SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The winners of the 39th Santa Barbara International Film Festival were announced on Saturday morning. The festival screened over 200 films from 48 countries, including 45 world premieres and 77 U.S. premieres. The award-winning films were recognized for their captivating storytelling and originality.
Among the winners was the documentary “TransMexico” directed by Claudia Sanchez, which received the Audience Choice Award sponsored by the Santa Barbara Independent. The film follows the inspiring journey of three Latin American trans women as they combat transphobia and overcome significant challenges.
Sophia Sabella and Pablo Feldman were honored with the Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema for their film “Edge of Everything.” The coming-of-age story follows a young woman grappling with the complexities of adulthood after the death of her mother.
“Andragogy,” directed by Wregas Bhanuteja, won the Jeffrey C. Barbakow Award for Best International Feature Film. The film revolves around a middle-aged schoolteacher who becomes a target of online harassment after her impassioned video goes viral.
The Best Documentary Award was given to “Diving into the Darkness” directed by Nays Baghai. The film explores the remarkable achievements of super cave diver Jill Heinerth, who has not only excelled in her field but also advocates for female empowerment.
Javier Macipe’s “The Blue Star” received the Nueva Vision Award for Spain/Latin America Cinema. The Spanish-Argentinian film follows a rock-and-roll musician as he embarks on a journey across South America, encountering an elderly musician facing hardship along the way.
Anders Walter’s “Before It Ends” was recognized as the Best Nordic Film. The Danish film offers a unique perspective on the refugee crisis, focusing on a Danish town during World War II and the moral dilemmas faced by its inhabitants.
Other award-winning films include “The Last Daughter” directed by Brenda Matthews and Nathaniel Schmidt, which received the Social Justice Award for Documentary Film, and “The Movie Teller” directed by Lone Scherfig, which won the ASC Award for Cinematography sponsored by The American Society of Cinematographers.
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s jury panels, comprised of industry professionals and experts, carefully selected the winners. Their choices reflect the diversity and excellence of the films showcased at the festival.
The award ceremony celebrated the achievements of these remarkable films and provided a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent. The Santa Barbara International Film Festival continues to support and honor the art of filmmaking, attracting audiences from around the world.