As a seasoned film critic with a soft spot for unconventional storytelling and a keen eye for performances that resonate deeply, I can confidently say that this year’s Palm Springs International Film Festival promises to be an extraordinary event. The festival’s ability to bring together a diverse array of talent from around the globe is truly commendable.
The unique blend of established stars like Steve Coogan and rising talents such as Mikey Madison, Timothée Chalamet, and Ariana Grande, creates a palpable energy that permeates the festival atmosphere. The inclusion of artists like Colman Domingo, whose work in “Sing Sing” is a testament to the transformative power of cinema, adds depth and dimension to the lineup.
One cannot ignore the emotional weight behind Greg Kwedar’s “Sing Sing,” a film that seems particularly poignant in today’s context. Colman Domingo’s heartfelt words echo the sentiments of many artists who use their craft as a means of healing and change, making this film a must-watch for me.
The festival’s commitment to showcasing important stories, such as Rachel Feldman’s “Lilly,” which sheds light on equal pay activist Lilly Ledbetter’s journey, is truly inspiring. The fact that Ledbetter was able to see the film before her passing adds a poignant layer of significance to this already powerful piece.
Lastly, the festival’s expansion across the Coachella Valley and its focus on young cinephiles with the Family Day sidebar is a welcome move. As someone who grew up watching films in a small town like La Quinta, I can attest to the transformative power of cinema for young minds. It’s only fitting that this year’s festival brings such magic to a wider audience.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a cinematic adventure that spans across continents, generations, and genres, look no further than the Palm Springs International Film Festival. And remember, as they say in Hollywood, “The show must go on… and it will, even if it’s being directed by a chimp narrating the life story of Robbie Williams!
Highlighting Oscar contenders and powerful international films, the Palm Springs International Film Festival commences its 36th year with “Better Man,” a daring, feel-good film featuring the digital likeness of British pop star Robbie Williams as a CG chimpanzee, recounting his life story.
Liliana Rodriguez, the artistic director of PSIFF, finds it heartwarming and offers a distinct, intimate take on fame and perseverance with this unconventional biopic, helmed by Michael Gracey (‘The Greatest Showman’). She describes it as an enjoyable journey that sets a lively mood for the festival.
The 2025 lineup includes 164 films from 71 different countries, with Peter Cattaneo’s “The Penguin Lessons,” starring Steve Coogan, being the closing film on January 13th. This festival held in the desert is a popular destination for contenders seeking awards, and this year will see the Jan. 3 Film Awards celebrating rising stars such as Mikey Madison from “Anora”, Timothée Chalamet from “A Complete Unknown”, Adrien Brody from “The Brutalist”, Nicole Kidman from “Babygirl”, Kieran Culkin from “A Real Pain”, Angelina Jolie from “Maria”, Ariana Grande from “Wicked”, director Denis Villeneuve of “Dune: Part Two”, and the casts of “Conclave” and “Emilia Pérez”. On January 4th, the EbMaster’s 10 Directors to Watch and Creative Impact Awards brunch will honor Jacques Audiard, the director of “Emilia Pérez”, Cynthia Erivo, a co-star in Grande’s “Wicked”, and Jennifer Lopez from “Unstoppable”.
I’m delighted to be back at this festival, having been honored with the Spotlight Award for my role in “Rustin” in 2024. In Greg Kwedar’s “Sing Sing,” I portray John “Divine G” Whitfield, a man imprisoned who discovers meaning through theater while striving for exoneration. My performance in this powerful piece is deeply emotional and heartfelt.
Domingo shares that ‘Sing Sing’ holds a profound significance for him, as it seems particularly poignant now to share stories that aid in our collective healing. He feels that his entire 34-year career has culminated in the work he’s been able to spearhead and contribute to through this film.
On Sunday, Domingo, stars from shows like “Emilia Pérez,” “Wicked,” “Maria” and “Babygirl” will join the Talking Pictures series post-screening discussions. Bob Mackie, a renowned costume designer based in Palm Springs (“Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion”), Alan Cumming (“Drive Back Home”) and Billy Zane (“Waltzing With Brando”) are some of the other guests anticipated to bring their films to the festival along with themselves.
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Domingo, stars from various shows such as “Emilia Pérez,” “Wicked,” “Maria” and “Babygirl” will participate in the Talking Pictures series during post-screening discussions. Bob Mackie (“Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion”), a well-known costume designer from Palm Springs, along with Alan Cumming (“Drive Back Home”) and Billy Zane (“Waltzing With Brando”) are among the additional guests expected to attend the festival with their films in tow.
Filmmaker Rachel Feldman, alongside actress Patricia Clarkson, will present the movie “Lilly,” which focuses on Lilly Ledbetter, a champion for equal pay, and her significant 2007 lawsuit against Goodyear Tires. Previously serving as chair of the DGA Women’s Steering Committee and advocating for gender fairness in the film industry, Feldman collaborated on this project with Ledbetter’s approval before she passed away in October.
Feldman describes the film as a tale of an ordinary woman, confronted with injustice, who doesn’t initially realize her inner strength to accomplish something extraordinary. It’s a journey of transformation. Tragically, Lilly passed away right when we were debuting the movie at festivals, but she did get to see the final product… She was extremely pleased that Patricia Clarkson portrayed her on screen and was overjoyed that her story would inspire others.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) has grown this year, extending its reach across the Coachella Valley by incorporating a new venue in La Quinta. Moreover, the second installment of the Family Day sidebar is set to entertain young movie enthusiasts with a diverse lineup that includes Latvia’s Oscar-nominated animated film “Flow,” the sci-fi cartoon “The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie,” and the Māori coming-of-age dramedy directed by Rachel House, titled “The Mountain.
35 diverse Oscar nominee films from around the world will be showcased, featuring some of the shortlisted entries such as “I’m Still Here” by Walter Salles (Brazil), “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” by Mohammad Rasoulof (Germany) and “Dahomey” by Mati Diop (Senegal). Each year, PSIFF facilitates discussions among these shortlisted international artists, fostering camaraderie that often continues throughout an extended awards period.
As a film enthusiast who has attended numerous festivals and awards ceremonies over the years, I can confidently say that one of my most cherished experiences is connecting with the creators themselves – the tireless filmmakers who bring their vision to life. These events are often hectic and fast-paced, leaving little time for meaningful interactions. However, at this specific gathering, they finally get a chance to catch their breath, engage in conversations, and share their insights about their work. This unique opportunity allows me to gain a deeper understanding of the artistic process behind some of my favorite films, and it’s truly an enriching experience that I always look forward to.
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2025-01-02 20:49