From: Claire Waterhouse <claire@sbiff.org>
Date: October 14, 2025 at 7:35:36 PM EDT
Subject: SBIFF 2026 Film Studies Program Accepting Applications!
Dear Educator,
My name is Claire Waterhouse and I oversee the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Education Programs.
SBIFF’s FREE Annual Film Studies Programwill take place in February of 2026, and we would love if you would share this information and flyer with your students. I’ve included information about the program below.
SBIFF’s Film Studies Program is a three-day symposium open to all undergraduate students from around the United States. The program emphasizes film appreciation, criticism, and analysis. Led by SBIFF sanctioned film educators, participating students experience a packed program with access to SBIFF’s many events and opportunities, including:
- The opportunity to view some of the 250+ films with priority access.
- Attend the highly acclaimed Panel Series, where notable industry professionals come together for discussions spanning directing, producing, writing and women in the business.
- Hear guest filmmakers participate in intimate Q&A sessions.
- Partake in private sessions with filmmakers and national media professionals in a classroom environment.
- Experience the red carpet at one of SBIFF’s Tribute Events – an hour and a half of raw conversation about the honoree’s career.
The Film Studies program offers a unique mix of guided and self-guided opportunities, allowing students to maximize their experience at the festival, while still pursuing their individual interests.
We prioritize students from areas or colleges that don’t have access to in-person movies, or they don’t have a film studies program in their schools or haven’t been to a film festival before.
The 2026 Program Dates are February 6th – 8th, 2026.
Students accepted into the program are expected to arrive in Santa Barbara on Thursday, February 5th and depart on Monday, February 9th.
NATIONAL STUDENTS:
All accepted students from OUTSIDE Santa Barbara County will receive complimentary:
– Priority Festival access
– Overnight accommodations Thursday through Sunday– $500 travel stipend
To Apply, you must submit the following no later than Tuesday, October 28th, 2025:
– Application
– Statement of Intent
– Unofficial TranscriptProgram applications are due Tuesday, October 28th, 2025.
Apply here: https://sbiff.wufoo.com/forms/qgzs1vw0xshjuv/
About SBIFF’s Film Studies Program: https://sbiff.org/education/film-studies-program/
Applicants will hear back by early/mid-December.
In the meantime, please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Claire
Claire Waterhouse
Education Director
Santa Barbara International Film Festival