Santa Barbara Film Fest Opening With ‘Disconnect,’ Honoring Leonardo DiCaprio

The Jason Bateman drama will make its U.S. premiere on Jan. 24 and Leonardo DiCaprio will receive the American Riviera Award on Feb. 1

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival announced Wednesday that "Disconnect," the first narrative feature from Henry-Alex Rubin ("Murderball"), will screen on Jan. 24, the festival's opening night, and Leonardo DiCaprio will join several other leading actors being honored throughout the festival.

“'Disconnect' is a visceral and timely film experience – and an extraordinary way to start the 28th edition of SBIFF,” Executive Director Roger Durling said in a statement. "Disconnect" will be making its American debut at the festival.

Also read: Ben Affleck to Receive Award from Santa Barbara Film Fest

The ensemble drama, which explores human connection through technology, stars Jason Bateman, Hope Davis, Frank Grillo, Paula Patton, Michael Nyqvist, Andrea Riseborough, Alexander Skarsgård and Max Thieriot.

DiCaprio will be honored with the American Riveria Award on Feb. 1 to recognize his strong influence on American cinema. 

Also read: Daniel Day-Lewis Agrees to Be Honored by Santa Barbara Film Fest

“We are thrilled to be honoring Leonardo DiCaprio with the American Riviera Award, in a year where he has shown us another layer of his immeasurable talent” Durling stated. “His performance in 'Django Unchained' reaffirms that he is the most relevant actor of this generation.”

Other actors being recognized for their work include Ben Affleck ("Argo") and Daniel Day-Lewis ("Lincoln").

The festival runs from Jan. 24 to Feb. 3.

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