Relativity Studios’ Desert Dancer will open the 30th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, set to run from January 27-February 7.

Richard Raymond directs Freida Pinto, Reece Ritchie, Nazanin Boniadi, Tom Cullen and Marmama Corlett in the story of a self-taught dancer pursuing her dreams in a suppressed society. 

The Attenborough Award For Excellence In Nature Filmmaking will go to the Cousteau Family – Jean-Michel and his son and daughter Fabien and Celine.