Alec Baldwin, Emilio Estevez, Martin Sheen & More Kick Off Santa Barbara International Film Festival

The 33rd annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) officially kicked off yesterday with the world premiere of Emilio Estevez's "the public" and the Opening Night Gala. On hand to celebrate was SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling; Estevez and fellow cast members Alec Baldwin, Michael K. Williams, Jena Malone, Che Smith, Spencer Garrett and Jacob Vargas; festival jurors Anthony and Arnette Zerbe, Artie Schmidt, Geoffrey Cowper, Jan Biivoet, Jesus Lloveras, Jose Novoa, Leslie Zemeckis, Marc Meyers, Martin Gooch, and Mimi deGruy; as well as Martin Sheen and Mayor of Santa Barbara Cathy Murillo.

Durling welcomed attendees at The Arlington Theatre and addressed the recent devastation from the wildfires and mudslides.

"The past few months have been some of the hardest for everyone in Santa Barbara," said Durling. "The devastation and the emotional toll it has taken on all of us is not quantifiable... 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 - we've felt alone - but tonight and for the next 10 days we're alone no more."

In a moving tribute in honor of the victims, Durling, sporting a turquoise-colored ribbon representing clarity of thought, harmony, and healing, read off the names of each person that passed away or is currently reported as missing.

Durling then brought Estevez on stage who was joined by his cast to introduce the film, and Baldwin saying of Estevez, "There's a small menu of people in this business who, when they call you and they ask you to come work with them, if you're available, the answer is always yes. And this is one of those people right here."

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.

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