Fests Of The West: Film Festivals In Greater Palm Springs

The logo for the 2020 Palm Springs International Film Festival

Everyone knows it’s always sunny in Palm Springs, but did you know it’s always teeming year round with film festivals too? 

They’re all fantastic and they’re all very different. So, I’m going to tell you about them. But first I’m going to tell you — in other people’s words — why the ones in Palm Springs are always held at the Palm Springs Cultural Center (PSCC).

Beth Fromm, the executive director of the Desert Film Society, says the buzz in the festival community is not only about the very cool space; for filmmakers and cinephiles, it’s about the tech specs that make the viewing so much better than your average screens. The PSCC has “theatrical grade HD digital projection on a 58-foot screen along with great sound — a combo not easy to find at other festivals or cities,” Fromm said. Yes, that’s screens with an “s” as in a cineplex. It’s retro-chic with great memorabilia decorating every space that will have them. 

Alan K. Rode, executive director and curator of the Arthur Lyons Film Festival (now in its 22nd year!), is pretty sweet on the space too. “You have a projection booth that has no equal in terms of capability,” he said. “I think you have to go to Los Angeles to find a projection booth that can project 70mm film, 35mm film, and all manner of both the digital DCP digital control pack, which is the nominal way of projecting films and theaters on the stage, and also physical media projection all in one building.” On top of all that, he added, there are “three theaters, a restaurant, two bars, an elevator and a spiral staircase!”

You heard the man correctly: two bars and a restaurant (sounds vaguely like a Beck song — “two turntables and a microphone…”). Upstairs you’ll find the best of the best local live entertainment on *gasp* weeknights. We have a lot of talent out here, you’re missing out if you haven’t seen any of it.

I could give you a ton more testimonials about the space, but let’s get to those festivals.

Festivals At The Palm Springs Cultural Center

The wildly popular Cinema Diverse celebrating LGBTQ+ films started on Sept. 21 and is running on the weekends through October 1. Click that there link for the full schedule. The festival is dedicated to advancing and further strengthening our diverse gay community through the establishment of a world-class film festival presenting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender cinema from around the world. Got it? Go!

A banner for Cinema Diverse

Courtesy of Cinema Diverse

Planned Parenthood Women’s Fest — Nov. 12, 2023. As described on its website: “This special event directly benefits Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, raising funds directed toward local programs and services throughout San Diego, Riverside, and Imperial Counties.” Telling women’s stories.

Jewish Film Fest — Stories being told about and by Jews from around the world. They have not yet announced for next year, but last year it was held in March.

Arthur Lyons Film Noir — This fest, founded in 2020 by the late mystery author, “includes acclaimed and obscure black and white ‘B’ movies from the 1940s and 1950s, as well as a few special appearances from some of the stars.” Generally held in May.

Palm Springs International Film Festival — All the big names come in for this huge fest, and it’s quite a production. If there’s a new hot spot in the Coachella Valley in the first week of January, you’ll likely see a celebrity or two dining there. 

Courtesy of the Palm Springs International Film Festival

Palm Springs International ShortFest — Designated by AMPAS, BAFTA, BIFA, and the Goya Awards as an award-qualifying festival, and accredited by the International Short Film Conference, the Palm Springs International ShortFest & Short Film Market is one of the most acclaimed short film showcases in the world.

Desert Film Society  — The Desert Film Society says it “promotes the appreciation of film in the Coachella Valley by providing Society members a unique opportunity to view the latest in art, international, and cutting-edge independent cinema and educating members by providing a platform for discussion of the art of film and film craft.” 

Bow Wow Film Festival — All for the love of dogs. No canine filmmakers that I’m aware of. Held in May last year.

Cinema Français — Feb. 2-4, 2024. New award-winning, French-language films and filmmakers.

Amdocs — March 21-25, 2024. American documentary and animation film festival.

More Festivals

Down Syndrome International Film Festival — Oct. 6, 2023, at Mary Pickford D’Place in Cathedral City.

Yucca Valley Film Festival — In it’s fifth year. Nov. 10-12, 2023

Idyllwild Cinema Festival — March 5-10, 2024. The Hollywood Reporter called it “The Greatest Little Film Festival on Earth.”

And that’s a wrap, folks! See you at the movies.

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Downtown Palm Springs: Vibrant & Flourishing

Downtown Palm Springs (roughly defined as from the north end of Alejo Rd. and south to Ramon Rd.) offers visitors a vibrant combination of the old and the new. The sidewalks are wide, the mid-century and Spanish-style storefronts are charming, and the lovely palm trees sway in soft breezes. This is all enhanced by the weather, which is beautiful, no matter what time of year you visit.

Mary Jo Ginther, Director of the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism, says, “The City’s goal, along with the business owners and residents, is to retain the character and ambiance of Palm Springs for visitors and locals alike, while providing new development to keep everything up to date. We are all very proud of the way our City has developed over the last 20 years.”

So much has happened in the last two decades. The old-fashioned plaza mall, which had been closed for 15 years, has been revitalized and the area is highlighted by outstanding restaurants and enticing shopping.

A variety of small boutique hotels in the downtown area offer visitors enchanting options for personalized accommodations in lushly landscaped settings. Many of these hotels were favorite getaways for the rat pack during Hollywood’s heyday in Palm Springs and they still exude the charm of that magical era. Some of these beautifully designed retreats, all members of the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels association, include Casa Cody Country Inn, Andalusian Court, Ingleside Inn, Holiday House, La Serena Villas, La Maison, and Alcazar Palm Springs.. Several of these hotels include wonderful restaurants such as The Pantry at Holiday House, Melvyn’s at the Ingleside Inn, Acuzar at La Serena Villas, and Birba and Cheekys at Alcazar.

Plans for future expansion and renovation of the downtown area are underway. Discussions include renovating the historic Town and Country Center to much of its original mid-century modern condition. These plans are important because this area connects Palm Canyon Drive to Indian Canyon Drive, which is becoming two-way instead of one-way. This will improve the area for pedestrian traffic.

The city is expanding eastward toward the airport. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, which has been very involved in the economic development of Palm Springs, is developing an exciting new campus with a cultural museum, bath house and spa, and an expanded casino. Construction is also just starting for a spacious 10,000-seat arena.

The Tahquitz Corridor going from downtown to the airport has been preserved. For example, an historical building designed by celebrated architect Hugh Kaptur has been restored to its original mid-century modern design rather than replaced by a high rise that had been contemplated by some developers. The once almost-empty building is now flourishing with retailers, a coffee bar, a wine bar, and offices.

Since the areas being developed are owned by both the city and the Agua Caliente tribe (in a checkerboard pattern), some plots of land are controlled by the city and some by the tribe, but they have worked well together over the years to develop the area. There is also a very healthy preservationist community that is involved in many of these plans and residents are active in decision-making with great value placed on buildings that are unique to the mid-century heritage of Palm Springs. These renovations have brought back visitors who value the historical significance of the area.

Much credit for development goes to the businesses putting their resources back into the city. Ten years ago, there was no real food scene in Palm Springs and now many wonderful restaurants are thriving. Tours have also exploded, with biking tours, mid-century modern tours, hiking tours, and celebrity bus tours. There is even a foodie’s Desert Tasty Tour and the Palm Springs Historical Society has tours every Saturday morning with a focus on the town’s unique history.

Downtown Palm Springs is perfect for walkers. You can walk from many of the small boutique hotels and explore the shops, restaurants, and architecture. People are friendly and the town is safe. The vibe is relaxing with something for everyone.

The city’s slogan — “Like No Place Else” — is so true. And the city’s planners intend to maintain and continue to develop its special character.

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Agua Caliente Cultural Museum Now Open In Downtown Palm Springs

The entrance to the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum in Palm Springs, California

For the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the opening of the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum in the heart of Palm Springs is a 30-year dream realized. 

The contents of the museum were revealed to the community during its grand opening on Nov. 4. During the dedication, Tribal Chairman Reid D. Milanovich said that every federally-recognized tribe in the United States “has a distinct culture that includes traditions, language, historical clothing, and housing styles, as well as historical food and medicine preparations. We want to share our culture with visitors through our authentic voice. This is our story, in our voice. We are here today just like we have been since time immemorial.”

A first look at the Agua Caliente Gathering Plaza 

The Oasis Path at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum in Palm Springs, California, is illuminated at night

The Oasis Trail at night. Photo by Kathy Condon

When the fences came down around the finished complex, the 10,000-square-foot Agua Caliente Museum and the Agua Caliente Gathering Plaza were revealed. Outdoor spaces featuring desert native plants surround both, so you can sit and enjoy the serenity and beauty of the area at no cost. The Oasis Trail also winds through the plaza and is an interactive cultural experience in miniature of the nearby Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon trails. The recreated rock formations add to the authenticity of the pathway.

JCJ Architecture out of Phoenix designed the project, and their guiding principles for the space were based on the tribe’s values and commitment to their story.

Entering the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

A thatched hut replica inside the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum in Palm Springs, California

The museum’s exhibition space is filled with artifacts. Photo by Kathy Condon

The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum’s design is rooted in a tradition reminiscent of basket weaving, pottery, and elements of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. Inside the building, the designs incorporated into the floors, lights, and decor all have been meticulously selected to represent aspects of the Agua Caliente culture in five separate exhibition areas.

The journey through the building begins with a film. You are seated in a longhouse-style theatre with 360-degree viewing. The 12-minute film tells the story of the tribe’s creation.

When you exit the theatre, the building’s curved pathway leads to a permanent exhibition displaying the tribe’s history in Coachella Valley. Historical photographs line the wall, interspersed with timelines. Glass cases in the center of the room reveal the beauty of the collection of well-preserved baskets used by ancestors to gather berries and store and prepare food. The artistry involved will cause you to stop and observe the intricate details of the perfectly-shaped baskets.

The beaded clothing of both men and women is displayed with an explanation of the ceremonial occasions on which they were used. In a nearby area, cases show the artifacts discovered when digging began for the museum’s construction. The objects found revealed the Agua Caliente tribes were in Coachella Valley even earlier than was previously thought: 5,000 to approximately 8,000 years ago.

Photos offer a look at the past

A well-designed and perfectly lit gallery is a beautiful way to observe incredible photos of the tribe. Both current and historically valuable photos have captured ceremonies, individuals, and scenes that illustrate the tribe’s life.  Plan to spend some time here. The more you look at the photos, the more you notice. The museum is the perfect place to look deeper into the Agua Caliente culture, and there are knowledgeable people on hand ready to help you learn.

Stopping by the museum store 

A woman holds a piece of pottery inside the gift shop at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

One-of-a-kind treasures await in the museum gift shop. Photo by Kathy Condon

When you wander into the store, you will immediately observe that this is not an ordinary museum gift shop. There are no duplicate gadgets or kitschy items. A glass case holds handmade jewelry and one-of-a-kind rings, earrings, and bracelets are beautifully displayed.

The entire space has been carefully curated with art made by Indigenous people from throughout the United States. Weavings and paintings adorn the walls, while exquisite pottery is waiting to find a place in your home. You can visit the museum store without paying an admission fee.

Everything else you need to know about the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

Admission to the museum is $10 for adults; $5 for seniors 65+, children 6+, and college students with ID; and free for kids under 6, military members and veterans, locals with government ID, and Native Americans with ID.

Educational opportunities are abundant, and signing up for the museum’s newsletter lets you keep tabs on lectures and classes offered during your stay. Presently, there are scheduled lectures about the artifacts found when digging the project; the design of the building; and basketry. 

If you have a car, there is plenty of free parking. The entire area is handicap accessible.

This incredible asset is within walking distance of many of our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, and could be combined with a visit to the luxurious Spa at Séc-he. When you come to Palm Springs, plan to take a couple of hours to learn about the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the first settlers of Palm Springs.

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Independent Films. Independent Stays.

Alcazar’s salt water purified pool in the daytime

If you love the creative style of independent filmmakers, then staying at a small independently-owned hotel will fit right in with your ethos.  Every hotel is beautifully curated for an extraordinary experience. And if you’re heading to the 30th Palm Springs International Film Festival in January, at least two of our member small hotels are offering festival rates including Alcazar Palm Springs and Los Arboles Hotel.

Alcazar Palm Springs offers a great location that is close to both downtown and the arts district. Two fabulous restaurants, Cheeky’s and Birba are right on site.  Alcazar’s contemporary style has a distinctly hip European vibe.  It boasts imported Italian linens, flat screen TV’s, fireplaces, poolside and private patios, salt water purified pool, cooling misters, Jacuzzi and a beautiful garden courtyard in which to lounge. Festival Rate Code: PSFF

The Courtyard at Alcazar Palm Springs
The Courtyard at Alcazar Palm Springs

Charming and historic, href=”https://www.palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/stay/los-arboles-hotel”>Los Arboles Hotel is home to the iconic, El Mirasol Mexican Restaurant and bar.  Family owned and operated, it features 21 well-appointed rooms, a heated pool, Jacuzzi, room service and is located walking distance from shopping, dining, and nightlife.  This is one of those places where delighted guests return year after year. Festival Rate Code: PSFF19 for 10% off.

The patio at Los Arboles Restaurant and Bar, Palm Springs

The patio at Los Arboles Restaurant and Bar, Palm Springs

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