Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs is synonymous with Hollywood glitz and glamour. The community has long been a retreat for showbiz royalty, including legends like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Marilyn Monroe. Embracing its rich legacy, Palm Springs hosts the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF), providing a platform for global cinema, enhanced by the city’s signature style and sophistication.
The 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival is set to draw more than 130,000 attendees, many from overseas, further cementing its status as an international cultural beacon. Highlighting works from over 65 countries, it showcases the diversity of world cinema. This year’s iteration will run from January 2nd to 13th across various premier venues, including the Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs Cultural Center, Festival Theaters (formerly Regal Palm Springs), and Palm Canyon Theatre.
First launched 36 years ago by former mayor Sonny Bono, the festival aimed to position Palm Springs as a global cinema hub—and it has succeeded spectacularly. PSIFF screens a majority of the films submitted for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars and attracts an eclectic mix of A-list celebrities, industry insiders, and emerging filmmakers.
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This year’s lineup of honorees is as impressive as ever. Canadian director Denis Villeneuve, famed for his masterful sci-fi films like Dune and Arrival, will receive the Visionary Award for Dune: Part Two. Awardees joining him at the Film Awards Gala on January 3rd include Timothee Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Angelina Jolie, and Nicole Kidman. This red-carpet evening promises to be a highlight of the festival, with a host of A-listers in attendance.
The heart of the festival lies in its robust slate of screenings. Over 130 films spanning various genres will be shown, including numerous premieres. The festival will open with the highly anticipated Better Man, a musical biopic about British pop icon Robbie Williams directed by Michael Gracey. Other notable films on the lineup include Sing Sing, starring Colman Domingo, Bun Tikki by Faraz Arif Ansari, and Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard and starring Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez. Highlights also include a focus on Spanish cinema and films by Pedro Almodóvar, and the festival will close with The Penguin Lessons, a charming dramedy directed by Peter Cattaneo and starring Steve Coogan.
Beyond the films, PSIFF offers numerous engaging events. From Talking Pictures screenings with expert panel discussions featuring Hollywood and international stars to Film Inspired Dinners, Film Society Member Coffee Chats, and a special Family Day, the festival ensures there’s something for everyone.
Ticket prices vary by event, with general admission for screenings priced at $20, while panel discussions start at $30, and themed dinners cost $100. Special passes are available for the Film Awards Gala and opening night reception.
