The Palm Springs International Film Festival is set to commence its 37th edition, featuring Maryam Touzani’s film Calle Malaga as the opening night presentation and Brian Cox’s Glenrothan concluding the festival. Scheduled from January 2 to January 12, 2024, this year’s event will showcase a diverse selection of 168 films from 72 countries, including 53 premieres and 44 films competing for the prestigious Oscar for Best International Feature.
Calle Malaga revolves around an elderly Spanish woman, portrayed by Carmen Maura, who fights to preserve her home and identity in Tangier as her daughter plans to sell the family residence. In contrast, Glenrothan features Brian Cox alongside Alan Cumming in a story about two estranged brothers reuniting in their picturesque Scottish hometown, bound by their family’s whiskey distillery traditions. The cast includes talented actors such as Shirley Henderson, Alexandra Shipp, Joanne Thompson, and Nicole Ansari-Cox.
Star-Studded Lineup and Special Events
The festival will welcome numerous renowned filmmakers and actors, highlighting films like King Hamlet with Oscar Isaac and director Elvira Lind, as well as Kim Novak’s Vertigo, featuring both the actress and director Alexandre O. Philippe. Other notable screenings include The Housemaid directed by Paul Feig, and She Dances, which features Audrey Zahn and Steve Zahn.
In addition to the primary film presentations, the festival will introduce a series titled Gateway Films, curated by Diane Kruger, Leonard Maltin, Paul Feig, programmer Therese Hayes, and the late actor Udo Kier. This series aims to spotlight films that have inspired a lifelong love of cinema.
The Close-Ups series will feature in-depth discussions with filmmakers, while the After Dark section will explore genre films that promise to captivate audiences. The American Indies section will showcase rising U.S. talents, and a documentary section will delve into the lives and creative journeys of filmmakers and their behind-the-scenes stories.
Festival Vision and Awards Ceremony
Artistic director Lili Rodriguez expressed enthusiasm for the festival, stating, “Our 2026 lineup is a celebration of the stories that move us, challenge us, and remind us why we love movies.” She highlighted the diverse range of films, from family-friendly titles to bold new voices, emphasizing the communal experience that the festival fosters year after year.
Alongside the film screenings, the festival will also host its star-studded Film Awards on January 3. This event will honor notable figures such as Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, Adam Sandler, Leonardo DiCaprio, Chloé Zhao, and members of the Hamnet cast, including Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.
The complete festival lineup and further details are available on the official website. The Palm Springs International Film Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of cinema, bringing together filmmakers and audiences to share in the art of storytelling.
