By Terry Greenberg
Instead of our yearly visit to cold and snowy Sundance, this year my husband and I decided to embrace a “warmer weather pivot,” and give the Palm Springs International Film Festival a whirl!
The PSIFF was created in 1990 by then-Palm Springs Mayor Sonny Bono to generate publicity for the area, as well as increase tourism in the off-season months. It typically takes place right after the new year in early January. This year, the Festival ran from January 2-12. They screened 182 feature films, plus two programs of Oscar-shortlisted shorts.
The many diverse offerings included such current Hollywood hits as BLUE MOON, NUREMBERG, THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE, to an array of foreign Oscar contender films such as IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT, SENTIMENTAL VALUE, THE SECRET AGENT, to light-hearted indie fare, such as IDIOTKA.
I asked Alissa Simon, the Chief Programmer of the PSIFF, what she felt sets this film festival apart. She said since they are the first festival of the calendar year, they are the first stop on the award season circuit, preceding the Golden Globes. Additionally, they have developed a special niche curating a selection of titles submitted for the Best International Feature Oscar. Their core audience is a bit older, so the lineup is usually less edgy and experimental than a festival attracting more younger people. As Palm Springs is a big retirement community, they have over 600 volunteers, with an average age of 75!
Over the years, the PSIFF has grown into a highly prestigious festival, known for its role in the Oscar race, its focus on world cinema, and its star-studded Awards Gala honoring major industry figures. My husband and I saw 14 films in seven days, met lots of interesting fellow filmgoers, and enjoyed switching out the Park City ski slopes for the breezy palm trees!
For more information, here is the link to the PSIFF: https://www.psfilmfest.org/
Here are some snapshots from Palm Springs:
Amanda Seyfried and Director Mona Fastvold in conversation following a screening of their film, THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE. Amanda received the Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress for her starring role in the film.
Ethan Hawke being interviewed by Debra Birnbaum, Editor-in-Chief of Gold Derby, in a lively introduction for his film BLUE MOON. Ethan was honored with the Career Achievement Award at the PSIFF.
Terry enjoying a quality moment with James Vanderbilt, Writer/Producer/Director of the film NUREMBERG, following a sold out screening of the film at the festival.
One of the many signs promoting the PSIFF spotted around town
The historic and newly restored Plaza Theatre in downtown Palm Springs – one of several film festival venues.
The ever popular red carpet step-and-repeat photo opportunity.
(All images courtesy of Terry Greenberg)
Terry Greenberg
Following a distinguished and rewarding career in film publicity and marketing, Terry is currently the owner of Short and Sweet Productions (www.shortandsweet.nyc). She served on the NYWIFT Board for six years, and is now happily ensconced on the Advisory Board.
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