The unCannes Festival might best describe the opening ceremonies for Santa Barbara’s International Film Festival on Wednesday night. It’s not May on the French Riviera; the beaches aren’t crammed with scantily clad starlets; and there’s a noticeable absence of paparazzi.

But movie industry bigwigs, film buffs and filmmakers have plenty to get their sprockets into over the next four days. Noted independent film director and author Henry Jaglom, left, kicked off the festival Wednesday night appropriately enough with his film “Festival in Cannes.”

Above, two of the film’s stars, Jenny Gabrielle, left, and Rachel Ballit pause for a snap before the screening.

Today’s offerings include a day-long Brooks Institute Filmmakers symposium and a showing of Mr. Jaglom’s film “Someone to Love.”

Other festival highlights include Friday’s salute to Anjelica Huston, the Modern Master award to Sean Penn on Saturday and Sunday’s directors symposium. For information, call 963-4408 or go to the Web site, www.sbfilmfestival.org.

—The Santa Barbara News-Press