Festival at Arlington Theatre on January 31, 2018 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer\/Getty Images for SBIFF)<\/p><\/div>\n

\"DJ

DJ Darla Bea spins at the VIP after party for the Opening Night Film “The Public” Presented by Belvedere Vodka during the 33rd Santa Barbara International Film Festival at Paseo Nuevo on January 31, 2018 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer\/Getty Images for SBIFF)<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Martin

Martin Sheen at the Opening Night Film “The Public” Presented by Belvedere Vodka during the 33rd Santa Barbara International Film Festival at Arlington Theatre on January 31, 2018 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer\/Getty Images for SBIFF)<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Alec

Alec Baldwin (Right) and wife Hilaria Baldwin at the Opening Night Film “The Public” Presented by Belvedere Vodka during the 33rd Santa Barbara International Film Festival at Arlington Theatre on January 31, 2018 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp\/Getty Images for SBIFF)<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Jenna

Jenna Malone at the Opening Night Film “The Public” Presented by Belvedere Vodka during the 33rd Santa Barbara International Film Festival at Arlington Theatre on January 31, 2018 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp\/Getty Images for SBIFF)<\/p><\/div>\n

For more information, visit sbiff.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u2014Leslie Dinaberg<\/p>\n

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons<\/em><\/a> on February 2, 2018.<\/p>\n

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