To kick off the upcoming 25th Silver Anniversary, the festival is throwing a Silver Screen Bash Sunday, July 19 from 5pm to 10pm at Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort in the Rotunda.

The fundraiser, spearheaded by SBIFF Development Chair David Edelman, will raise funds for the education and community programming for the free programs that are offered by SBIFF, such as Apple Box Children’s Film Festival, Third Weekend; Field Trip to the Movies; and the very popular 10-10-10 Student Filmmaking and Screenwriting competitions for high school and college students.

The party will have exciting elements including musical entertainment provided by a live band and a DJ. Guests will also be treated to samplings of delicious food from 10 of Santa Barbara’s favorite restaurants, as well as both live and silent auctions, all to benefit the programs that the Festival offers to the community of Santa Barbara.

The event has attracted early sponsors such as Montecito Bank & Trust, Roblar Winery, Stockholm Krystal Vodka and Rincon Broadcasting, with additional sponsorships still available. Tickets and tables are available for purchase as of Monday, May 11, starting at $75.

The SBIFF continues under the expert guidance of Executive Director Roger Durling, with Candace Schermerhorn as Programming Manager, and the illustrious Board of Directors headed by Jeff Barbakow.

This is a very exciting year as the Santa Barbara International Film Festival celebrates its 25th Anniversary. In honor of this very special milestone, passes for the 2010 festival are being offered at 25% off, now through June 21.

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is dedicated to the art of filmmaking, which seeks out and consequently offers a broad array of international and independent films, with a commitment to diversity. SBIFF, which attracts more than 70,000 visitors each year, endeavors to enrich the community both culturally and economically by presenting eleven days of films, tributes and symposiums, raising consciousness of film as an art form.

SBIFF presents quality American and world independent films, Latin American and Asian sidebars as well as documentary cinema within the beautiful setting of downtown Santa Barbara, a premier tourist destination. SBIFF continues it commitment to education through its 10-20-30 Student Filmmaking and Screenwriting Competitions, Field Trip to the Movies and educational seminars.