After taking a breath and viewing only movies for two days, the energy here in Santa Barbara is once again building with anticipation for two spectacular events planned for this evening. 

At 7:30 tonight the Arlington Theater screens The Road To Fallujah, directed by Mark Manning, this film documents the controversial war in Iraq.  While most films that focus on conflict involving the U.S. Military usually draw opinion and perspective solely from Americans, Fallujah provides an outlet for the Iraqi people.  The intimacy of this film is a direct result of the mutual cooperation of both American and Iraqi filmmakers. 

Immediately following the film an unprecedented technological first for the festival will give the audience the opportunity to Q & A, not the filmmakers, but actual Iraqi citizens via a live feed.   

Then at 8:00 the red carpet rolls out at the Lobero Theater to welcome this year’s Cinema Vanguard Award honoree Kristin Scott Thomas for recognition in taking personal risks and making significant contributions to film.  On hand to moderate will be Pete Hammond and presenting the award will be Ralph Fiennes.  Additional thespians include festival jurors Efren Ramirez, James Cromwell with additional special guests and Scripter award nominees, Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby from Little Children and Iron Man.