Opening Night at ILLUMINATE Film Festival 2025
Thursday, May 1 | Granada Theatre | Santa Barbara, CA
A night of inspiration, artistry, and awakening.
Join us for a soul-stirring celebration as we open ILLUMINATE 2025 with the Santa Barbara premiere of Wisdom of Happiness—a deeply intimate cinematic encounter with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, executive produced by Richard Gere. The evening begins with live music and dance, creating a sacred space for connection and inspiration as we step into a weekend of transformational storytelling.
We’re thrilled to announce that actor and environmental advocate Ed Begley Jr. will honor Jean-Michel Cousteau—President and CEO of Ocean Futures Society—with the ILLUMINATE Media Change-Maker Lifetime Achievement Award during our Opening Night Celebration on May 1 at the historic Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara.
This heartfelt tribute marks both Jean-Michel Cousteau’s 87th birthday and the 80th anniversary of his first dive—a lifetime dedicated to protecting our blue planet. With over 80 films and global outreach through Ocean Futures Society, his work has inspired generations to love and care for the ocean.
Keynote Address by
Lynne Twist
Renowned global visionary, bestselling author of Soul of Money, and co-founder of the Pachamama Alliance, Lynne Twist takes the stage to share powerful insights from her latest book, Living a Committed Life. With decades of experience in global activism, Twist invites us to remember our deeper purpose and discover the freedom and fulfillment that come from living in service to something greater than ourselves.
Santa Barbara Premiere:
Wisdom of Happiness
Executive produced by Richard Gere, this deeply intimate film offers a rare cinematic conversation with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. At nearly ninety years of age, he reflects on a life of compassion and offers timeless guidance for navigating today’s challenges. Wisdom of Happiness may be His Holiness’s final film appearance—a rare opportunity to receive his message of love, balance, and inner peace.
Live Performances That Open the Heart
Donna De Lory, celebrated mantra-pop artist and spiritual songstress, returns to ILLUMINATE to lead us into the evening with her signature blend of sacred sound and devotional rhythm.
Brianna Tam, award-winning electric cellist, layers cinematic soundscapes live with her loop station, creating an emotional, immersive journey through music.
LUME Apex, a Los Angeles-based movement collective, graces the stage with a mesmerizing dance performance, embodying ritual, reverence, and radiant expression.
Joss Jaffe, is a vocalist, tabla player, multi-instrumentalist, composer and record producer. His critically acclaimed albums include Dub Mantra and Sun Mountain Sea.
This is more than a film screening—it’s a gathering of hearts, a celebration of possibility, and a moment to remember what matters most.
Opening Night Tickets
Individual tickets for Opening Night must be purchased directly from the Granada Theatre box office.