UPDATE: The Palm Springs International Film Festival has just announced that Maryam Touzani’s highly anticipated film Calle Malaga will kick off the festival, while Brian Cox’s drama Glenrothan will close it. This exciting 37th edition runs from January 2-12, 2024, and promises to be a cinematic celebration you won’t want to miss.
The festival is set to screen an impressive 168 films from 72 countries, including 53 premieres and 44 films in contention for the prestigious Best International Feature Oscar. This year’s lineup showcases a diverse array of stories, highlighting the global tapestry of cinema.
Calle Malaga features acclaimed actress Carmen Maura as an aging Spanish woman in Tangier, fighting to retain her home amidst her daughter’s desire to sell it. Meanwhile, Glenrothan stars Cox alongside Alan Cumming as estranged brothers reuniting in their picturesque Scottish hometown, exploring themes of family and legacy through their family’s whiskey distillery.
A star-studded lineup is expected to attend, including Oscar Isaac for King Hamlet, Paul Feig for The Housemaid, and Gore Verbinski presenting Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die. Other notable filmmakers and actors, such as Edgar Ramirez and Amy Goodman, will also be on hand to support their films.
This year, the festival introduces a new series called Gateway Films, celebrating cinematic classics that have sparked a lifelong love for film, curated by notable figures including Diane Kruger and Leonard Maltin. The festival will also feature an After Dark section, showcasing genre films, and an American Indies section highlighting emerging U.S. talents.
Lili Rodriguez, artistic director of the Palm Springs International Film Society, expressed her enthusiasm: “Our 2024 lineup is a celebration of the stories that move us, challenge us, and remind us why we love movies. This year’s selections reflect the vibrant energy of world cinema today.”
In addition to the film screenings, Hollywood will converge in Palm Springs for the festival’s prestigious Film Awards on January 3. Honorees will include acclaimed talents such as Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, and Chloé Zhao, promising a night of celebration and recognition for cinematic achievements.
With so much to look forward to, film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike are gearing up for an unforgettable festival experience. The complete lineup can be found on the festival’s official website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness groundbreaking films and engage in meaningful conversations that only cinema can inspire.
