MUMBAI: Flying Lessons is to be the opening night film at the 25th Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) that kicks off on 4 February.

With this Flying Lessons becomes the first film shot in the Santa Barbara area to open the festival.

The film is the story of a young woman who abandons her life in Los Angeles, to return to her hometown and estranged mother. The cast also includes Jonathan Tucker, Cary Elwes, Joanna Cassidy and Hal Holbrook.

Magyar who has produced the film along with Jenny Hinkey has also directed the same from a screenplay by Thomas J. Kuehl who is the co-producer of the film.

Said the director, "I am truly honored and humbled to have my directorial debut premiere as the opening night gala for SBIFF. Not only is Flying Lessons a perfect fit for this festival, but the fact that we shot the entire movie in Santa Ynez Valley, makes it feel like we've come full circle."