Greater Palm Springs Community
Get To Know The 9 Cities In The Coachella Valley
Brad Schmett|September 3, 2021
Greater Palm Springs Community
Photo courtesy of Palm Springs International Film Festival
Film buffs, unite!
There’s a place in Palm Springs where you can indulge in your love for film with like-minded movie geeks, while also enjoying other perks like film festival parties and a glamorous awards gala.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival is an 11-day film festival that features over 200 films from 60+ countries.
The festival runs from January 2-13, and is jam-packed with international features and documentaries, as well as exclusive events.
You’ll get the chance to chat with acclaimed and up-and-coming directors about your favorite films, or catch dinner and a movie with catering from some of Palm Springs’ most renowned restaurants.
Between a schedule packed with must-see films and exploring the beautiful area surrounding Palm Springs, the Palm Springs International Film Festival is one event you won’t want to miss this year.
The Palm Springs International Film festival was founded by singer-songwriter, actor, former mayor of Palm Springs, and congressional representative for California’s 44th District Sonny Bono. Now that’s a lot of hats.
As mayor, Bono knew an international film festival had the ability to put Palm Springs on the map as a year-round tourist destination. In 1989, Bono started planning for the fest while bringing on well-known sponsors such as Metropolitan Theatres, Wells Fargo, and American Airlines.
The festival debuted in 1990 and immediately attracted over 17,000 film fanatics.
By its 5th year, the Palm Springs International Film Festival had grown to 42,000 attendees, and today it’s one of the largest in North America with over 135,000 attendees each year.
This year will mark the 31st year of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Screenings and events will take place in 6 unique venues, including Mary Pickford is D’Place, Camelot Theatres and Annenberg Theater.
In addition to 200+ films, you’ll have your chance to pop into other film-related events like free community screenings, director panels, parties, and more.
Every year the Palm Springs International Film Festival offers exclusive screenings of films by new directors.
This year’s screening The Champion was directed by first-time director Leonardo D’Agostini, and led by seasoned Italian actor Stefano Accorsi.
The Champion follows the life of a timid history teacher assigned to tutor a wild and reckless athlete. The film will be airing January 11th and 12th, and while it’s free it’s still a ticketed event, so grab yours now!
Engage in conversations with some of the top directors of the festival. Learn the ins and outs of what it took to bring their ideas to life on the big screen via discussions moderated by skilled entertainment journalists.
The films that will be discussed at this year’s festival include:
What’s better than kicking back, relaxing and finding a new favorite film? Doing all of that AND enjoying a delectable dinner while you’re at it.
At the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s “Dinner and a Movie”, 3 films will be featured and accompanied by thematic dinners.
Pull out that fancy gala outfit you’ve been dying to wear, because you’re about to witness some internationally-known film directors, artists, and other celebrities be honored at a red-carpet event.
The Film Awards Gala celebrates Hollywood’s Academic Awards Contender. In addition to honoring some of Hollywood’s top film influencers, it provides the opportunity to network and develop new connections over delicious food and cocktails.
Get your circulation flowing after a long day of film bingeing at one of the exclusive Palm Springs International Film Festival festival parties.
Boogie down with some new friends at the annual Desert Party — packed with music, snacks, dancing and games, there’s bound to be entertainment for all the adults in your group.
Get your juices flowing with panel discussions featuring top industry professionals.
Shortlisted: Best International Feature Film Panel
The Palm Springs International Film Festival presents its 5th year panel featuring the top directors of the festival.
A Conversation with Weta Digital
Get an insider’s perspective on world-famous Weta Digital, known for their creation of some of the most well-known characters of our time, including ones form the movies Alita: Battle Angel, Gemini Man and Avengers: Endgame.
Booking a trip to the Palm Springs International Film Festival will leave you at a low risk of trip regret. Not only will you be inspired by the creativity of films from around the world, but by the people behind the camera and by fellow fans alike.
Fair warning, experiencing the fun and beauty of Palm Springs and the countless cultural events that happen year-round, you might just want to move here. Especially when you read these 5 amazing reasons Palm Springs is the perfect summer escape »
Greater Palm Springs Community
Get To Know The 9 Cities In The Coachella Valley
Brad Schmett|September 3, 2021
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