Film Festivals
SXSW 2026 Review: Love, Loss, and Secrets Behind the ‘Amazing Life of Sea-Monkeys’
A widow fights powerful corporations to reclaim her late husband’s famous Sea-Monkeys toy empire, while protecting its secret formula and confronting the complex history behind their creation.
15 Must-See Films and TV Shows Playing at the 2026 SXSW Film & TV Festival
Scott Menzel shares his top 15 must-see films and TV shows premiering at the 2026 SXSW Film & TV Festival. Among the standout titles are Hokum, Family Movie, Pretty Lethal, and many others. The 20...
Dara Resnik and James Takata Discuss ‘California Scenario’ and the Healing Power of Film, Poetry & Art
Single parents Jacob Hara and Laura Acker live parallel lives, each needing to heal before they can find one another. A family secret throws everything into chaos, sending Jacob to his daughter Lexi's...
SBIFF 2026 Review: ‘Wasteman’ Matches Brutal Drama With Powerhouse Performances
After years in prison, in which time his son has grown up without him, Taylor’s parole is approaching. It’s bad timing, then, that new cellmate Dee ropes Taylor into violent inmate rivalries, endanger...
SBIFF 20226 Review: ‘Sell Your House’ Puts Boots On The Ground Of A Last Stop For Friends
A first-time director's best friend sells his house in order to fund their debut feature film. A documentary following the making of The Last Stop in Yuma County.
SBIFF 2026 Review: ‘Diya’ Delivers On Difficult Blood Debt
A man accused of killing a child must pay a blood debt.
SBIFF 2026 Review: ‘Saipan’ Deftly Delivers Big Game Division
The thrilling story of the infamous confrontation between iconic Republic of Ireland football captain Roy Keane (Éanna Hardwicke) and his national team manager Mick McCarthy (Steve Coogan) during the ...
Ethan Hawke Honored with the American Riviera Award at the 41st Annual SBIFF
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) awarded actor Ethan Hawke with the annual American Riviera Award. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in American film and was presented ...
SBIFF – Night 3: A Life Illuminated, Tow & Ethan Hawke
Reviews for the documentary A Life Illuminated and the comedy-drama Tow out of the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival, along with a look at the award presentation for Ethan Hawke.