James Foley's acclaimed thriller Confidence, starring Dustin Hoffman, Ed Burns andRachel Weisz, will receive its West Coast premiere at the opening night gala ofthe 2003 Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) on Feb 28. Foley andBurns will attend the screening. In addition, the festival's new executivedirector Jon Fitzgerald announced today (Feb 6) that Jeff Bridges will collectthe annual Modern Master Award in recognition of his contribution to cinema.Bridges will take part in an on-stage discussion followed by selected clipsfrom his work.

'We're thrilled to have the opportunity to bring such anentertaining film to the Santa Barbara community as part of our Opening NightGala, and pleased to have the talented James Foley and Ed Burns join us for thecelebration. Confidenceis a cleverly executed thriller, sure to be a hit with the audience,'Fitzgerald said in a statement. 'And to be able to follow this greatevening with a tribute to Jeff Bridges, one of the most accomplished, respectedactors in the business, is very exciting.'

As previouslyreported (Screen Daily, Jan 30) the festival will showcase 10 world premieres,11 US premieres and eight foreign Oscar submissions. Featured pictures includeElia Suleiman's romance-drama Divine Intervention; Peter Mullan's award-winning drama setin an Irish Catholic asylum, The Magdalene Sisters; Gaspar Noe's Irreversible; and Stevie, Hoop Dreams film-maker Steve James' exploration of adysfunctional family.