You Decide!

Crusty old critics, theory-toting academics, and industry insiders all certainly play integral roles in the moviemaking universe, but when it really comes down to it, the only watchers who really matter are the everyday people sitting in the seats. In that spirit, The Santa Barbara Independent once again is sponsoring the Audience Choice Award to honor the film that the crowds simply love. Determining the winner is handled in the most democratic of manners: At each screening, audience members are given a little sheet of paper with the numbers 1-5 on it. At the end of the film, simply rip the score you believe the film deserves (5 being best, of course) and hand it off to the SBIFF rep in the back of the room. Then leave the counting up to us. Come closing night at the Arlington Theatre, the winner will be announced, and we’ll all know which film really rocked the fest. Happy viewing!