Greater Palm Springs: A Premier Hub for Diverse Film Festivals
The Greater Palm Springs area is a renowned cinematic destination. Each January, the world-class Palm Springs International Film Festival draws global crowds, A-list celebrities, and Oscar contenders. Year-round, specialized festivals spotlight indigenous films, shorts, documentaries, avant-garde works, classic noir, and artistic cinema.
Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Festival | September 22-25, 2016
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents Cinema Diverse, a premier LGBTQ+ film showcase. Dubbed 'the Academy Awards of Gay Movies' by one critic, past editions featured over 30 features, 50 shorts, and new media selections. Standouts included the award-winning Eisenstein in Guanajuato, exploring Soviet filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein’s 1931 Mexico trip; romantic comedy Paternity Leave; and comedic short If We Took a Holiday. Attendees enjoy post-screening parties and live Q&As with talent. www.cinemadiverse.org
Palm Springs International Film Festival | January 5-16, 2017
One of North America’s largest and most prestigious festivals, the Palm Springs International Film Festival (entering its 28th year in 2017) attracts over 135,000 enthusiasts for 180+ features and documentaries from 50+ countries. The Black Tie Awards Gala features Hollywood stars like Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Sandra Bullock, Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Reese Witherspoon, and George Clooney. Highlights include Book to Screen symposiums, Talking Pictures conversations, receptions, and glamorous opening/closing events. www.psfilmfest.org
Native Film Fest | February 28-March 5, 2017
Launched 15 years ago by Agua Caliente Cultural Museum Executive Director Michael Hammond amid a surge in Native filmmakers, the Native Film Fest celebrates indigenous cinema. The 2016 edition honored Mekko by Sterlin Harjo with the Richard M. Milanovich Award, following an ex-con in Tulsa’s Native homeless community. Shorts highlighted Pacific Islanders, with live hula performances; global films included Sami (Sweden) and Maori (New Zealand) stories. Guest programmer: Elizabeth Weatherford, founder of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian’s Film and Video Center. www.accmuseum.org/Films
American Documentary Film Festival | March 29-April 3, 2017
Founded by Teddy Grouya to champion documentaries and independent filmmakers tackling real-world stories, AmDocs debuted in 2012, honoring Oliver Stone with his film Commandante. It has grown rapidly, featuring luminaries like Dionne Warwick, Peter Coyote, and Peter Bogdanovich. The 2016 lineup covered social justice, food, environment, and resilience, opening with Joe Berlinger’s Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru and international docs. Recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the 'five coolest documentary festivals worldwide.' www.americandocumentaryfilmfestival.com
Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival | May 2017
Started in 2000 by mystery writer Arthur Lyons and wife Barbara, this festival celebrates classic film noir’s postwar cynicism, suspense, sexuality, and crime. It blends landmark and rare films, often from original or restored 35mm prints, with Q&As and events featuring surviving stars. Among the oldest noir festivals, it uncovers long-unseen gems. www.arthurlyonsfilmnoir.ning.com
23rd Annual Palm Springs International ShortFest | June 2017
Founded by Sonny Bono in 1990 to boost tourism, the Palm Springs International Film Festival added ShortFest in 1995 for emerging shorts talent. North America’s largest short film festival and market, it’s a launchpad for global filmmakers. Past lineups featured top shorts, world premieres, and networking parties with industry influencers. www.psfilmfest.org
