37th Palm Springs International Film Festival Program Guide

A legendary stage and screen reborn, marking the beginning of a bold new era in Palm Springs cinema. Welcome to the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival.

palmspringsca.gov

WELCOME

Board of Directors �����������������������������������������������������������8 Chairman of the Board ���������������������������������������������������9 Artistic Director ������������������������������������������������������������ 11 Community ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 14 Mayor ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 15 Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians ������������������� 17

FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE

Ticket & Festival Info ��������������������������������������������������� 18 Sponsors ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 24 Beyond the Festival ������������������������������������������������������ 33 Programming Team ������������������������������������������������������� 36 Festival Awards ������������������������������������������������������������� 37 Film Awards �������������������������������������������������������������������� 43 Festival Staff �����������������������������������������������������������������151

FILM PROGRAMS

Talking Pictures ������������������������������������������������������������� 48 Opening / Closing Night ��������������������������������������������� 57 Special Presentations ��������������������������������������������������� 59 Dinner & Movie.............................................................. 62 Family Day ...................................................................... 64 Gateway Cinema............................................................ 70 Close-ups......................................................................... 72 Local Spotlight ��������������������������������������������������������������� 74 Gayla................................................................................. 75 Queer Cinema Today ���������������������������������������������������� 76 Germany Focus............................................................... 80 Awards Buzz.................................................................... 88 Modern Masters ����������������������������������������������������������103 New Voices New Visions............................................108 American Indies............................................................112 After Dark......................................................................116 True Stories...................................................................118 World Cinema Now.....................................................128

INDEXES

Films by Region �����������������������������������������������������������147 Film Index ���������������������������������������������������������������������148

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Nachhattar Singh Chandi Chairman of the Board

Sidney Craig Secretary

David L. Baron Esq. Vice Chairman, Treasurer

Mary Ann LaBahn

Chair of Education Committee

Aftab Dada Vice Chairman

Patrick Mundt Assistant Secretary

John Pinkney

Assistant Secretary

Helene Galen

Scott White

Vice Chairman

Vice Chairman

Jan Salta

Aubrey Serfling

Executive Board Member

Executive Board Member

MEMBERSS

Jeffrey Bernstein Board Member

Eric Garner

Board Member

Stephen Breimer Board Member

Jim Bruner

Board Member

Elizabeth Gelfand Stearns Wendy Hope-Heckmann

Donna MacMillan

Peter Mahler

Katherine Malkin

Tristan Milanovich

Marie E. Pinizzotto, M.D., MBA

Catharine Reed

Nathan Ross

Jordan Schnitzer

Lee Morcus

David Permut Board Member

Board Member

Jenny Lavey

Kevin McGuire

Board Member

Jaci Fitzsimonds

Board Member

Garry Kief

Leslie McGrath

Board Member

Board Member

Carol Kaplan

Michael Ditoro

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member

Robert Dickey

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member

Emeritus: Harold Matzner in Memoriam JoAnn McGrath in Memoriam Jack Grundhofer in Memoriam Linda Shirvanian Board Member

Dominique Shwe Board Member

Ellen Sneider Board Member

Ryann Whalen

James R. Houston in Memoriam

Board Member

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WELCOME

FROM THE FESTIVAL CHAIRMAN

On behalf of our Board of Directors and our amazing staff, I’m delighted to welcome you to

the 37th anniversary of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Every year, this event reminds us why we love movies so much—because they inspire us, challenge us, make us laugh, break our hearts, and connect us in ways nothing else quite can.

This year, we’re thrilled to share more than 170 films from over 70 countries. Our Artistic Nachhattar Singh Chandi Chairman of the Board

Director, Lili Rodriguez, and her fantastic programming team have put together an incredible lineup that reflects the very best of global storytelling. There truly is something here for everyone.

Our festival has always been about more than just watching films. It’s about discovering new perspectives, hearing stories you may never have encountered otherwise, and being moved in unexpected ways. Over the next few days, you’ll find everything from intimate indie dramas to bold international features. We’re especially proud to once again be known as the festival that screens the most submissions for the Academy Awards® Best International Feature Film category—many of which you’ll find in our Awards Buzz program this year.

And of course, we hope you’ll join us for one of the most exciting nights of the season: the Film Awards Gala on Saturday, January 3, at the Palm Springs Convention Center. It’s the only event in the valley where you can share an evening with A-list stars and filmmakers—people like Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, Ethan Hawke, Adam Sandler, and other Oscar® hopefuls—all while enjoying a great dinner and supporting a great cause. Together, this event helps raise more than $2.5 million to support our nonprofit Palm Springs International Film Society’s work throughout the year.

Whether you’re here as a filmmaker, a journalist, or a movie lover who simply can’t get enough of great cinema, you’re an important part of this community. This festival exists because so many people—artists, crews, volunteers, sponsors, and audiences like you—believe in the power of storytelling.

I want to thank our title sponsor, City of Palm Springs; Film Awards Presenting Sponsor, Kering; and our host Nischelle Turner and Entertainment Tonight for helping to make this one of the most exciting events in the world of film.

Thank you for joining us. We’re so glad you’re here, and we can’t wait to share this year’s festival with you.

Nachhattar Singh Chandi Nachhattar Singh Chandi, Chairman of the Board

The Film Awards underwriters are David McGrath, Sean McGrath, Jordan Schnitzer, Jan Salta and myself. Combined, our entire board of directors donates more than $1 million annually to this benefit for the Palm Springs International Film Society. It is an honor to support the vision and passion of our founder Sonny Bono; our beloved former chairman, the late Harold Matzner, whose commitment and generosity continue to inspire us; and James R. and Jackie Lee Houston, who chaired this event for so many years.

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THE FILM SOCIETY EXTENDS OUR GRATITUDE TO ALL OUR MEMBERS. AN EXTRA SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS CHAIRMAN LEVEL MEMBERS Jason Beekman, Dominique Bravo, Kelly & Giuseppe Caruso, Cindy Blikre & Michael Cornelo, Todd Burke & Dennis Wolframski, Carol Blum, Kelly Caruso, Nachhattar & Susana Chandi, Judge Tom Chiola (Ret.), Mark Coleman & Terence Kissack, Shari Foos, Pam Grissom, Bobbi Lampros, Athalie & Adnan LaPamuk, Carlos J. Ledezma, MD & Mary Clare Lynch de Ledezma, Harold Matzner & Shellie Reade, Ceecee Ponicasn, Pamela Schmider, Mary Swink, Christine TarrZ

PREMIERE LEVEL MEMBERS Ken Alterwitz, Michael Amaro & Les Young, Sue & Jeff Barnes, Mario Bertucci, Kelly Brigid, Mark Bua, Clara DiFelice, Michael W. Elliot & Sandra B. Norman, Kathi Garcin, Patti Goldberg, Kimberly Guthrie, Dan Harries, Donna Hetchler, Anonymous, Pierre Lemieux, Mark Levine, Wayne Olson, Randolph Paschke & John Bisceglia, Fred & Richel Roggin, Deborah Schwarz & Chris Thomas, Lori & Aubrey Serfling, Joel Thurm

PRODUCER LEVEL MEMBERS Betsy Aubrey, Joan & Nicolas Behrmann, Mark Borovitz, Mary Boyle, Harley Broe & Nancy Knott, Lewis Brown, Carolyn Caldwell, Tom Carlock, Karen & Nate Cheney, Anita & George Cooks, Arlene Colman-Schwimmer & Arthur E. Schwimmer, Garret Demarest & Tim Murphy, David Denison, Iijosa A. Dobler, Michaele Drayer, Donna & Robert Dughi, Seth & Sylvia Evans, Glenn Flood & Louise Passey, Georgi Garden, Elizabeth Gelfand Stearns, Bruce Goodman, Rich Gordon, Stella Green, Gina Kakos, Don Kasper & Jim Bochinski, Martin Kuffel, Mary Ann LaBahn & Ryann Whalen. Susan and Rodney Lubeznik, Dana Manciagli, John McDonald-O’Lear, Suzanne Merriman, Bill Mitchell & David Vignolo, Scott Nass, J. Michael Naughton, Jeff Nelson, Nanette Nocon, Tom O'Brien, Laureen Ong, Marti Oppenheimer, Loren Ostrow, Marsha Pachter, Dr. Joseph Palacios, Gail A. Pischak, Joshua Pyle, Janelle Reiring, Marcella Ruble, Kathy Savitt, Esther Schwartz. Stanton & Betsy Segal, Smaby Family Foundation, Julie Spira, Elizabeth G. Stearns, Paige Sullivan, Sally & Mike Traidman, George & Carla Van Hoomissen, David Vignolo, Albert Wade, Dr. Les Zendle & Jerry Hanson

WELCOME

FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Fellow movie-lovers,

Lili Rodriguez Artistic Director

This edition marks 37 years since PSIFF started. The Festival has built an incredible reputation, standing strong long before my years as Artistic Director, and it continues to thrive. Every year, part of the fun for me is trying to deepen what “Palm Springs” means as a festival experience.

For some of you, that means 11 days packed with back-to-back screenings. For others, it might be a handful of films, maybe even just THE ONE that stays with you all year. For others still, it’s finding your corner of the program: the docs, the genre films, the Q&As, the Hollywood sparkle. That’s the beauty of this festival. There are so many ways to engage with PSIFF, and we want each one to feel welcoming and full of spirit.

Our programmers, led by Chief of Programming Alissa Simon, have spent the past year doing what they do best: traveling, scouting, digging, and curating a lineup that reflects the state of world cinema today—its joys, anxieties, humor, heartbreak, experimentation, and energy.

PSIFF is proudly international, and this year we turn a special spotlight on Germany. From our favorite German films on the festival circuit to timeless classics, our German lineup celebrates the country’s rich cinematic history, voices, and range—a reminder of the creativity and impact of German cinema on the world stage.

Here are some other things to check out that are particularly exciting: Family Day returns on Sunday, January 11 at the Mary Pickford and Cathedral City Amphitheater. Along with activities like face painting, booths, and food options, all screenings are FREE this year, thanks to our partners. We’ll be showing Zootopia 2, Arco, and a special sing-along presentation of the cultural phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters. Bring your own pretend mic!

After Dark is back—small but mighty with a lineup of horror and genre films perfect for a night out. Not your vibe? Try our filminspired dinners instead, now expanded to five events, where chefs craft menus inspired by the films themselves.

We’ve added two new strands this year: Close-Ups and Gateway Cinema. Inspired by Palm Springs’ rich film history, Close-Ups spotlights documentaries that explore the lives and work of filmmakers, celebrating the craft and community that shape cinema.

Our friend and Festival Ambassador Dave Karger joins us there. Gateway Cinema invites filmmakers, programmers, and journalists as guest curators to share the films that first sparked their love of cinema. This section celebrates the formative power of movies and offers audiences the chance to rediscover classics and hidden gems through the eyes of those shaping the field today. Our guest curators this year include Paul Feig, Therese Hayes, Udo Kier, Diane Kruger, and Leonard Maltin.

Reflecting on this year’s Festival, I’m deeply grateful for the continued support of our partners and sponsors, whose generosity and enthusiasm make all of this possible. I’d like to honor Harold Matzner, whose visionary leadership and unwavering dedication helped shape PSIFF into the festival it is today. The Festival truly owes so much to him, and his legacy will continue for years to come. Finally, we say goodbye to Udo Kier, our friend and world cinema icon, whose presence at the Festival was always a highlight for fellow artists.

Finally, and with so much gratitude, I want to bid farewell to the woman behind the scenes who’s been holding this festival together for over 23 years: Rhea Woodson. Festivals are as collaborative as the art they celebrate, and in her quiet and steady way, Rhea has been the force keeping everything moving. From all of us—thank you, Rhea. We’ll miss you.

Welcome to PSIFF 2026. Enough reading, let’s watch some movies!

Lili Rodriguez Artistic Director 11 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

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Harold Matzner A legacy that redefined Palm Springs

Harold Matzner didn’t simply steward the Palm Springs International Film Society—he rebuilt it, reimagined it, and ultimately elevated it into one of the world’s most respected cultural platforms. For more than 20 years Harold served as Chairman of the Board. He forged a blueprint for what civic leadership, creative vision, and strategic philanthropy can achieve when anchored in purpose. His passing leaves a profound void, but his impact is hardwired into the DNA of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the Film Awards, and the City of Palm Springs.

When Harold stepped in to lead the Festival in 1999, its future was uncertain. What came next was a full-scale transformation. He invested more than $12 million of his own resources, but his true contribution was far greater: he set a new bar for excellence, built a global brand around the Festival, and positioned the Film Awards as Hollywood’s first major spotlight of the awards season. Under his leadership, our stage became a bellwether for Oscar momentum and a magnet for the most accomplished artists of our time. Names like Streep, Blanchett, Pitt, Spielberg, and Clooney became synonymous with Palm Springs, and the region became a global conversation point every January.

Harold understood that the Film Awards was not just an event; it is an economic driver for the city and a cultural calling card for the Coachella Valley. His relentless focus on quality, visibility, and credibility generated billions of worldwide media impressions annually. He championed world-class production, meticulous hospitality, and a guest experience that made Hollywood feel at home in our desert.

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Beyond the spotlight, Harold believed in the power of film to build community. His philanthropy extended far beyond the stage— supporting education, strengthening local nonprofits, and ensuring that the festival remained accessible, inclusive, and deeply connected to the city it represents. He served with conviction, pushed for accountability, and brought an unmistakable sense of purpose to every board meeting, donor call, and civic partnership. His imprint is visible across Palm Springs—from health care and social services to the arts, culture, and the very identity of the city.

To the Festival family, Harold was a force of nature. He was direct, decisive, and endlessly committed to the work. His trademark black shirt, colorful tie, and white sneakers became an emblem of leadership in motion. It was hard not to smile when you caught a glimpse of Harold and his beloved dogs when they moved from meeting to meeting from early in the morning until late at night.

They were everyone’s quiet source of joy. He led with both steel and heart—raising expectations, challenging norms, and making the impossible feel inevitable. Yet friends recall the lighter side too: his humor, his fierce loyalty, his soft spot for animals, and his delight in creating “a little magic” for the people around him.

At the Film Awards

Two Busters

Harold often said his guiding principle was simple: never give up— always push forward. That ethos took a regional event on the brink of collapse and turned it into a global institution. It strengthened a city. It rallied a community. It inspired a generation of filmmakers, audiences, and leaders. And it built a legacy that will outlive all of us.

The Palm Springs International Film Festival stands today as a testament to Harold’s vision, discipline, and extraordinary generosity.

As we honor his life and leadership, we carry forward the institution he fortified and the spirit he embodied: bold, innovative, and deeply rooted in service to this city and the arts.

Harold Matzner transformed Palm Springs. He transformed this Festival. He transformed lives. And starting next year, his impact and legacy will continue to shine with the introduction of a new annual award in his honor.

With Spencer

WELCOME

Welcome to Palm Springs for the 37th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival! When former Mayor Sonny Bono founded this festival in 1989, he envisioned a world-class celebration of cinema that would showcase Palm Springs as a vibrant, year-round destination. More than three decades later, that vision continues to shine.

Gary Forsyth Director of Palm Springs Tourism, Visit Palm Springs

Now one of the largest and most respected film festivals in North America, the Palm Springs International Film Festival welcomes acclaimed filmmakers, A-list talent, and passionate film lovers from around the globe. As the festival has grown, so has our city, offering exceptional dining, stunning boutique hotels, world-class art

Welcome to the Palm Springs International Film Festival. As CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to this year’s festival. This celebration of cinematic artistry brings together film enthusiasts, talented filmmakers, and creative minds from all corners of the globe, highlighting the vibrant spirit of our community.

Nona Watson Chief Executive Officer, Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce

We invite you to indulge in the diverse range of films premiering this year, each telling unique stories that inspire and entertain. The festival not only showcases exceptional talent but also fosters connections and conversations among all

Welcome to the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival. It is a true honor to greet you for this extraordinary week of cinematic celebration.

This year marks the 37th annual festival—a milestone that reflects the spirit and creativity that define our community.

Scott White President and CEO, Visit Greater Palm Springs

As you enjoy the remarkable lineup of films, I encourage you to explore Greater Palm Springs beyond the theater doors. Discover the distinct character of our nine cities, experience outdoor adventures beneath wide-open skies, and savor the rich arts, culture, and dining that make this region special.

and culture, and unique wellness experiences like Spa Sec-he.

Here in Palm Springs, You Be You isn’t just a saying, it’s the spirit of our community. Whether you’re attending a premiere, exploring midcentury architecture, or taking in the desert glow, you’ll find a place where authenticity is celebrated, and everyone feels at home. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to a city you love, we’re glad you’re here.

Gary Forsyth Director of Palm Springs Tourism

of us who share a passion for the magic of film.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the attendees, sponsors, and volunteers who make this festival possible. Your support is invaluable and propels our mission to celebrate creativity and culture in Palm Springs. ,

We hope you enjoy every moment, embrace the energy of the festival, and create lasting memories. Thank you for being part of this incredible event!

Nona Watson CEO, Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce

We are grateful for the filmmakers, volunteers, and supporters who bring the festival to life—and for every guest who chooses to share in this celebration. Thank you for making Greater Palm Springs part of your story this season.

Enjoy the films, relish every moment, and let the inspiration linger long after the credits roll..

Scott White President and CEO, Visit Greater Palm Springs

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WELCOME

City of Palm Springs Naomi Soto, Mayor

3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way • Palm Springs, California 92262 Tel: 760.323.8200 • Fax: 760.323.8207 • E-Mail: Naomi.Soto@palmspringsca.gov

Greetings Film Lovers, It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 37th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, a shining celebration of cinema, creativity, and community. Nestled against the breathtaking San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs has long been a gathering place for dreamers and storytellers. Palm Springs is where Hollywood history meets timeless desert beauty.

The Palm Springs International Film Festival is one of the largest and most admired in North America. The festival continues to bring the world to our doorstep, showcasing over 100 exceptional films from more than 60 countries and welcoming more than 150,000 film enthusiasts. The City of Palm Springs is incredibly proud to serve as the Title Sponsor and host of this worldrenowned event. The Festival, which was first envisioned by the late Mayor Sonny Bono, has been nurtured by generations of visionaries who also believe in the Festival’s magic.

To filmmakers, actors, writers, and artists joining us, we celebrate you. Whether you are an acclaimed award-winner or a bold new voice, we root for you. Your stories reflect the beauty, complexity, and courage of the human spirit. Palm Springs has always opened its arms to creators like you, offering a second home where you can be inspired, recharge your imagination, and simply be yourself. Your presence here fills our city with energy, purpose, and joy.

This year, we pause to honor one of those extraordinary visionaries, the late Chairman Emeritus Harold Matzner. Harold’s dedication, generosity, and steadfast leadership helped save and sustain this festival. Harold believed in this festival’s power to inspire and unite people. He left an indelible mark on this important event and on the very spirit of Palm Springs. We celebrate this year’s festival in gratitude for all he gave and in recognition that his legacy will continue to illuminate the path ahead.

While you’re here, I invite you to savor all that makes Palm Springs truly “Like No Place Else.” Take in the panoramic views from the Aerial Tramway and explore our stunning Indian Canyons. Walk and enjoy our vibrant downtown filled with exceptional restaurants and boutiques, experience our iconic mid-century modern architecture and the beloved Forever Marilyn sculpture, all under the radiant desert sun.

On behalf of the City of Palm Springs, I extend heartfelt thanks to Festival Chairman Nachhattar Chandi, the Board of Directors, dedicated staff, tireless volunteers, and the many local businesses whose enthusiasm and hard work make this celebration possible year after year. Welcome to Palm Springs, a city that embraces creativity, honors its legends, and celebrates the stories that connect us all. Enjoy the festival, and I’ll see you at the movies!

Cheers,

Naomi Soto Mayor, City of Palm Springs

Post Office Box 2743 • Palm Springs, California 92263-2743 15 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

PSIFF.ORG

EVERYONE WELCOME! 2026

RSVP TODAY! Saturday, January 24, 2026 Palm Springs High Sc hool Gym nas i um 2401 East Baristo Road

. Palm Springs, CA 9 2 2 6 2

aguacaliente.org

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ME YAH WHAE

Me Yah Whae (Hello): On behalf of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, it’s my pleasure to officially welcome you to the Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Hollywood has long been in love with Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley and Tribal land. The Tribe’s distinguished history with Hollywood goes back to the 1930s, when movie stars would visit Palm Springs and enjoy the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, for which the Tribe and the city were both named, and now the site of our Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, a cultural heritage destination where Tribal members and guests celebrate the history, culture, traditions, and modern life of the Tribe.

While you are enjoying Palm Springs, the Tribe welcomes you to experience the Indigenous Destination of the Year, our Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, just steps from the festival locations in Downtown Palm Springs. The 5.8-acre Cultural Plaza features the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and The Spa at Sec-he, a state-of-the-art spa that celebrates the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, bringing the experience to new generations and guests from around the world.

The Tribe is proud to be as instrumental in the Valley’s prosperity today as we have been for generations, and to sponsor this world-class film festival. The Palm Springs International Film Festival is one of the most popular film festivals in the country. This festival brings together some of the most talented, well-respected professionals in the film industry.

The Tribe looks forward to the Palm Springs International Film Festival every year. It’s an opportunity for the community to celebrate the industry that made Palm Springs famous. Whether you are visiting or call Palm Springs home, we invite you to enjoy all the Coachella Valley has to offer.

Now, sit back and enjoy the shows.

Sincerely,

Reid D. Milanovich Chairman, Tribal Council Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

17 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

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TICKET & FESTIVAL INFORMATION TICKET PURCHASES & VOUCHER EXCHANGE

TICKETING & EVENT PRICING

Purchase online at psfilmfest.org Or call 760-778-8979 (Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm) In-person purchases and voucher exchanges may be completed at box office locations during operating hours.

GENERAL ADMISSION................................$20 (Members $18) FAMILY FILMS............................................................................FREE OPENING NIGHT SCREENING AND RECEPTION................................................................... $135 CLOSING NIGHT SCREENING AND RECEPTION...................................................................... $75

TICKET & INFORMATION CENTER HOURS December 9 – December 23 (Wednesday - Sunday) 11 am - 6 pm, (closed December 24 & 25) December 26 - January 12 8 am - 6 pm Ticket & Information Center 155 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 7A, Palm Springs DURING THE FESTIVAL January 2 - 12 one hour before the first show is scheduled to start, and close 30 minutes after the last show starts. Theater box offices are not open on days without screenings at that theater.

CASHLESS BOX OFFICE We welcome Visa®, Mastercard®, Discover®, American Express® and debit cards.

FESTIVAL LOUNGE 111 N. Palm Canyon Drive #160 on Harold Matzner Way January 2-12, 9 am - 9 pm

FESTIVAL MERCHANDISE Merchandise is available at the Ticket & Information Center, 155 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs Destination PSP Store, Downtown Palm Springs 170 North Palm Canyon Dr. or online at destinationpsp.com

OPENING NIGHT SCREENING ONLY (at CAM).....................$20 CLOSING NIGHT SCREENING ONLY (at PSHS). ................$20 TALKING PICTURES/BOOK TO SCREEN................ $30 – $45 DINNERS.................................................................................. $100

PASS OPTIONS BENEFACTOR PASS........................................................... $3,905 CONCIERGE PASS............................................................... $3,128 PREMIERE PASS.................................................................. $2,610 PLATINUM PASS.................................................................... $609 5-DAY “A” PASS....................................................................... $398 5-DAY “B” PASS...................................................................... $398 STUDENT PASS (Student ID required).............................. $213 PARTY PASS............................................................................. $107

PICKING UP TICKETS Tickets may be picked up at a box office location during operating hours.

Only the person who purchased the tickets may pick them up with a valid photo ID.

PRINT-AT-HOME & MOBILE TICKETS Your print-at-home ticket(s) will be attached to your order confirmation email in PDF form. Simply open the PDF, print and present your tickets at the theater upon entry.

You may also present the PDF on your mobile device.

Festival Theaters 789 E Tahquitz Canyon Way (Jan 2-12) Richards Center for the Arts at Palm Springs High School 2248 E Ramon Rd., Palm Springs (Jan 2-12) 18 PSIFF.ORG

JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

TICKET & FESTIVAL INFORMATION PICKING UP PASSES VALID PHOTO ID IS REQUIRED BENEFACTOR PASSES can be picked up: December 29 - January 2, 9 am - 9 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center 277 N Avenida Caballeros, Palm Grove Room Beginning January 3, Benefactor Passes will be available at the Festival Ticket & Information Center located at Mercado Plaza, 155 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs CONCIERGE, PLATINUM, PREMIERE, 5-DAY A, 5-DAY B, & STUDENT PASSES can be picked up beginning December 26, 2025 at the Ticket & Information Center located at 155 S. Palm Canyon Drive Check website for dates and times GUEST, INDUSTRY, & MEDIA PASSES can be picked up at the Guest & Industry Suite located inside the Hilton Palm Springs 400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Tapestry Room January 1, 1 pm - 5 pm January 2 - 11, 9 am - 5 pm January 12, 9 am - 12 pm

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

CONNECT WITH THE FILM PROGRAMMERS AND YOUR FELLOW FILM SOCIETY PALS AT OUR MEMBERS-ONLY COFFEE CHAT SESSIONS. GET THE LOWDOWN ON THE FILM PROGRAM, SWAP IDEAS, AND SOAK UP THE GOOD VIBES. SUNDAY, JANUARY 4 - 10AM MARY PICKFORD IS D’PLACE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7 - 10AM PALM SPRINGS CULTURAL CENTER CAMELOT THEATRES

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY TO PARTICIPATE! PSFILMFEST.ORG

THEATER LOCATIONS

Annenberg Theater 101 N. Museum Drive, Palm Springs, CA ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA Palm Springs Cultural Center Camelot Theatres 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA

By attending the festival, you agree to abide by the Terms and Conditions, which can be found at psfilmfest.org/about/ Festival Theaters terms-and-conditions.

789 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA

FOR MORE TICKET INFORMATION AND FESTIVAL POLICIES VISIT PSIFF.ORG/TICKETINFO

inemark Century La Quinta C 46-800 Washington St., La Quinta CA

@PSFILMFEST

ichards Center for the Arts R Palm Springs High School 2248 Ramon Rd, Palm Springs, CA

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Plaza Theatre 126 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA

19 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

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PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. CASAMIGOS Tequila, 40% Alc./Vol. Imported by Casamigos Spirits Co., LLC White Plains, NY.

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25 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

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SBEMP Congratulates the Winners of the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Awards

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BEYOND THE FESTIVAL

The Palm Springs International Film Society offers a robust mix of year-round programming that connects our community through film. In addition to our renowned festivals and filmmaker development programs to educational initiatives and community partnerships, each program is designed to celebrate cinema, inspire audiences, and support emerging voices in film. The following is a look at what we offer.

THE FILMMAKER RETREATS AT SUNNYLANDS For the past decade, PSIFF and the Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands have partnered to arrange intimate and private daylong Filmmaker Retreats. The retreats host a select group of filmmakers from all over the world with the purpose of providing an informal setting wherein international directors can speak candidly and confidentially about their work and the filmmaking process with other directors from around the world, building an international community among participants.

SUNNYLANDS FILMS ON THE GREAT LAWN Seasonal outdoor screenings for the whole family.

PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM ANNENBERG THEATER SUMMER FILM SERIES Getting people out of the heat and into the comfort of a cool theater for great films.

These dynamic and evolving programs are made possible by the generous contributions of passionate filmgoers like yourself.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit PSIFF.org/support-us/donate.

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EDUCATIONAL & COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS

EDUCATIONAL & COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS

The Palm Springs International Film Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to cultivate and promote the art and science of film through education and cross-cultural awareness. In addition to producing the Palm Springs International Film Festival every January and the annual Palm Springs ShortFest in June, the Film Society proudly offers year-round educational programs that serve thousands of youth and adults of diverse means and backgrounds in the Coachella Valley, as well as college students from across the Southern California region and visiting filmmakers from around the world.

These dynamic and evolving programs encapsulate the Film Society’s vision to use the medium of film to inspire creativity, encourage introspection and compel exploration.

INTERNSHIPS AND MENTORSHIPS College and high school students are provided practical hands-on experience alongside our team of professionals for school credit.

FILMMAKER IN THE CLASSROOM Working filmmakers visit various schools throughout the Coachella Valley, giving visual art students the unique opportunity to participate in an intimate and informative discussion generating inspiration beyond the classroom with experts in their craft.

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STUDENT SCREENING DAY

SHE DANCES USA, 2025, 93 minutes Director: Rick Gomez Cast: Steve Zahn, Audrey Zahn, Ethan Hawke, Mackenzie Ziegler, Rosemarie DeWitt, Sonequa Martin-Green Genres: Drama, Comedy, Family Relations, Dance, Youth/Teen, Road Movie

Starring real-life father and daughter, Steve and Audrey Zahn, this charming dramedy follows a struggling dad as he attempts to reconnect with his distant teen by serving as her dance competition chaperone.

STUDENT SCREENING DAY Student Screening Day is more than a field trip, it is an opportunity to inspire and be inspired. The screenings expose students to ideas, cultures and people from around the globe.

Representing a diverse range of perspectives and storytelling styles, the films in this series have brought all corners of the world to Coachella Valley youth (and beyond) with over 25 local area high schools participating in this special event.

SPEAK. Student Screening Day Sponsored In Part By

USA, 2025, 103 minutes Director: Jennifer Tiexiera, Guy Mossman Genres: Documentary, Performance, Youth/Teen

In this rousing documentary, five standout teens transform personal pain, politics, and passion into electrifying oratory with the hopes of winning one of the largest and most grueling academic competitions in the world. ®

®

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PROGRAMMING TEAM

Alissa Simon Chief of Programming

Mimi Brody Programmer

Brian Hu Programmer

A film curator for more than 25 years, Alissa Simon was named a 1999 Chicagoan of the year for her innovative work at the Art Institute’s Film Center. She also writes for the trade paper Variety, consults for a number of foreign festivals, and has served on numerous international film festival juries.

Mimi Brody is a programmer for festivals and cinematheques. She has worked with the American Film Institute for both AFI FEST and AFI DOCS, as well as Tribeca, the San Francisco International Film Festival, and UCLA Film & Television Archive. She specializes in world cinema, documentary, and archival cinema.

Brian Hu is a scholar, programmer, and professor of film. He is the Artistic Director of the San Diego Asian Film Festival and has curated programs for the Criterion Channel and the UCLA Film Archive. He is the head of film and television at San Diego State University.

Hebe Tabachnik Senior Programmer

Daniel Crooke Associate Programmer/ Retreat Producer

Hebe Tabachnik is a seasoned film curator, festival consultant and producer that seeks to empower visionary artists. She is also Senior Programmer at the Seattle and Cartagena Film Festivals and Artistic Director of Cine Latino Minneapolis Saint Paul. She executive produced Valentina and The Perfect David, and is developing The Meeting (2025).

Daniel Crooke is a film programmer based in Los Angeles who currently serves as the Senior Programmer at Outfest. He has worked across such leading arts organizations and film festivals as AFI Fest, the UCLA Film and Television Archive, Atlanta, Overlook, Palm Springs, Sundance, and the TCM Classic Film Festival.

SCREENING TEAM Karin Brogger, Holly Copeland, Margo Handelsman, Laura Hein, Suzanne Hogsett, Gilbert Khoury, Donna Lawton, Joan Matthias, James Munn, Craig Parish, Daniella Quinoa, Mike Simonyi, Barbara Sisto, Rachel Walker, Dominique Wulfekuhle

Reservations are suggested and are available on Open Table.

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FESTIVAL AWARDS

FIPRESCI PRIZES

YOUNG CINEASTES AWARD

Selected by a special jury of international critics, the prestigious FIPRESCI Prizes go to official Academy Award® submissions for Best International Feature Film. Award prizes are presented for Best International Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best First Feature, and Best Screenplay.

The Young Cineastes jury is composed of local high school students interested in cinema and the arts.

NEW VOICES NEW VISIONS AWARD New Voices New Visions focuses on films that our programmers feel represent the most distinctive new directors to have emerged in the last year.

Each of the films in competition represents the filmmaker’s debut or second feature.

DESERT VIEWS AWARD Awarded by the Local Jury to a film that, in the spirit of neighborliness, promotes understanding and acceptance among people.

AUDIENCE AWARDS Two films will be awarded the Audience Awards for Best Narrative Feature and Best Documentary Film.

DOCUMENTARY AWARD The Documentary Award will be presented to the film that best opens our eyes to the world around us and the people that inhabit it.

IBERO-AMERICAN AWARD Presented to the best Ibero-American film screening at the Festival. This award aims to highlight the tremendous creativity we see in modern Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American films.

THE FESTIVAL AWARD The statue draws inspiration from three iconic elements that capture the essence of Coachella Valley’s beauty: the date palm, the mountains, and the sunset. Each sculpture is meticulously crafted from bronze sheet metal, featuring subtle variations in detail that make every piece truly one of a kind. Branstetter aimed to celebrate the individuality and creativity of each recipient, providing them with a unique and enduring memory of their experience in Palm Springs.

Artist Biography: John Branstetter received his BFA in studio art with an emphasis in metal sculpture and left the midwest for California.

After some time in northern California working for other artists and perfecting his cart, Branstetter met Bill Cole, the man behind the concept of having a bronze casting program at College of the Desert, called the California Sculpture Center.

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TRY NOT TO LET SUCH AN AMAZING AMBIENCE GET IN THE WAY OF THE INCREDIBLE VALUE. Imagine toprate accommodations, oversized rooms, upscale amenities, gorgeous weather, the most favored destination of travelers from all over the world, you’ve got it at the new Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel in California.

Proud Sponsor of the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival RENAISSANCEPALMSPRINGSHOTEL.COM 760.322.6000

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Ad

“We believe the arts are essential to building stronger connections in our community. Cinema as an art form has the power to inspire tolerance, enlighten audiences and bridge cultural distances. Since 2009, we have proudly supported the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

We applaud its work to educate, entertain, initiate cultural dialogue, and celebrate cinematic excellence.”

CHIHULY

© 2025 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved.

–Leslie and Dale Chihuly

FILM AWARDS

THE ENTERTAINER Sculptor John Kennedy (1931 – 2004) is renowned by art lovers and collectors for his graceful bronze figures, which adorn parks, campuses and public buildings around the world. Two of his most famous sculptures are Spirit of Audrey, dedicated to Audrey Hepburn and located at the UNICEF Headquarters in New York City, and The Entertainer, the official award statuette of the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Inspired by a magazine article about court jesters, Kennedy created a life-size sculpture of a ball-juggling jester titled The Entertainer standing 7 feet 3 inches in 1995. In 1997, the Palm Springs International Film Festival began presenting festival winners with a scaled-down version of the life-size, and it has been the official award ever since. For more information on John Kennedy’s sculpture, please visit CODA Gallery, codagallery.com.

CHIHULY © 2025 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved.

2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival honorees each receive a Gilded Emerald Piccolo Venetian with Sunburst Coils created by Dale Chihuly. Inspired by Italian glassmaking and the vessel form, Chihuly began the Venetian series in 1988.

“I often think that had I not been a sculptor or an artist that I might have liked being a film director.” –Chihuly Chihuly is an American artist noted for revolutionizing the studio glass movement and elevating perceptions of the glass medium. Known for ambitious architectural installations in cities, museums, and gardens around the world, Chihuly is also a lifelong cinema enthusiast, whose favorite films include “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Rear Window,” “The Graduate,” and “Lust for Life.”

Dale Chihuly, 2017

To learn more about Chihuly and his artwork, please visit chihuly.com.

facebook.com/chihuly

@ChihulyStudio

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Kering, 40, rue de Sèvres, Paris 7e - RCS Paris 552 075 020 Illustration Malika Favre

KERING.COM

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37 TH Annual Palm Springs International Film Society

FILM AWARDS Nischelle Turner is co-host of Entertainment Tonight, the No. 1 entertainment newsmagazine in the world.

She joined ET as a correspondent in 2014 and was named co-host in 2021, becoming the first Black woman to hold the position in the show’s history.

An eight-time Emmy Award winner, Turner was part of the ET team honored with the first-ever Daytime Emmy for Personality–Daily in 2024. Known for her dynamic presence and journalistic integrity, she frequently contributes to broader entertainment coverage across platforms, joining network news shows to break major stories, along with joining their coverage on the Grammys, Golden Globes and Oscars.

In addition to her role at Entertainment Tonight, Turner hosts and produces CBS’s hit reality series Secret Celebrity Renovation, which completed its third season in September 2024.

Before joining ET, Turner was a contributor for CNN, regularly appearing on CNN Newsroom, New Day, and CNN Tonight to cover entertainment headlines. Her broadcast career began in 1998 at WEHT in Evansville, Indiana, as a reporter and fill-in anchor. She later joined WVUE-TV FOX8 in New Orleans as a weekday reporter and weekend anchor.

In 2004, Turner moved to Los Angeles, where she reported for Good Day LA and anchored Good Day LA Weekend on KTTV. She returned to New Orleans a few months later to cover Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. Her coverage of the disaster won several journalism awards.

Film Awards host photo in Misc folder

Turner’s versatility as a broadcaster is reflected in her early work as a sideline reporter for Fox NFL Sunday beginning in 2007, covering national NFL broadcasts, Major League Baseball, and NBA events. She also hosted Extra on Essence, an entertainment series spotlighting Hollywood’s biggest names through a culturally attuned lens, and served as a freelance reporter and host for KNBC. A proud Missouri native, Turner attended the University of Missouri, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and broadcast news. Entertainment Tonight is the No. 1 entertainment news show on TV with nine Emmy wins. ET ranks No. 1 for entertainment news video on Facebook and YouTube.

ET’s social platforms generate 1.9 billion monthly impressions and more than 630 million videos views per month across all platforms. ETonline.com is the go-to destination for celebrity interviews and entertainment news video.

ET’s streaming channel is available on Pluto, Paramount+, Samsung TV, The Roku Channel, FreeVee, and more.

Produced and distributed by CBS Media Ventures, Entertainment Tonight is co-hosted by Kevin Frazier and Nischelle Turner with Cassie DiLaura and Denny Directo as correspondents. Erin Johnson serves as executive producer with Whitney Wallace and Leslie Kawaguchi as co-executive producers.

HOST

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Photo courtesy of Netflix

Frankenstein Visionary Award

Director Guillermo del Toro Cast Includes Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth Netflix

FILM AWARDS SATURDAY, JANUARY 3 PA L M S P R I N G S C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R

Toast the year’s top talents at the Palm Springs International Film Society's star-studded annual Film Awards celebration Awards season kicks off with another star-studded Palm Springs International Film Awards, held Saturday, January 3, 2026 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Join us as the brightest talents in cinema honor the year’s most buzzed-about films and unforgettable performances. With the support of presenting sponsors Kering and Cadillac, title sponsor the City of Palm Springs, host Nischelle Turner and Entertainment Tonight, and our audience of avid film lovers, the event marks the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Palm Springs International Film Society.

This year’s Desert Palm Achievement Award winners include Leonardo DiCaprio, who adds another riveting, fully committed performance to his incredible body of work as a washed-up revolutionary in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another; and Amanda Seyfried, whose transcendent evocation of the revered utopian religious leader in Mona Fastvold’s The Testament of Ann Lee has earned the Academy Award®-nominated actress the biggest raves of her career.

Likewise, this year’s Icon Award honorees have been reaping incredible reviews for pushing their talents in new directions.

Michael B. Jordan inhabits two distinct characters for his extraordinary dual role as brothers in the 1930s deep South trying to defend their community from supernatural forces in Ryan Coogler’s thriller Sinners; and Kate Hudson reveals heartbreakingly dramatic new sides—as well as some serious musical chops—as a Midwestern mom who finds an outlet in a husband-and-wife Neil Diamond cover band in Craig Brewer’s Song Sung Blue.

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Rose Byrne is no stranger to the big screen, but her tour de force turn as a mother on the verge of a nervous breakdown in Mary Bronstein’s If I Had Legs I’d Kick You rockets the Breakthrough Performance Award honoree into the uppermost echelon of actors. And two-time Oscar® nominee Timothée Chalamet returns to the Film Awards stage for the Spotlight Award after yet another extraordinary role, in Josh Safdie’s stunning Marty Supreme.

For the first time, the International Star Award goes to an ensemble, comprising Norwegian, Swedish, and American actors whose deeply sensitive performances in Joachim Trier’s family drama Sentimental Value resonate across cultures—Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning. The Vanguard Award also goes to a team—actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal and director Chloé Zhao—who together craft an exquisite tale about the complexities of love and the healing power of art in Hamnet. And the Visionary Award celebrates the inimitable artists that turned Frankenstein into a visually and emotionally novel take on a classic: Guillermo del Toro, Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac, and Mia Goth.

Chairman’s Award winner Adam Sandler, one of the world’s biggest comedy stars, continues to prove he’s also one of the best actors in his patient, soulful performance as a long-suffering Hollywood agent in Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly.

There’s no better time to celebrate the incredible, wide-ranging filmography of Ethan Hawke with a Career Achievement Award than on the occasion of his wonderfully witty and complex turn as lyricist Lorenz Hart lamenting the state of 1940s Broadway in Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon.

JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

Marty Supreme A24

Rose Byrne

Kate Hudson

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You

Song Sung Blue Focus Features

Breakthrough Performance Award

Photo by Agata Grzybowska © 2025 Focus Features LLC

Ethan Hawke

Hamnet

Director Chloé Zhao Cast Includes Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal Focus Features

Photo courtesy of LANCÔME Nico Bustos

The Testament of Ann Lee Searchlight Pictures

Leonardo DiCaprio Michael B. Jordan

Career Achievement Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor Award

Vanguard Award

Amanda Seyfried

Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress

Photo by Francois Berthier

A24

Icon Award, Actress

Photo by Steve Granitz

Spotlight Award

Photo by Gavin Bond © 2023 Netflix

Photo by Jeffrey Mayer

Photo courtesy of A24

Timothée Chalamet

Sinners Warner Bros.

Adam Sandler Chairman’s Award Jay Kelly Netflix

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Photo by Nolan Zangas

Photo by Greg Williams for Netflix

Blue Moon One Battle After Another Sony Pictures Classics Warner Bros.

Icon Award, Actor

Sentimental Value International Star Award

Cast Includes Renate Reinsve, Stellan SkarsgÅrd, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning Neon

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Please Drink Responsibly.

KETEL ONE Vodka. Distilled from Grain. 40% Alc/Vol. © Double Eagle Brands, B.V. Imported by Ketel One USA, Aliso Viejo, CA.

73400 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA • codagallery.com • 760.346.4661

MARQUEE SCREENINGS WITH HOLLYWOOD’S BIGGEST NAMES AND AWARD-SEASON CONTENDERS

KING HAMLET USA/DENMARK, 2025, 90 minutes Director: Elvira Lind Cast: Oscar Isaac, Sam Gold, Gayle Rankin, Ernst Reijseger, Keegan-Michael Key

While preparing for a stage production of Hamlet, actor Oscar Isaac weathers his mother’s cancer, impending fatherhood—and an eccentric cellist—in this vivid exploration of a singular performer balancing life, loss, and art.

Sunday, January 4 • 7:30 pm • Annenberg Theater IN CONVERSATION WITH:

Director Elvira Lind and actor Oscar Isaac

THE HOUSEMAID

ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER

USA, 2025, 131 minutes Director: Paul Feig Cast: Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, Michele Morrone

USA, 2025, 161 minutes Director: Paul Thomas Anderson Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Chase Infiniti, Teyana Taylor, Regina Hall

A young woman takes a live-in housemaid job for a wealthy couple, only to discover their lives are filled with dark secrets and danger, turning a dream job into a game of survival.

Bob is a washed-up revolutionary who survives off-grid with his spirited daughter. When his evil nemesis resurfaces and she goes missing, the former radical scrambles to find her.

Saturday, January 10 • 10:00 am • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre

Friday, January 3 • 10:30 am • Annenberg Theater

IN CONVERSATION WITH:

Paul Feig

IN CONVERSATION WITH:

Actors Chase Infiniti, Teyana Taylor, and Regina Hall

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TALKING PICTURES

HAMNET

THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE

UNITED KINGDOM/USA, 2025, 126 minutes Director: Chloé Zhao Cast: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn

UNITED KINGDOM/USA, 2025, 130 minutes Director: Mona Fastvold Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Tim Blake Nelson

Academy Award®–winning director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland) helms this lush and tender drama about William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and his family, as seen through the eyes of his thoughtful wife Agnes (a luminous Jessie Buckley).

Writer-director Mona Fastvold (The World to Come, The Brutalist) tells the extraordinary true legend of Ann Lee, founder of the devotional sect known as the Shakers, starring Academy Award® nominee Amanda Seyfried as the Shakers’ irrepressible leader.

Saturday, January 3 • 10:00 am • Camelot Theaters

Saturday, January 3 • 11:30 am • Palm Springs High School

IN CONVERSATION WITH:

Director Chloé Zhao

IN CONVERSATION WITH:

Director Mona Fastvold and actor Amanda Seyfried

Presented by Women In Motion, a Kering program to shine a light on women in arts and culture.

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BOOK TO SCREEN DISCUSSIONS WITH DIRECTORS AND WRITERS WHO BROUGHT STORIES TO LIFE ON SCREEN

THE LIBRARIANS USA, 2025, 92 minutes Director: Kim A. Snyder

As an unprecedented wave of book banning is sparked in Texas, Florida, and beyond, librarians under siege join forces as unlikely defenders fighting for intellectual freedom on the front lines of democracy.

Tue., January 6 • 4:00 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Thu., January 8 • 10:00 am • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre JANUARY 6 - IN CONVERSATION WITH: Director Kim A. Snyder

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF BOOK TO SCREEN EVENTS, GO TO PSIFF.ORG

JANUARY 8 - IN CONVERSATION WITH: Palm Springs Library Director Jeannie Kays and LA Public Library Director John Szabo Presented by Palm Springs Library Foundation

PRESENTED BY

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Desert Care Network’s Emergency Care is Close to You

Desert Regional Medical Center | Palm Springs

Hi-Desert Medical Center | Joshua Tree

JFK Memorial Hospital | Indio At Desert Care Network, we’re ready for any emergency, any time, with highly trained teams in three locations across the valley. And, with our online check-in, you can let us know you’re on your way.

At Desert Care Network, we offer:

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• Three Trauma Centers, including the only Level 1 Trauma Center in our Desert • Only DNV-Accredited Comprehensive Stroke Centers • Highest Level NICU for newborns in the Coachella Valley PSIFF.ORG

Check in online or learn more at DesertCareNetwork.com/ER JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM PANELS - FREE EVENT Palm Springs has long been a key stop on the road to the Oscars, especially for filmmakers competing in the Best International Feature Film race. Each year, we showcase one of the largest selections of official country submissions of any festival, and this year is no exception with 44 films in the lineup. Directors and teams from around the world regularly choose PSIFF as a vital stop on their campaign trail, drawn by our deep commitment to global cinema and the audiences that champion it.

It’s another notable year for the Academy’s Best International Feature Film category: Countries from all over the world put forward a film in the hopes of taking home the coveted golden statue.

Join us for two free panels with a number of shortlisted directors in attendance. Catch both panels back to back on January 7 at the Annenberg Theater to get a unique understanding of these films and their makers.

Each panel will have its own unqiue lineup of guests.

Wednesday, January 7 • 1:45 pm & 3:30 pm • Annenberg Theater

PRESENTED BY

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Palm Springs International Film Festival 2026 Honorees

VARIETY’S 10 DIRECTORS TO WATCH Photo courtesy of BAFTA Zainab Albeque

Photo courtesy of Variety

Variety’s 10 to Watch series spotlights emerging writers, actors, producers, directors, comics and cinematographers. Each of these lists is curated by a team of Variety editors, critics, and reporters. The directors selected for this year’s list will be honored in person at a brunch event on Sunday, January 4, at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the 15th year that the celebration has been held in Palm Springs.

Akinola Davies Jr.

Kristen Stewart

PRESENTED BY

Akinola Davies Jr.

My Father’s Shadow (p. 93)

Harry Lighton

Pillion

Beth de Araujo

Josephine

NB Mager

Run Amok

Jan-Ole Gerster

Islands (p. 82)

Kristen Stewart

The Chronology of Water

Sarah Goher

Happy Birthday (p. 90)

If I Go Will They Miss Me

Dave Green

Coyote V. Acme

Walter Thompson Hernandez

Chandler Levack

Mile End Kicks

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the t r o p p u s or to n o h n a al s ’ n It o i t a n r e t gs In n i r p S m l a P val! i t s e F m l i F

S N O I T A L ATU

R G N CO

s!

to al

trie n e s ’ r a e y s l of thi

OPENING NIGHT

CLOSING NIGHT

CALLE MALAGA

GLENROTHAN

MOROCCO/FRANCE/SPAIN/GERMANY/BELGIUM, 2025, 116 minutes Director: Maryam Touzani Cast: Carmen Maura, Marta Etura, Ahmed Boulane, María Alfonsa Rosso Genres: Aging/Seniors, Drama, Family Relations, Oscar Entry

UNITED KINGDOM, 2025, 99 minutes Director: Brian Cox Cast: Brian Cox, Alan Cumming, Alexandra Shipp, Shirley Henderson Genres: Drama, Family Relations

In the delightful Spanish-language debut from director Maryam Touzani (The Blue Caftan, PSIFF 2023), the legendary Carmen Maura plays an aging Spanish woman in Tangier whose daughter decides to sell the family home out from under her. Refusing to be displaced—or tucked away in an assisted living facility—she fights to reclaim the memories, mementos, and independence that define her. As she pushes back against loss, she unexpectedly rediscovers romance and desire. With great warmth, Touzani crafts a moving portrait of resilience, belonging, and the quiet rebellions that keep us alive.

Capturing the beauty of the Scottish countryside, Glenrothan tells a story of family reconciliation and Scottish tradition.

When his stateside blues club goes under, Donal (Alan Cumming) accepts an invitation to return to his Scottish family home and reunite with his estranged brother, Sandy (Brian Cox, also in the director’s chair). At the center of their crosshairs is the family’s whiskey distillery, which could heal their wounds or break them apart for good. Filled with lively musical sequences and heartfelt emotion, Cox’s directorial debut is an uplifting crowd-pleaser about honoring who we are and where we come from.

Morocco’s entry for Best International Feature Film Oscar®

Sunday, January 11 • 6:30 pm • Palm Springs High School

Friday, January 2 • 6:30 pm • Palm Springs High School Friday, January 2 • 6:30 pm • Camelot Theatres

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SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

DEAD MAN’S WIRE

HAMLET

USA, 2026, 104 minutes Director: Gus Van Sant Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Cary Elwes, Myha’la, Colman Domingo, Al Pacino Genres: Drama, Crime, Period, Thriller, Social Issues

UNITED KINGDOM/USA, 2025, 114 minutes Director: Aneil Karia Cast: Riz Ahmed, Morfydd Clark, Joe Alwyn, Art Malik, Sheeba Chaddha, Avijit Dutt Genres: Thriller, Urban, Literature, Drama, Theater

Featuring captivating performances from Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Colman Domingo, and Al Pacino, Gus Van Sant’s latest recreates the strange, fascinating true story of the 1977 kidnapping that made aspiring Indianapolis entrepreneur Tony Kiritsis into an eccentric outlaw folk hero.

Riz Ahmed electrifies in director Aneil Karia’s bold, brilliant, and stunning reinvention of Hamlet, set in present-day London’s South Asian community.

Sunday, January 4 • 7:30 pm • The Plaza Theatre Friday, January 9 • 3:15 pm • The Plaza Theatre

Tuesday, January 6 • 1:00 pm • Palm Springs High School Sunday, January 11 • 7:00 pm • The Plaza Theatre

I SWEAR

VERTIGO

UNITED KINGDOM, 2025, 121 minutes Director: Kirk Jones Cast: Robert Aramayo, Peter Mullan, Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson Genres: Comedy, Health, Drama

USA, 1958, 128 minutes Director: Alfred Hitchcock Cast: James Stewart, Kim Novak Genres: Mystery, Psychological, Thriller, Romance

Funny, honest, and deeply human, I Swear tells the inspirational true story of John Davidson, a trailblazer whose honesty and humor helped the world better understand what it means to live with Tourette Syndrome.

A former San Francisco police detective juggles wrestling with his personal demons and becoming obsessed with the hauntingly beautiful woman he has been hired to trail, who may be deeply disturbed.

Tuesday, January 6 • 7:30 pm • Camelot Theatres Friday, January 9 • 7:30 pm • Camelot Theatres

Sunday, January 11 • 10:00 am • Camelot Theatres 59

JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

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BRAVO C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S TO T H E 2026 PA L M S P R I N G S F I L M F E S T I VA L NOMINEES

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DINNER & MOVIE

DINNER AND A MOVIE

MONDAY, JANUARY 5

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6

Event location: Spencer’s Restaurant Event address: 701 W Baristo Rd, Palm Springs Film information and other screenings: p. 122

Event location: PS Underground Event address: 1700 S Camino Real STE 2, Palm Springs Film information and other screenings: p. 119

FILM INSPIRATION: SWEET STÖRY

FILM INSPIRATION: THE GOLDEN SPURTLE

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DINNER & MOVIE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7

FILM INSPIRATION: HELLO BETTY Event location: Foxy’s Kitchen & Bar Event address: 69-950 Frank Sinatra Dr, Rancho Mirage Film information and other screenings: p. 131

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8

FILM INSPIRATION: SPICES AND LIES Event location: Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge Event address: 849 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs Film information and other screenings: p. 135

ALL DINNER EVENTS BEGIN AT 6:00 PM & END AT 8:00 PM $100 PER PERSON SCAN FOR DINNER AVAILABILITY SCREENINGS SOLD SEPARATELY

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9

FILM INSPIRATION: ITALIAN WANNABE Event location: Cipolline Osteria Event address: 1260 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs Film information and other screenings: p.74

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Family Day

FAMILY DAY

AT MARY PICKFORD IS D'PLACE

10:00 AM ZOOTOPIA 2

1:45 PM ARCO

USA, 2025, 108 minutes Director: Jared Bush, Byron Howard Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg Genres: Animation, Family Friendly

FRANCE/USA, 2025, 82 minutes Director: Ugo Bienvenu Cast: Romy Fay, Juliano Krue Valdi, Will Ferrell, America Ferrera, Flea, Natalie Portman, Mark Ruffalo, Andy Samberg Genres: Animation, Family Friendly, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Coming of Age

Rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De’Snake arrives in Zootopia, and turns the animal metropolis upside down.

Arco accidentally travels from a peaceful future back to the year 2075 and discovers a world in peril. Along with his new friend, Iris, and her trusted robot, Mikki, Arco sets out on a quest home—but first must save our planet.

HEAD OVER TO MARY PICKFORD IS D’PLACE FOR FAMILY-FRIENDLY FILMS! THE BEST PART? THE MOVIE SCREENINGS ARE ABSOLUTELY FREE! REMEMBER, SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. BE SURE TO ARRIVE EARLY TO GRAB YOUR SPOT AND ENJOY! 64 PSIFF.ORG

JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

4:30 PM KPOP DEMON HUNTERS SING-ALONG SCREENING USA, 2025, 100 minutes Director: Chris Appelhans, Maggie Kang Cast: Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo Genres: Musical, Family Friendly, Animation, Fantasy

K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey use their secret identities as demon hunters to protect their fans from an ever-present supernatural threat. Together, they face their biggest enemy yet—an irresistible rival boy band of demons in disguise.

SUNDAY JAN. 11

ACTIVITIES 12 PM - 4 PM

CATHEDRAL CITY COMMUNITY AMPHITHEATER, 68526 AVE LALO GUERRERO, CATHEDRAL CITY FILMS, FACE-PAINTING,

PRESENTED BY

LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS, GAMES, PRIZES, AND MORE ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED BY

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A MEMORABLE DAY FOR ALL AGES

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65 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

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“Empower your passion with our support – paSMpTMlë we can achieve greatness!”

,lavUKU_S ,lU_p @_K USUp@] 0a]qpUa_m pa !avM yaql qmU_Mmm alw@lK

Proud Sponsor M_UmM ]MUS KR]MUSĕ]aI@]UkêIa^ ÜÛÕûÝÝÕûÚÝÜÖ

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And best of all, the Disney touch is at the heart of it all.

TOURS BY APPOINTMENT | 760-459-6700 | COTINO.COM

AZ Broker: Silverleaf Realty, LLC Residential community is Disney branded and managed, developed by DMB Development with homes built and sold by third-party builders. Purchase of a Cotino community home is separate from Artisan Club membership and the decision to buy a home should not be based on club membership. Club membership, amenities, and activities require payment of dues and/or fees and are subject to availability, change, and additional terms & conditions, and membership benefits may vary by type. No guarantee as to future management or branding. Home purchase does not include Cotino® Bay or beach access, which requires separate fees. Water levels may fluctuate. Not an offer where registration or other legal requirements for real estate solicitation haven’t been met. Developer: ECRM Residential, Limited Partnership (LSP 0504925). PA REG #OL001186. KY REG #R-204. Broker participation welcome. See StorylivingbyDisney.com for full details.

67 Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property.

PSIFF.ORG JANUARY 2®– 12, 2026 Storyliving by Disney Realty, CA DRE License No. 02194403. ©Disney

Looking forward to the past 1600 N. Indian Canyon | Palm Springs | CA 92262 | 760.327.8311 1600 N. Indian Canyon | Palm Springs | CA 92262 | 760.327.8311 www.rivierapalmsprings.com 68 PSIFF.ORG

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GATEWAY CINEMA GUEST CURATORS SHARE THE FILMS THAT FIRST SPARKED THEIR LOVE OF CINEMA

BRINGING UP BABY

CASABLANCA

USA, 1938, 102 minutes Director: Howard Hawks Cast: Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Charles Ruggles

USA, 1942, 102 minutes Director: Michael Curtiz Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains

Selected by: Paul Feig

Selected by: Leonard Maltin

While trying to secure a $1 million donation for his museum, a befuddled paleontologist is pursued by a flighty and often irritating heiress and her pet leopard, Baby.

A cynical expatriate American cafe owner struggles to decide whether or not to help his former lover and her fugitive husband escape the Nazis in French Morocco.

Friday, January 9 • 5:00 pm • Camelot Theatres

Tuesday, January 6 • 11:00 am • Festival Theaters

It’s “the mother of all screwball comedies,” says filmmaker Paul Feig. “Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn turn in two of the most hilarious performances of their careers. The irony is that this movie almost killed Katherine’s career because audiences simply weren’t ready to see her play such an over-the-top character. But her inspired lunacy has stood the test of time.”

American film critic, film historian, and author Leonard Maltin proclaims Casablanca his all-time favorite film. He notes, “It has all the right ingredients: a love story, intrigue, suspense, heartbreak, and humor, and the cast is perfect, from Humphrey Bogart down to day-players who only have one line of dialogue.”

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FIRE

MEDEA

INDIA/CANADA, 1996, 104 minutes Director: Deepa Mehta Cast: Nandita Das, Shabana Azmi

DENMARK, 1988, 76 minutes Director: Lars von Trier Cast: Udo Kier, Kirsten Olesen, Henning Jensen

Selected by: Therese Hayes

Selected by: Udo Kier

A subtle and beautifully performed portrayal of female desire as resistance to Hindu patriarchy, Fire proved controversial in its time, sparking threats to the director, film team, and distributors.

Udo Kier stars as the mythic adventurer Jason, who abandons his wife, driving her to a desperate deed.

Saturday, January 3 • 11:00 am • Camelot Theatres

Sunday, January 4 • 5:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Therese Hayes serves as a consultant on Indian films for several film festivals and institutions. She is on the board of Film Trust India in Mumbai, and is co-curator for the Stuttgart Indian Film Festival.

A fascinating icon of world cinema, German-born actor Udo Kier can be seen in several films showing in this year’s PSIFF. He’s the star of Albert Oehlen’s Bad Painter and appears in the Brazilian International Feature Oscar® submission, The Secret Agent. Kier died November 23, 2025, at the age of 81.

IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE HONG KONG, 2007, 107 minutes Director: Wong Kar-Wai With: Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung Chiu-wai

Selected by: Diane Kruger Two neighbors form a strong bond after both suspect extramarital activities of their spouses. However, they agree to keep their bond platonic so as not to commit similar wrongs.

Saturday, January 3 • 11:00 am • Camelot Theatres Franco-German actress Diane Kruger, an award-winning star of international and U.S. cinema (catch her in Fatih Akin’s Amrum, part of this year’s German Focus) calls Wong Kar-Wai's In the Mood for Love, “A true awakening of filmmaking and storytelling.”

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CLOSEUPS CELEBRATING THE CRAFT, THE LEGENDS, AND THE STORIES BEHIND THE CAMERA

BOORMAN AND THE DEVIL USA/FRANCE, 2025, 112 minutes Director: David Kittredge With: John Boorman, Louise Fletcher, Linda Blair, Mike Flanagan, Joe Dante Genres: Documentary, Film-related, Comedy, Horror, History

Long misunderstood as one of Hollywood’s most catastrophic failures, director John Boorman’s Exorcist II: The Heretic receives a second look in this fascinating chronicle of its journey to the big screen.

Monday, January 5 • 3:00 pm • Festival Theaters Friday, January 9 • 1:00 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Saturday, January 10 • 3:00 pm • Festival Theaters

CLOSE-UP ON: KIM NOVAK Kim Novak, one of Hollywood’s most iconic leading ladies, rose to international stardom in the 1950s, starring opposite legends such as James Stewart, Frank Sinatra, and William Holden. Best known for Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo—now widely considered one of the greatest films ever made—she became the world’s top box-office star for three consecutive years.

Though honored with a Golden Globe and the Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement, Novak ultimately stepped away from Hollywood at the height of her fame to pursue her first love: art.

Today she lives in Southern Oregon, painting, writing, and embracing a life rooted in nature, creativity, and reflection.

KIM NOVAK’S VERTIGO USA, 2025, 77 minutes Director: Alexandre O. Philippe With: Kim Novak, Alexandre O. Philippe Genres: Documentary, Film-related, Biography, Art/Design, Women

Hollywood icon Kim Novak looks back on her life as an actress, poet, and painter in this intimate portrait of artistic resilience and personal reflection.

Friday, January 9 • 4:30 pm • Annenberg Theater Saturday, January 10 • 1:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater

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CORONER TO THE STARS

THE EYES OF GHANA

USA, 2025, 83 minutes Director: Ben Hethcoat, Keita Ideno With: Thomas Noguchi, George Takei, Janice Hahn Genres: Documentary, Health, Film-related, History, California, Work/Labor

USA/GHANA/UNITED KINGDOM, 2025, 90 minutes Director: Ben Proudfoot With: Chris Hesse, Anita Afonu, Edmund Addo Genres: History, Politics, Africa, Documentary, Aging/Seniors, Film-related

As Los Angeles County coroner, Thomas Noguchi courted controversy for his headline-grabbing autopsies of Marilyn Monroe and Natalie Wood. Now, at 98, Dr. Noguchi tells his side of the story.

In this entertaining ode to the power of the moving image, Oscar®-winning director Ben Proudfoot illuminates the unknown filmmaking legacy of Chris Hesse, the right-hand cameraman to Ghana’s first president.

Sunday, January 4 • 12:30 pm • Festival Theaters Monday, January 5 • 1:00 pm • Festival Theaters Thursday, January 8 • 7:45 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Saturday, January 10 • 12:30 pm • Festival Theaters

Saturday, January 3 • 11:30 am • Festival Theaters Tuesday, January 6 • 8:00 pm • Festival Theaters Wednesday, January 7 • 2:00 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 5:30 pm • Festival Theaters

IT’S DOROTHY!

THIRD ACT

USA, 2025, 97 minutes Director: Jeffrey McHale With: Ashanti, Fairuza Balk, Danielle Hope, Nichelle Lewis, Shanice Shantay, Margaret Cho, Lena Waithe, Rufus Wainwright, John Waters Genres: Theater, Film-related, LGBTQ, Performance, Documentary

USA, 2025, 91 minutes Director: Tadashi Nakamura With: Robert A. Nakamura, Karen Ishizuka, “Prince” Paulo Nakamura Genres: Film-related, Family Relations, Aging/Seniors, Health, Documentary

Packed with famous faces and emotional insight, this farreaching and inclusive essay-style documentary lovingly unpacks the legacy of L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz. Tuesday, January 6 • 7:30 pm • The Plaza Theatre Wednesday, January 7 • 12:45 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 7:00 pm • Festival Theaters

Filmmaker Tadashi Nakamura turns focus on Robert Nakamura, the “godfather of Asian American cinema,” who happens to have Alzheimer’s… and also happens to be his dad. A touching portrait of mental health, family, and the heavy weight of legacy.

Friday, January 9 • 1:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Saturday, January 10 • 11:00 am • Festival Theaters

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CLOSE-UPS

LOCAL

SPOTLIGHT HIGHLIGHTING FILMS FROM THE COACHELLA VALLEY

ITALIAN WANNABE USA/ITALY, 2025, 90 minutes Director: Steve Dabal With: Bill Disselhorst Genres: Culture, Documentary, Food

In this tender meditation on how food nourishes culture and community, chef Bill Disselhorst returns to the Italian town that first inspired him to open his own restaurant in California.

Friday, January 9 • 3:30 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 5:00 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Sunday, January 11 • 2:00 pm • Festival Theaters

RAMONA AND THE BALLAD OF JUAN DIEGO USA, 2025, 119 minutes Director: Jason Sklaver Cast: Eli Santana, Alice Holmes, Duane Minard, Dydia DeLyser, Dennis Anderson, Kayla Contreras, Dan Ferguson, Andrea Candelaria, Steve Alvarez, Daniel Salgado Genres: Documentary, History, Indigenous, Literature, Theatre

For the centennial of The Ramona Pageant in Hemet, California, lead actor Eli digs into the play’s fascinating history, which involves a murder, a crusading activist, DW Griffith, and the Cahuilla Band of Indians.

Saturday, January 3 • 4:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Sunday, January 4 • 1:15 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 2:00 pm • Festival Theaters

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GAYLA QUEER CINEMA SPOTLIGHTS

MASPALOMAS SPAIN, 2025, 115 minutes Director: Aitor Arregi, Jose Mari Goenaga Cast: Jose Ramon Soroiz, Nagore Aranburu, Kandido Uranga, Zorion Egileor Genres: Drama, Gay, Black Comedy, Aging/Seniors, Health, LGBTQ

After suffering a stroke while vacationing in the gay haven of Maspalomas, Vicente is placed in a conservative nursing home where he finds himself back in the closet, forced to relive a liberation he thought was behind him.

Thursday, January 8 • 7:30 pm • Camelot Theatres Friday, January 9 • 4:00 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 7:30 pm • Annenberg Theater Sunday, January 11 • 10:30 am • Festival Theaters

WE ARE PAT USA, 2025, 88 minutes Director: Rowan Haber With: Julia Sweeney, Kevin Nealon, Molly Kearney, Abby McEnany, Nori Reed, Grace Freud, Hayden Johnson, Janaya Future Kahn, Murray Hill, JD Samson Genres: LGBTQ, Culture, Documentary, Transgender

In their wonderful portrait of cultural legacy and trans visibility, director Ro Haber teams up with Julia Sweeney to reevaluate one of the most infamous Saturday Night Live characters of all time: Pat. Thursday, January 8 • 4:30 pm • Camelot Theatres Friday, January 9 • 10:00 am • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Saturday, January 10 • 6:15 pm • Festival Theaters 75 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

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QUEER CINEMA TODAY QUEER STORYTELLERS DEFINING THE FRAME

3670 SOUTH KOREA, 2025, 124 minutes Director: Joonho Park Genres: Drama, LGBTQ, Borders/Migration

In director Joonho Park’s tender story of self-discovery, gay North Korean defector Cheol-jun begins a new life in Seoul, but struggles to balance the external expectations of his dual identity.

Tuesday, January 6 • 1:45 pm • Festival Theaters Thursday, January 8 • 7:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Saturday, January 10 • 5:00 pm • Camelot Theatres

DOPE QUEENS

DRUNKEN NOODLES

USA, 2025, 115 minutes Director: Grafton Reyes Doyle Cast: Alexandra Grey, Pierson Fodé, Trace Lysette Genres: LGBTQ, Thriller, Urban, Crime, California

USA/ARGENTINA, 2025, 81 minutes Director: Lucio Castro Cast: Latih Khalifeh, Ezriel Kornel, Matthew Risch, Joél Isaac Genres: Fantasy, Gay, LGBTQ, Romance

Inspired by true events in San Francisco’s Tenderloin, three friends chase survival, dignity, desire—and rent money—over one electric night in this gritty and glamorous thriller.

After hooking up with a delivery driver among the cruising grounds of Brooklyn, gallery assistant Adnan embarks on a time-hopping journey across the paramours of his past, present, and future.

Friday, January 9 • 8:00 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 7:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater

Wednesday, January 7 • 2:30 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 4:30 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 2:00 pm • Camelot Theatres

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JIMPA

THE LITTLE SISTER

AUSTRALIA/NETHERLANDS/FINLAND, 2025, 123 minutes Director: Sophie Hyde Cast: Olivia Colman, John Lithgow, Aud Mason-Hyde, Daniel Henshall, Kate Box, Eamon Farren, Zoë Love Smith, Romana Vrede Genres: Family Relations, Transgender, Aging/Seniors, Coming of Age, LGBTQ

FRANCE/GERMANY, 2025, 106 minutes Director: Hafsia Herzi Cast: Nadia Melliti Genres: Drama, Religion/Spirituality, Lesbian, Family Relations, Coming of Age

When her non-binary teen reveals they want to move in with their gay grandfather (John Lithgow) in Amsterdam, Hannah (Olivia Colman) ruminates on her own upbringing in this moving and uncompromisingly modern portrait of a nontraditional family.

Sunday, January 4 • 4:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Tuesday, January 6 • 10:00 am • Palm Springs High School Saturday, January 10 • 4:45 pm • Palm Springs High School

A French-Algerian lesbian teen’s journey of faith and desire unfolds in director Hafsia Herzi’s sensitive coming-of-age drama.

Winner: Queer Palm, Best Actress, Cannes.

Friday, January 2 • 5:15 pm • Festival Theaters Monday, January 5 • 10:45 am • Mary Pickford Theater Thursday, January 8 • 6:00 pm • Festival Theaters

MANOK

STATE OF FIRSTS

SOUTH KOREA, 2025, 108 minutes Director: Lee Yu-jin Cast: Yang Mal-bok, Sung Jae-yun, Park Wan-kyu, Kim Jung-young, Sak-ja Genres: Drama, Comedy, LGBTQ, Lesbian, Politics, Women

USA, 2025, 93 minutes Director: Chase Joynt With: Sarah McBride Genres: Documentary, Transgender, Politics

Middle-aged lesbian Manok returns to her hometown only to discover that its mayor is her ex-husband. Putting her fierceness to good use, Manok decides to run against him in the next election.

In this immersive political documentary, Sarah McBride runs for Congress to represent the State of Delaware. If elected, she will make history as the first elected transgender member of Congress.

Friday, January 2 • 6:45 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 3 • 10:00 am • Mary Pickford Theater Friday, January 9 • 8:00 pm • Camelot Theatres

Friday, January 2 • 2:30 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, Jan. 3 • 1:45 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Wednesday, January 7 • 1:15 pm • Festival Theaters

77 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

QUEER CINEMA TODAY

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GERMANY FOCUS THE LAST LAUGH This year, the Country Focus on Germany takes us into the world of German cinema. German cinema stands for films with strong, sophisticated content dealing with historical themes as well as social criticism and dramas with personal touches.

The lineup of German films being shown at this year’s Palm Springs Film Festival reflects precisely this diversity of German cinema.

For example, Frédéric Hambalek’s second feature, What Marielle Knows, revolves around the different perceptions of teenagers and adults. Historical themes dominate the content of Amrum by Fatih Akin, which recounts the experiences of the author Hark Bohm as a young boy at the end of the Second World War. Islands by Jan-Ole Gerster is a thriller about a tennis coach living in Fuerteventura.

Renowned German director Christian Petzold returns to Palm Springs, this time with his film Miroirs No. 3, which completes the trilogy begun with Undine and Afire. The breadth of German cinema’s history is reflected in Konrad Wolf’s Stars, also screening at this year’s Festival. And last but not least, the generational drama Sound of Falling by Mascha Schilinski, this year’s German submission for the Oscars®, generated a lot of attention and was described as a “mesmerizing masterpiece” and “brilliant epic” following its premiere in Cannes. In short, all 11 Germany-majority productions in this year’s curated lineup have something special to offer.

German cinema has a special relationship with Palm Springs. The Festival is known for showing the most submissions in the Best International Feature Film category for the Academy Awards®.

German submissions from previous years, such as The Seed of the Sacred Fig, The Teachers’ Lounge, and All Quiet on the Western Front, always found a place on the screens in Palm Springs. All three films ultimately earned Oscar® nominations.

SILENT FRIEND (P. 106)

WINGS OF DESIRE

THE ENIGMA OF KASPAR

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German cinema is also characterized and shaped by its filmmakers. Numerous German talents have been guests in Palm Springs in the past. This year, actress Lena Urzendowsky, who was also an ambassador of German Films’ talent program Face to Face, will be at the Festival to present her film, Sound of Falling. Director Jan-Ole Gerster will also be attending this year after Variety bestowed a special and significant honor on him by including him on the list of the “10 Directors to Watch” for 2026.

Last but not least, there was a very special German from the film industry who was closely associated with the Festival: actor Udo Kier, who passed away in November, lived in Palm Springs, and was often a guest and enthusiastic supporter of the festival. Bad Painter, by and about the artist Albert Oehlen, with Kier starring as Oehlen, will also be shown in this year’s program.

MIROIRS NO. 3 (P. 105)

The Palm Springs Film Festival stands for diversity, internationality, and an appreciation for cinematic art in a unique way. Together with German Films and the German Film Office, it is a particular honor to be able to present and celebrate German cinema here in the Country Focus.

ADDITIONAL FILMS IN GERMANY FOCUS: Miroirs No. 3 (Christian Petzold), p. 105 Silent Friend (Ildikó Enyedi), p. 106 Sound of Falling (Mascha Schilinski), p. 96 Further Reading: A Critical History of German Film by Stephen Brockmann* New German Film: The Displaced Image by Timothy Corrigan* The Haunted Screen by Lotte Eisner New German Cinema: A History by Thomas Elsaesser Perspectives on German Cinema, eds. Terri Ginsberg and Kirsten Moana Thompson* German National Cinema by Sabine Hake Studying German Cinema by Maggie Hoffgen A New History of German Cinema, eds. Jennifer M. Kapczynski and Michael Richardson From Caligari to Hitler by Siegfried Kracauer The Great German Films by Frederick W. Ott* Fifty Years of German Film by H. W. Wollenberg*

THE MARRIAGE OF MARIA BRAUN

*Free to borrow from the Internet Archive

Further viewing: The Last Laugh (F. W. Murnau, 1924) M (Fritz Lang, 1931) The Murderers are Among Us (Wolfgang Staudte, 1946) o.k. (Michael Verhoeven, 1970) The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser (Werner Herzog, 1974) The Marriage of Maria Braun (Rainer Werner Fassbinder, 1979) Heimat (Edgar Reitz, 1984) Wings of Desire (Wim Wenders, 1987) Toni Erdmann (Maren Ade, 2016) Great Freedom (Sebastian Meise, 2021) Other notable directors: Wolfgang Becker, Edward Berger, Jörg Buttgereit, Andreas Dresen, E. A. Dupont, Harun Farocki, Dominik Graf, Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, Thomas Harlan, Alexander Kluge, Paul Leni, Ernst Lubitsch, Joe May, Ulrike Ottinger, GW Pabst, Wolfgang Petersen, Rosa von Praunheim, Helma Sanders-Brahms, Angela Schanelec, HansChristian Schmid, Straub-Huillet, Hans Jürgen Syberberg, Margarethe von Trotta, Tom Tykwer, Robert Wiene

SOUND OF FALLING (P. 96)

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GERMANY FOCUS

AMRUM

BAD PAINTER

GERMANY, 2025, 93 minutes Director: Fatih Akin Cast: Diane Kruger, Laura Tonke, Jasper Billerbeck, Detlev Buck, Lisa Hagmeister, Matthias Schweighöfer, Kian Köppke, Lars Jessen Genres: Drama, Family Relations, History, Period

GERMANY/USA, 2025, 81 minutes Director: Albert Oehlen Cast: Udo Kier, Kim Gordon, Charlotte Taschen, Grace Zabriskie Genres: Art/Design, Culture, Biography, Experimental

Set on the island of Amrum, this poignant period piece based on the childhood memories of German film icon Hark Bohm evocatively depicts the waning days of World War II. Monday, January 5 • 4:30 pm • Camelot Theatres Thursday, January 8 • 7:30 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 1:30 pm • Annenberg Theater

German artist Albert Oehlen directs this iconoclastic portrait of himself—in life and at work—with Udo Kier as his alter ego, and musician Kim Gordon as interviewer and judge.

Friday, January 9 • 8:30 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 2:30 pm • Festival Theaters

ISLANDS

A LAND WITHIN

GERMANY, 2025, 123 minutes Director: Jan-Ole Gerster Cast: Sam Riley, Stacy Martin, Jack Farthing Genres: Drama, Theater, Mystery, Romance

GERMANY/ITALY/AUSTRIA, 2025, 113 minutes Director: Michael Kofler Cast: Thomas Prenn, Aenne Schwarz, Laurence Rupp, Francesco Acquaroli, Andrea Fuorto Genres: Drama, History, Period, Family Relations, Social Issues

This intriguing, sunlit film noir, full of unexpected twists and strong sexual tension, unfolds on the Canary Islands, where a tennis pro may have been involved in a crime.

Monday, January 5 • 6:45 pm • Annenberg Theater Tuesday, January 6 • 4:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Thursday, January 8 • 5:00 pm • Festival Theaters

Part family drama, part historical portrait of ethnic tensions circa 1961 in South Tyrol, a northern Italian region with a German-speaking minority is shaken by a series of separatist bomb attacks.

Tuesday, January 6 • 7:15 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Wednesday, January 7 • 10:00 am • Festival Theaters Thursday, January 8 • 3:30 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 11:00 am • Festival Theaters

82 GERMANY FOCUS

PSIFF.ORG

THE LAST SPY

STARS

GERMANY/USA, 2025, 106 minutes Director: Katharina Otto-Bernstein With: Peter Sichel, Carl Bernstein, Kartika Soekarno, Erick Arbenz Genres: Aging/Seniors, Documentary, History, Thriller, Jewish Interest, Politics

GERMANY/BULGARIA, 1959, 91 minutes Director: Konrad Wolf Cast: Sasha Krusharska Genres: Drama, Jewish Interest, War, Period, Romance

Former spymaster Peter Sichel provides an insider’s perspective on the CIA that illustrates the roots of conflicts plaguing today’s world and the toll espionage took on his personal life.

One of the first films to confront Germany’s role in the Holocaust. A Jewish teacher and a German sergeant fall in love at a Bulgarian concentration camp in 1943.

Thursday, January 8 • 10:00 am • Camelot Theatres Sunday, January 11 • 12:30 pm • Festival Theaters

Thursday, January 8 • 11:00 am • Camelot Theatres

WHAT MARIELLE KNOWS GERMANY, 2025, 86 minutes Director: Frédéric Hambalek Cast: Julia Jentsch, Felix Kramer, Laeni Geiseler, Mehmet Ateşçi, Sissy Höfferer, Moritz Treuenfels Genres: Black Comedy, Family Relations, Fantasy, Drama

A young girl’s inexplicable newfound telepathy dumbfounds her middle-class parents in this darkly comic and often blistering portrait of the nuclear family.

Friday, January 2 • 6:00 pm • Festival Theaters Wednesday, January 7 • 1:00 pm • Palm Springs High School Saturday, January 10 • 6:30 pm • Cinemark Century La Quinta

GERMANY FOCUS 83

JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

GERMANY FOCUS

From First Take to Final Bow, We’ve Got the Wheels.

Great films move us — and great service keeps things moving. For generations, the Jessup family has proudly supported our desert community with integrity, hospitality and dependable vehicles. We’ve supplied all PSIFF support vehicles since year one, standing behind the Festival just as we do our friends and neighbors who we call customers. Here’s to a festival full of standout performances. Enjoy the show!

AWARDS BUZZ STEP INTO OSCAR® SEASON WITH THIS SELECTION OF BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM CONTENDERS

SEE ALSO CALLE MALAGA, P. 57 FRANZ, P. 104

100 LITERS OF GOLD FINLAND, 2024, 88 minutes Director: Teemu Nikki Cast: Elina Knihtilä, Pirjo Lonka, Ville Tiihonen Genres: Black Comedy, Family Relations, Social Issues, Oscar Entry, Women

Sisters from a family of prize-winning sahti-makers overindulge, but ultimately come to terms with their problems, in this good-natured yet unapologetic black comedy from the director of Euthanizer (PSIFF 2019).

Saturday, January 3 • 10:30 am • Festival Theaters Tuesday, January 6 • 1:30 pm • Camelot Theatres Sunday, January 11 • 7:15 pm • Camelot Theatres

2000 METERS TO ANDRIIVKA

ALL THAT’S LEFT OF YOU

UKRAINE, 2025, 104 minutes Director: Mstyslav Chernov With: Members of the 3rd Assault Brigade, Ukraine Genres: Documentary, Oscar Entry, War, Road Movie, Social Issues, Thriller

JORDAN, 2025, 145 minutes Director: Cherien Dabis Cast: Saleh Bakri, Cherien Dabis, Adam Bakri, Maria Zreik, Mohammad Bakri, Muhammad Abed Elrahman Genres: Oscar Entry, Drama, History, War, Family Relations

This visceral and poignant documentary follows a single Ukrainian military outfit on a mission to take back the village of Andriivka from the Russian forces.

Wednesday, January 7 • 5:30 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 3:00 pm • Festival Theaters

Spanning seven decades, this deeply moving portrait follows a Palestinian family whose past and present collide when a teenager caught in a West Bank protest stirs his mother’s memories of the 1948 Nakba.

Monday, January 5 • 6:30 pm • Festival Theaters Tuesday, January 6 • 7:30 pm • Festival Theaters Wednesday, January 7 • 3:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater

88 AWARDS BUZZ

PSIFF.ORG

BELÉN

BELOVED TROPIC

ARGENTINA, 2025, 107 minutes Director: Dolores Fonzi Cast: Dolores Fonzi, Camila Plaate, Laura Paredes, Julieta Cardinali, Luis Machín, César Troncoso, Sergio Prina, Ruth Plaate, Lili Juárez Genres: Oscar Entry, Women, Drama, Social Issues, History

PANAMA, 2024, 108 minutes Director: Ana Endara Cast: Carlos Fagüa Medina, Natalia Imery Almario, Juan Said Isaac Genres: Drama, Women, Relationships

In 2014, a young Argentine woman’s miscarriage leads to a shocking murder charge. Her 881-day imprisonment becomes a symbol of injustice as attorney Soledad Deza’s fight for her freedom sparks legal and social change. Winner: Audience Award, Miami Film Festival Gems.

Saturday, January 3 • 6:30 pm • Festival Theaters Monday, January 5 • 7:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Tuesday, January 6 • 4:15 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 1:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater

A pregnant Colombian immigrant in Panama City, undocumented and in need of money, takes a job caring for a high-society woman struggling with early-onset dementia.

Driven by their need for connection, they develop an unexpected bond.

Sunday, January 4 • 7:30 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Monday, January 5 • 12:00 pm • Festival Theaters Friday, January 9 • 2:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Sunday, January 11 • 7:00 pm • Festival Theaters

EAGLES OF THE REPUBLIC

FAMILIA

SWEDEN, 2025, 129 minutes Director: Tarik Saleh Cast: Fares Fares, Lyna Khoudri, Zineb Triki, Amr Waked, Cherien Dabis Genres: Film-related, Thriller, Drama, Performance, Oscar Entry

ITALY, 2024, 120 minutes Director: Francesco Costabile Cast: Francesco Gheghi, Barbara Ronchi, Francesco Di Leva, Francesco De Lucia, Marco Cicalese Genres: Drama, Family Relations, Crime, Oscar Entry

A charismatic Egyptian superstar, coerced by the government into starring in a propaganda film as President El-Sisi, finds himself embroiled in dangerous conspiracies. From the director of Cairo Conspiracy (PSIFF 2023).

Tuesday, January 6 • 7:00 pm • Palm Springs High School Wednesday, January 7 • 10:00 am • Camelot Theatres

A dark melodrama based on Luigi Celeste’s biographical memoir about his youth as a far-right militant and the legacy of his toxic, violent upbringing due to his criminal father.

Tuesday, January 6 • 3:30 pm • Festival Theaters Thursday, January 8 • 1:30 pm • Annenberg Theater

89 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

AWARDS BUZZ

FATHER

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

SLOVAKIA, 2025, 103 minutes Director: Tereza Nvotová Cast: Milan Ondrík, Dominika Morávková, Aňa Geislerová, Martina Sľúková, Dominika Zajcz, Peter Ondrejička Genres: Drama, Family Relations, Oscar Entry

EGYPT, 2025, 92 minutes Director: Sarah Goher Cast: Mody Shahin Genres: Drama, Class/Economics, Women, Oscar Entry, Coming of Age

A tragic mistake shatters the life of a devoted father, shaking his marriage and isolating him in guilt. Inspired by real-life events. Winner: Best Film, Zurich.

Saturday, January 3 • 2:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Wednesday, January 7 • 8:15 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 10:45 am • Mary Pickford Theater

Eight-year-old child maid Toha forms a bond with her employer’s daughter, and makes it her mission to ensure that her friend’s impending ninth birthday is a great success, in this thoughtful yet sobering meditation on class relations in Egyptian society.

Sunday, January 4 • 1:15 pm • Festival Theaters Wednesday, January 7 • 1:45 pm • Camelot Theatres Sunday, January 11 • 4:30 pm • Festival Theaters

HIJRA

HOMEBOUND

SAUDI ARABIA, 2025, 115 minutes Director: Shahad Ameen Cast: Khairiah Nazmi, Lamar Faddan, Nawaf Al-Dhufairi, Raghad Bokhari, Abdulsalam Alhawiti Genres: Drama, Road Movie, Western, Relationships, Family Relations

INDIA, 2025, 122 minutes Director: Neeraj Ghaywan Cast: Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, Janhvi Kapoor Genres: Oscar Entry, Drama, Class/Economics, Relationships, Social Issues

On a pilgrimage to Mecca, 12-year-old Janna and her strict grandmother search for a missing sister in Shahad Ameen’s gripping, female-centered portrait of faith and rebellion.

In India, two childhood friends—one Muslim, the other of the lowest caste—aim to become police officers, convinced that doing so will free them from discrimination. Life, however, has other plans.

Friday, January 2 • 4:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Wednesday, January 7 • 5:00 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 10:00 am • Mary Pickford Theater

Friday, January 2 • 12:30 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Sunday, January 4 • 8:30 pm • Festival Theaters Monday, January 5 • 12:30 pm • Festival Theaters Friday, January 9 • 11:00 am • Camelot Theatres

90 AWARDS BUZZ

PSIFF.ORG

IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT

KOKUHÔ

FRANCE, 2025, 105 minutes Director: Jafar Panahi Cast: Vahid Mobasseri, Ebrahim Azizi, Madjid Panahi, Maryam Afshari, Hadis Pakbaten, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr Genres: Drama, Oscar Entry, Psychological, Religion/Spirituality, Road Movie

JAPAN, 2025, 174 minutes Director: Sang-il Lee Cast: Ryō Yoshizawa, Ryusei Yokohama, Soya Kurokawa, Keitatsu Koshiyama, Mitsuki Takahata, Nana Mori, Shinobu Terajima, Min Tanaka, Ken Watanabe Genres: Oscar Entry, Drama, Performance, Theater

When a chance encounter reunites a former political prisoner with the man he believes to be his torturer, the psychological toll of oppression bubbles to the surface as he considers revenge.

A decades-spanning rivalry begins when the son of a yakuza boss is adopted by a top kabuki star, and challenges his birth son as an heir to his theatre throne.

Wednesday, January 7 • 4:00 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 8:00 pm • Festival Theaters

Sunday, January 4 • 9:00 am • Festival Theaters Monday, January 5 • 12:15 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 10:45 am • Festival Theaters

THE LAST DANCE

LATE SHIFT

HONG KONG, 2024, 126 minutes Director: Chan Mou Yin Anselm Cast: Dayo Wong, Michael Hui, Michelle Wai Genres: Oscar Entry, Drama, Religion/Spirituality, Family Relations

SWITZERLAND, 2025, 92 minutes Director: Petra Volpe Cast: Leonie Benesch, Sonja Riesen, Urs Bihler, Margherita Schoch, Jürg Plüss, Alireza Bayram, Ridvan Murati, Urbain Guiguemdé Genres: Drama, Health, Thriller, Oscar Entry, Women, Work/Labor

After his wedding planning business goes bust, Dominic gets a gig running a funeral parlor. He soon discovers that keeping the company afloat while respecting Taoist funerary traditions has its complications.

Saturday, January 3 • 8:15 pm • Festival Theaters Wednesday, January 7 • 5:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Thursday, January 8 • 4:15 pm • Festival Theaters

A dedicated nurse navigates the relentless pace on an understaffed surgical ward with unwavering dedication, infusing humanity and warmth into her patient care. From the director of The Divine Order (PSIFF 2018).

Monday, January 5 • 5:00 pm • The Plaza Theatre Friday, January 9 • 7:30 pm • Annenberg Theater Saturday, January 10 • 4:00 pm • Camelot Theatres

91 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

AWARDS BUZZ

LEFT HANDED GIRL

LITTLE TROUBLE GIRLS

TAIWAN, 2025, 108 minutes Director: Shih-Ching Tsou Cast: Shih-yuan Ma, Janel Tsai, Nina Ye, Teng-Hui Huang Genres: Oscar Entry, Drama, Family Relations, Food

SLOVENIA, 2025, 90 minutes Director: Urška Djukić Cast: Jara Sofija Ostan, Mina Svajger, Sasa Tabakovió, Natasa Burger, Stasa Popovió, Mateja Strle, Sasa Pavcek, Irena Tomazin Zagorinik Genres: Drama, Music, Relationships, Religion/Spirituality, Oscar Entry, Identity

With her daughters in tow, a single mom sets up a noodle stand in Taipei. Reteaming with co-writer Sean Baker (Anora), director Shih-Ching Tsou presents a stylish dramedy about sisters and mothers who refuse to back down.

A sensuously shot, beautifully scored portrayal of a teen’s sexual awakening. A quiet hothouse of youthful desires, mean-girl tensions, and hovering Catholic guilt from a serious new talent.

Friday, January 2 • 2:00 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 4 • 8:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Monday, January 5 • 5:30 pm • Festival Theaters Wednesday, January 7 • 10:00 am • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre

Sunday, January 4 • 4:30 pm • Festival Theaters Wednesday, January 7 • 2:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Friday, January 9 • 5:30 pm • Festival Theaters

THE LOVE THAT REMAINS

MAGELLAN

ICELAND, 2025, 109 minutes Director: Hlynur Pálmason Cast: Saga Garðarsdóttir, Sverrir Guðnason, Ída Mekkín Hlynsdóttir, Grímur Hlynsson, Þorgils Hlynsson, Ingvar Sigurðsson, Anders Mossling Genres: Drama, Family Relations, Oscar Entry

PHILIPPINES, 2025, 160 minutes Director: Lav Diaz Cast: Gael García Bernal, Ângela Azevedo, Amado Arjay Babon, Ronnie Lazaro, Hazel Orencio, Tomás Alves, Bong Cabrera, Baptiste Pinteaux Genres: Oscar Entry, History, Drama, Biography, Period

After deciding to divorce, the parents of an Icelandic family encounter moments of struggle and grace while searching for their elusive new normal.

Gael García Bernal plays Magellan in director Lav Diaz’s chilling revisionist history of the Portuguese explorer. After developing the taste for adventure, Magellan returns to Europe to bankroll his next fateful voyage.

Tuesday, January 6 • 2:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Thursday, January 8 • 10:00 am • Mary Pickford Theater Sunday, January 11 • 4:00 pm • The Plaza Theatre

Monday, January 5 • 5:30 pm • Camelot Theatres Wednesday, January 7 • 9:00 am • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 6:30 pm • Festival Theaters

92 AWARDS BUZZ

PSIFF.ORG

MR. NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN

MY FATHER’S SHADOW

DENMARK, 2025, 90 minutes Director: David Borenstein, Pavel Talankin With: Viktor Abakumov Genres: Documentary, Social Issues, Journalism, Oscar Entry, Politics

UNITED KINGDOM, 2025, 94 minutes Director: Akinola Davies Jr. Cast: Sope Dirisu, Godwin Egbo, Chibuike Marvelous Egbo Genres: Oscar Entry, Drama, Family Relations, History, Black/African Diaspora

During the “special military operation" in Ukraine, a Russian school teacher turns unlikely whistleblower in this sensational exposé of Putin’s aggressive militarization and mass indoctrination.

Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 1993 Nigerian presidential election, My Father’s Shadow follows two young brothers who spend a memorable day in Lagos with their estranged father.

Saturday, January 3 • 2:30 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 2:00 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre

Sunday, January 4 • 11:00 am • Camelot Theatres Wednesday, January 7 • 12:30 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Thursday, January 8 • 6:15 pm • Festival Theaters

THE MYSTERIOUS GAZE OF THE FLAMINGO

NO OTHER CHOICE

CHILE, 2025, 104 minutes Director: Diego Céspedes Cast: Tamara Cortes, Matías Catalán, Paula Dinamarca, Pedro Muñoz Genres: Oscar Entry, Transgender, Drama, Black Comedy, LGBTQ

SOUTH KOREA, 2025, 139 minutes Director: Park Chan-wook Cast: Lee Byung Hun, Son Yejin, Park Hee Soon, Lee Sung Min, Yeom Hye Ran, Cha Seung Won Genres: Crime, Drama, Oscar Entry, Black Comedy, Work/Labor

In his award-winning debut, writer/director Diego Céspedes kills homo- and sijiiifphobia with kindness, bright colors, and the vibrant, big-hearted sort of love only a chosen queer family can provide. Winner: Un Certain Regard Prize, Cannes.

Monday, January 5 • 7:15 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Saturday, January 10 • 5:15 pm • Festival Theaters

After being laid off and struggling to secure employment, a desperate family man decides that the only way to land a new job is to take out the competition—literally.

Winner: International People’s Choice Award, TIFF. Wednesday, Jan. 7 • 8:15 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre

93 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

AWARDS BUZZ

ORPHAN

PALESTINE 36

HUNGARY, 2025, 132 minutes Director: László Nemes Cast: Éva Zabezsinszkij Genres: Drama, Family Relations, History, Period, Oscar Entry

PALESTINE, 2024, 119 minutes Director: Annemarie Jacir Cast: Hiam Abbass, Kamel Al Basha, Yasmine Al Massri, Jalal Altawil, Liam Cunningham, Jeremy Irons Genres: Oscar Entry, Period, Drama, History, Politics, Culture, Work/Labor

Powerhouse director László Nemes’s latest follows a young boy who begins to uncover the truth about his mother’s survival during World War II after the arrival of a mysterious man from her past.

Tuesday, January 6 • 1:15 pm • Festival Theaters Wednesday, January 7 • 7:30 pm • Palm Springs High School Thursday, January 8 • 10:00 am • Festival Theaters

In 1936, as the British tighten their grip on Palestine, Yusuf drifts between the quiet rhythms of his village and the anticolonialist uprisings in the streets of Jerusalem in writer/ director Annemarie Jacir’s sweeping, masterfully performed drama. Winner: Best Film, Tokyo.

Tuesday, January 6 • 4:00 pm • Annenberg Theater Wednesday, January 7 • 6:30 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Thursday, January 8 • 10:00 am • Festival Theaters

A POET

THE PRESIDENT’S CAKE

COLOMBIA, 2025, 120 minutes Director: Simón Mesa Soto Cast: Ubeimar Rios, Rebeca Andrade, Guillermo Cardona, Humberto Restrepo, Alisson Correa, Margarita Soto Genres: Drama, Literature, Oscar Entry, Black Comedy

IRAQ, 2025, 105 minutes Director: Hasan Hadi Cast: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Sajad Mohamad Qasem, Waheed Tabet Khreibat, Rahim AlHaj Genres: Oscar Entry, Family Relations, Coming of Age, Period, Class/Economics

Oscar, a once-successful poet now drifting through life, reluctantly accepts a teaching job where he meets a naturally gifted but apathetic teenager, and sees a chance to reclaim purpose in his life.

In 1990s Iraq, two children tasked by their tyrannical teacher with providing desserts to celebrate Saddam Hussein’s birthday set out on a chaotic quest to source the ingredients.

Thursday, January 8 • 4:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Friday, January 9 • 4:15 pm • Palm Canyon Theater Saturday, January 10 • 8:00 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre

Wednesday, January 7 • 7:30 pm • Camelot Theatres Thursday, January 8 • 4:00 pm • The Plaza Theatre Sunday, January 11 • 10:00 am • Annenberg Theater

94 AWARDS BUZZ

PSIFF.ORG

REEDLAND

A SAD AND BEAUTIFUL WORLD

NETHERLANDS, 2025, 111 minutes Director: Sven Bresser Cast: Gerrit Knobbe, Loïs Reinders Genres: Drama, Family Relations, Mystery, Oscar Entry

LEBANON, 2025, 109 minutes Director: Cyril Aris Cast: Mounia, Akl, Hasan Akil, Julia Kassar, Camille Slameh, Tino Karam, Nadyn Chalhoub Genres: Oscar Entry, Drama, Comedy, Romance, War

In this tense, visually arresting thriller, a Dutch reed cutter searches for answers after the body of a young girl is found in the field where he works.

Sunday, January 4 • 3:00 pm • Festival Theaters Tuesday, January 6 • 7:30 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Friday, January 9 • 10:00 am • Mary Pickford Theater

Set in Beirut, this romantic comedy/drama captures the bittersweet reunion of childhood sweethearts Yasmina and Nino, whose youthful love was severed by war and rekindled years later.

Saturday, January 3 • 1:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Tuesday, January 6 • 5:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Saturday, January 10 • 11:00 am • Camelot Theatres

THE SEA

THE SECRET AGENT

ISRAEL, 2025, 93 minutes Director: Shai Carmeli-Pollak Cast: Khalifa Natour, Mohamad Ghazawi, Marlen Bajali, Hilla Surjon Genres: Jewish Interest, Family Relations, Borders/Migration, Oscar Entry

BRAZIL, 2025, 158 minutes Director: Kleber Mendonça Filho Cast: Wagner Moura, Carlos Francisco, Tânia Maria, Robério Diógenes, Alice Carvalho, Gabriel Leone, Maria Fernanda Cândido, Udo Kier Genres: Oscar Entry, Thriller, Drama

A poignant drama about the perilous journey of a young Palestinian boy determined to visit the sea for the first time despite being denied entry at an Israeli checkpoint.

Sunday, January 4 • 7:45 pm • Palm Canyon Theater Tuesday, January 6 • 12:30 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Thursday, January 8 • 1:15 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 10:45 am • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre

Brazil, 1977. Marcelo is on the run. Hoping to reunite with his son, he travels to Recife during Carnival, but soon realizes that the city is not the safe haven he was expecting. Winner: Best Director, Best Actor, Cannes.

Wednesday, January 7 • 7:45 pm • Festival Theaters Thursday, January 8 • 7:45 pm • Festival Theaters

95 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

AWARDS BUZZ

SIRĀT

SOUND OF FALLING

SPAIN, 2025, 115 minutes Director: Oliver Laxe Cast: Sergi López, Brúno Nuñez, Stefania Gadda, Joshua Liam Henderson, Tonin Janvier, Jade Oukid, Richard Bellamy Genres: Oscar Entry, Drama, Family Relations, Music, Road Movie, Thriller

GERMANY, 2025, 149 minutes Director: Mascha Schilinski Cast: Hanna Heckt, Lena Urzendowsky, Susanne Wuest Genres: Oscar Entry, Women, Drama, Period

A father, accompanied by his son, arrives at a rave deep in the Moroccan mountains searching for his missing daughter.

Infused by a new sense of freedom, they join the ravers in the hope of finding her.

Four girls inhabit the same farmhouse across generations in this poetic, dreamlike exploration of their intertwined lives, offering a haunting meditation on time, connection, and the memories we leave behind.

Wednesday, January 7 • 1:15 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre

Saturday, January 3 • 7:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Sunday, January 4 • 3:45 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Wednesday, January 7 • 10:30 am • Camelot Theatres

THE TALE OF SILYAN

THE THINGS YOU KILL

NORTH MACEDONIA, 2025, 80 minutes Director: Tamara Kotevska Genres: Animals, Documentary, Family Relations, Social Issues, Work/Labor

CANADA, 2025, 113 minutes Director: Alireza Khatami Cast: Ekin Koç, Erkan Kolçak Köstendil, Hazar Ergüçlü Genres: Thriller, Drama

A farmer saves a magnificent white stork in the latest from the Oscar®-nominated director of Honeyland (PSIFF 2020), which stresses the importance of finding a balance with nature.

Friday, January 2 • 1:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Monday, January 5 • 11:00 am • Camelot Theatres Saturday, January 10 • 2:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Sunday, January 11 • 5:00 pm • Festival Theaters

A professor and his mysterious gardener commit a startling act of vengeance in this hypnotic and haunting meditation on family, masculine fragility, and mirroring identities.

Saturday, January 3 • 8:30 pm • Festival Theaters Tuesday, January 6 • 10:00 am • Mary Pickford Theater Saturday, January 10 • 8:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Sunday, January 11 • 5:30 pm • Festival Theaters

96 AWARDS BUZZ

PSIFF.ORG

THE TOWER OF STRENGTH

TRAFFIC

MONTENEGRO, 2024, 97 minutes Director: Nikola Vukčević Cast: Edon Rizvanolli, Alban Ukaj, Aleksandar Radulović, Elez Adžović, Selman Jusufi, Xhejlane Terbunja, Igor Benčina, Nikola Ristanovski, Vuk Bulajić Genres: Drama, Family Relations, Period, Race/Ethnicity, Religion/Spirituality

ROMANIA, 2024, 119 minutes Director: Teodora Ana Mihai Cast: Anamaria Vartolomei, Ionut Niculae, Rares Andrici, Thomas Ryckewaert, Mike Libanon, Macrina Barladeanu, Lucian Ifrim Genres: Drama, Crime, Social Issues, Oscar Entry, Borders/Migration

The respected leader of an Albanian Muslim clan must choose between the lives of his family and their honor in this tense WWIIera drama. Winner: Audience Award, San Diego.

A group of Romanian immigrants in Belgium move from unwanted second-class citizens to wanted criminals as they stage a heist that will change their lives forever. Written by Cristian Mungiu.

Saturday, January 3 • 5:15 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 4 • 1:00 pm • Festival Theaters Monday, January 5 • 10:00 am • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Wednesday, January 7 • 3:45 pm • Festival Theaters

Sunday, January 4 • 8:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Friday, January 9 • 3:00 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 7:45 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre

UNDER THE FLAGS, THE SUN

A USEFUL GHOST

PARAGUAY, 2025, 92 minutes Director: Juanjo Pereira Genres: Documentary, History, Politics, Journalism

THAILAND, 2025, 130 minutes Director: Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke Cast: Davika Hoorne, Witsarut Himmarat, Apasiri Nitibhon Genres: Oscar Entry, Religion/Spirituality, LGBTQ, Comedy, Drama

Through archival footage recovered from around the world, this documentary reconstructs the rise and fall of Alfredo Stroessner’s dictatorship in Paraguay. Winner: FIPRESCI International Critics’ Prize, Berlinale.

Tuesday, January 6 • 5:00 pm • Festival Theaters Wednesday, January 7 • 1:30 pm • Festival Theaters Thursday, January 8 • 1:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater

In this delightfully deadpan political sex comedy, a young woman returns as a ghost to haunt her husband’s vacuum cleaner, and prove that she is indeed useful.

Friday, January 2 • 8:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Monday, January 5 • 4:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Wednesday, January 7 • 8:15 pm • Camelot Theatres Sunday, January 11 • 7:30 pm • Festival Theaters

97 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

AWARDS BUZZ

THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB

YOUNG MOTHERS

TUNISIA, 2025, 89 minutes Director: Kaouther Ben Hania Cast: Saja Kilani, Motaz Malhees, Clara Khoury, Amer Hlehel Genres: Oscar Entry, Drama, Documentary, Social Issues, War

BELGIUM, 2025, 105 minutes Director: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne Cast: Lucie Laruelle, Babette Verbeek, Elsa Houben, Janaïna Halloy Fokan Genres: Family Relations, Drama, Oscar Entry

Blending real voice recordings with gripping reenactments, Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania’s singular film revisits the final call of a six-year-old girl trapped in Gaza and under fire by Israeli military.

In the Dardenne brothers’ achingly vulnerable latest, five teen mothers and mothers-to-be commune at a state home designed to guide them through early parenthood. Gentle and radically humanistic, the film finds its power in the smallest of details.

Wednesday, January 7 • 5:45 pm • Annenberg Theater Saturday, January 10 • 10:00 am • Palm Springs High School Sunday, January 11 • 4:15 pm • Camelot Theatres

Friday, January 2 • 4:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Monday, January 5 • 1:00 pm • Palm Springs High School Thursday, January 8 • 1:30 pm • Festival Theaters

98 AWARDS BUZZ

PSIFF.ORG

Star Power

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102 MODERN MASTERS

PSIFF.ORG

MODERN MASTERS NEW FILMS FROM CLASSIC AUTEURS

BELOW THE CLOUDS ITALY, 2025, 115 minutes Director: Gianfranco Rosi Genres: Documentary, History, Culture, Nature

Oscar® nominee Gianfranco Rosi (Fire At Sea, PSIFF 2017) offers a striking look at the community surrounding Naples, caught between its devastating history of volcanic eruption and the uncertainty of tomorrow.

Friday, January 2 • 12:15 pm • Festival Theaters Monday, January 5 • 10:00 am • Mary Pickford Theater Sunday, January 11 • 3:45 pm • Festival Theaters

THE CAPTIVE

COVER-UP

SPAIN/ITALY, 2025, 134 minutes Director: Alejandro Amenábar Cast: Julio Peña Fernández, Alessandro Borghi, Miguel Rellán, Fernando Tejero Genres: Drama, History, LGBTQ, Literature, Period

USA, 2025, 116 minutes Director: Laura Poitras, Mark Obenhaus With: Seymour Hersh Genres: Documentary, Journalism, Politics, History

Blending myth, history, and fiction, director Alejandro Amenábar (The Others; The Sea Inside, PSIFF 2005) offers a bold interpretation of Miguel de Cervantes during his five years as a captive in 16th-century Algiers.

A fascinating portrait of Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Seymour M. Hersh, the first journalist to uncover the My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War. Winner: Best Documentary, Denver Film Festival.

Monday, January 5 • 8:00 pm • The Plaza Theatre Saturday, January 10 • 1:00 pm • Palm Springs High School

Tuesday, January 6 • 10:00 am • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Wednesday, January 7 • 4:30 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre

103 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

MODERN MASTERS

DREAMS

FRANZ

MEXICO/USA, 2025, 100 minutes Director: Michel Franco Cast: Jessica Chastain, Isaac Hernández, Rupert Friend Genres: Borders/Migration, Drama, Erotic/Sex, Dance

POLAND, 2025, 127 minutes Director: Agnieszka Holland Cast: Idan Weiss, Peter Kurth, Jenovéfa Boková, Ivan Trojan, Sandra Korzeniak, Katharina Stark, Sebastian Schwarz, Aaron Friesz, Carol Schuler Genres: Biography, Drama, History, Jewish Interest, Literature, Oscar Entry

The imbalanced relationship between a wealthy philanthropist and a much younger ballet dancer (and undocumented immigrant) plays as a powerful metaphor for the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico.

Renowned director Angieszka Holland’s kaleidoscopic and expansive biopic of Modernist luminary Franz Kafka is as visionary and enigmatic as the man himself.

Tuesday, January 6 • 4:00 pm • Palm Springs High School Friday, January 9 • 5:00 pm • Palm Springs High School Saturday, January 10 • 7:00 pm • Camelot Theatres

Poland's entry for Best International Feature Film Oscar®

HEN

THE LAST VIKING

GREECE/GERMANY/HUNGARY, 2025, 96 minutes Director: György Pálfi Cast: Ioannis Kokiasmenos, Maria Diakopanagioti, Argyris Pantazaras Genres: Drama, Animals, Social Issues, Crime

DENMARK/SWEDEN, 2025, 116 minutes Director: Anders Thomas Jensen Cast: Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Mads Mikkelsen, Sofie Gråbøl, Søren Malling, Bodil Jørgensen, Lars Brygmann, Kardo Razzazi, Nicolas Bro, Peter Düring Genres: Black Comedy, Crime, Family Relations, Thriller

Remember Jerzy Skolimowski’s EO (PSIFF 2023)? Here’s another compelling film, this time a dark comedy, that uses an animal to critique a world in which living creatures are treated as exploitable commodities.

Sunday, January 4 • 8:15 pm • Festival Theaters Monday, January 5 • 4:45 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Friday, January 9 • 7:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Saturday, January 10 • 8:15 pm • Festival Theaters

Monday, January 5 • 7:30 pm • Camelot Theatres Friday, January 9 • 4:00 pm • Festival Theaters

From the director of Men & Chicken (PSIFF 2016), a gleeful, albeit violent, absurdist black comedy that ultimately shows the unshakeable bond between two brothers.

Saturday, January 3 • 7:30 pm • Annenberg Theater Sunday, January 4 • 7:30 pm • Camelot Theatres Tuesday, January 6 • 4:30 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 8:15 pm • Palm Springs High School

104 MODERN MASTERS

PSIFF.ORG

A MAGNIFICENT LIFE

MIROIRS NO. 3

FRANCE/BELGIUM, 2025, 91 minutes Director: Sylvain Chomet Cast: Laurent Lafitte, Géraldine Pailhas Genres: Animation, History, Film-related, Period

GERMANY, 2025, 86 minutes Director: Christian Petzold Cast: Paula Beer, Barbara Auer, Matthias Brandt, Enno Trebs Genres: Drama, Music, Mystery, Psychological, Women

In director Sylvain Chomet’s first animated feature in 15 years, celebrated French filmmaker Marcel Pagnol is guided back in time by his childhood self to revisit his life’s most cherished moments.

In this haunting Hitchcockian psychodrama from German auteur Christian Petzold, a young piano student survives a car crash and is drawn into the uneasy kindness of a woman who rescues her from the accident.

Monday, January 5 • 4:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Sunday, January 11 • 11:00 am • Camelot Theatres

Friday, January 2 • 7:30 pm • Camelot Theatres Tuesday, January 6 • 10:30 am • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 4:15 pm • Festival Theaters

ORWELL: 2+2=5

SENTIMENTAL VALUE

USA/FRANCE, 2025, 119 minutes Director: Raoul Peck With: Damian Lewis Genres: Documentary, Literature, Politics, Culture, Social Issues

NORWAY, 2025, 135 minutes Director: Joachim Trier Cast: Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Elle Fanning Genres: Drama, Family Relations, Film-Related, Oscar Entry, Performance

Damian Lewis narrates Raoul Peck’s transfixing collage-style documentary as the voice of George Orwell, reflecting on how the fictions of his landmark novel 1984 have become our reality in 2026.

In this moving family drama, a filmmaker attempts to mount a comeback movie loaded with autobiographical elements, reigniting long-simmering resentments with his estranged daughters.

Saturday, January 3 • 5:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Monday, January 5 • 2:00 pm • Festival Theaters Wednesday, January 7 • 8:00 pm • Festival Theaters Friday, January 9 • 9:30 am • Festival Theaters

Wednesday, January 7 • 10:00 am • Annenberg Theater

105 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

MODERN MASTERS

SILENT FRIEND

THE SOUNDMAN

GERMANY/HUNGARY/FRANCE, 2025, 147 minutes Director: Ildikó Enyedi Cast: Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Luna Wedler, Enzo Brumm, Sylvester Groth, Martin Wuttke, Johannes Hegemann, Rainer Bock, Léa Seydoux Genres: Drama, History, Period, Science Fiction

NETHERLANDS/DENMARK, 2025, 110 minutes Director: Frank Van Passel Cast: Jef Hellemans, Femke Vanhove Genres: Drama, History, Jewish Interest, Performance

Hungarian visionary Ildikó Enyedi’s latest follows three loosely connected stories in different eras—1908, 1972, and 2020—all anchored by a majestic and mysterious ginkgo tree.

Set at a Brussels radio station on the eve of the German invasion of Belgium in 1940, this tragicomic look at the crossed destinies of a youthful sound engineer and a talented Jewish actress affirms the human capacity for invention.

Saturday, January 3 • 9:30 am • Festival Theaters Wednesday, January 7 • 7:30 pm • The Plaza Theatre Sunday, January 11 • 7:15 pm • Annenberg Theater

Monday, January 5 • 4:30 pm • Festival Theaters Friday, January 9 • 4:15 pm • Camelot Theatres Saturday, January 10 • 10:00 am • Annenberg Theater

TWO PROSECUTORS

YES

FRANCE/GERMANY/ROMANIA/LATVIA/NETHERLANDS/LITHUANIA, 2025, 118 minutes Director: Sergei Loznitsa Cast: Aleksandr Kuznetsov, Aleksandr Filippenko, Anatoliy Beliy, Andris Keišs, Vytautas Kaniušonis, Valentin Novopolskij, Dmitrij Denisiuk Genres: Drama, History, Period

FRANCE/ISRAEL/CYPRUS/GERMANY, 2025, 150 minutes Director: Nadav Lapid Cast: Ariel Bronz, Efrat Dor, Naama Preis, Alexey Serebryakov, Sharon Alexander, Pablo Pillaud Vivien, Idit Teperson, Shira Shaish Genres: Black Comedy, Jewish Interest, War, Politics, Music, Dance

A pitch-black, absurdist tale, set during the height of Stalin’s Great Terror. An idealistic state prosecutor tries to take on the case of a wrongfully imprisoned man.

Writer/director Nadav Lapid, one of Israel’s most critical voices, provides a fierce, despairing (and, to some, offensive) satire of his homeland in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Saturday, January 3 • 10:45 am • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Tuesday, January 6 • 7:00 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 1:00 pm • Festival Theaters

Wednesday, January 7 • 12:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Thursday, January 8 • 8:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Sunday, January 11 • 8:00 pm • Camelot Theatres

106 MODERN MASTERS

PSIFF.ORG

NEW VOICES NEW VISIONS

BROKEN VOICES CZECH REPUBLIC/SLOVAKIA, 2025, 106 minutes Director: Ondřej Provazník Cast: Kateřina Falbrová, Juraj Loj, Maya Kintera Genres: Music, Relationships, Drama, Family Relations, Social Issues

FRESH VISIONS AND FEARLESS STORYTELLING FROM EMERGING FILMMAKERS

Based on a real-life case in the Czech Republic, this masterful period drama explores abuses of power in a girls’ choir. Subtle, intense, and devastating.

DEAF

GOD WILL NOT HELP

SPAIN, 2025, 100 minutes Director: Eva Libertad Cast: Míriam Garlo, Álvaro Cervantes, Elena Irureta, Joaquín Notario Genres: Drama, Family Relations, Disability, Social Issues

CROATIA/ITALY/ROMANIA/GREECE/FRANCE/SLOVENIA, 2025, 137 minutes Director: Hana Jušić Cast: Manuela Martelli, Ana Marija Veselčić, Filip Đurić, Mauro Ercegović Gracin, Nikša Butijer, Tina Orlandini, Bogdan Farcaș, Ivan Skoko Genres: Drama, Women, Religion/Spirituality, Period, Family Relations

A deaf woman and her hearing partner are expecting their first child. They are in love and full of excitement. The pregnancy, however, triggers fears about motherhood, and how to raise a baby in a world of sounds.

Saturday, January 3 • 4:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Tuesday, January 6 • 9:45 am • Annenberg Theater Friday, January 9 • 12:00 pm • The Plaza Theatre

Friday, January 2 • 4:30 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Friday, January 9 • 5:45 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 1:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater

A Chilean woman’s unexpected arrival in craggy, rural Croatia upends order among a patriarchal shepherd clan in this powerful period drama. Both lead actresses shared the Best Performance award at Locarno.

Friday, January 2 • 3:45 pm • Camelot Theatres Tuesday, January 6 • 1:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Friday, January 9 • 2:00 pm • Festival Theaters

108 NEW VOICES NEW VISIONS

PSIFF.ORG

LUCKY LU

MAD BILLS TO PAY

CANADA/USA, 2025, 103 minutes Director: Lloyd Lee Choi Cast: Chang Chen, Fala Chen Carabelle Manna Wei Genres: Drama, Family Relations, Class/Economics, Black Comedy, Work/Labor

USA, 2025, 101 minutes Director: Joel Alfonso Vargas Cast: Juan Collado, Destiny Checo, Yohanna Florentino, Nathaly Navarro Genres: Drama, Narrative

With a food delivery job and apartment secured, Lu is finally ready to welcome his wife and daughter to New York.

However, mere hours before they are set to arrive from China, everything falls apart.

In writer/director Joel Alfonso Vargas’s acclaimed debut, aimlessness is the point—a breeding ground for summery slice-of-life vibes and rich, layered interpersonal drama alike.

Wednesday, January 7 • 7:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Thursday, January 8 • 4:30 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Sunday, January 11 • 12:00 pm • Festival Theaters

Friday, January 2 • 7:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Sunday, January 11 • 6:30 pm • Festival Theaters

THE NATURE OF INVISIBLE THINGS

THE NEGOTIATOR

BRAZIL/CHILE, 2025, 90 minutes Director: Rafaela Camelo Cast: Laura Brandão, Serena, Larissa Mauro, Camila Márdila, Aline Marta Maia Genres: Drama, Coming of Age, Relationships, Family Relations, Women

ITALY, 2025, 107 minutes Director: Alessandro Tonda Cast: Claudio Santamaria, Sonia Bergamasco, Massimiliano Rossi, Andrea Giannini, Maurizio Tesei Genres: Drama, History, Thriller

Ten-year-olds Gloria and Sofia meet during the summer holidays spent in a hospital. Their playful and delicate bond will help them navigate the fragility of life, and the challenges of growing up.

Friday, January 2 • 5:30 pm • Festival Theaters Wednesday, January 7 • 10:00 am • Mary Pickford Theater

A riveting real-life thriller, directed with intelligence and compassion, following the negotiations to free an Italian journalist kidnapped by a terrorist cell in Iraq.

Tuesday, January 6 • 12:00 pm • Festival Theaters Thursday, January 8 • 4:30 pm • Annenberg Theater Sunday, January 11 • 7:00 pm • Cinemark Century La Quinta

109 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

NEW VOICES NEW VISIONS

ON THE SEA

SILENT REBELLION

UNITED KINGDOM, 2025, 111 minutes Director: Helen Walsh Cast: Barry Ward, Lorne MacFadyen, Liz White, Henry Lawfull, Celyn Jones, Danny Webb Genres: Drama, Erotic/Sex, Family Relations, LGBTQ

SWITZERLAND/BELGIUM/FRANCE, 2025, 97 minutes Director: Marie-Elsa Sgualdo Cast: Lila Gueneau, Sasha Gravat Harsch, Cyril Metzger Genres: History, Jewish Interest, Women, Work/Labor, Drama, Social Issues

In coastal Wales, a middle-aged family man is unnerved to find himself hopelessly drawn to a younger drifter in this finely drawn erotic drama from British novelist-turnedfilmmaker Helen Walsh.

Friday, January 2 • 3:30 pm • Festival Theaters Monday, January 5 • 7:45 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Tuesday, January 6 • 6:30 pm • Festival Theaters

In her puritanical, WWII-era Swiss village, pregnant housemaid Emma must defy her repressive community and forge a path of self-determination. An engrossing drama featuring formidable new talents.

Wednesday, January 7 • 7:30 pm • Festival Theaters Thursday, January 8 • 3:00 pm • Festival Theaters Friday, January 9 • 10:45 am • Mary Pickford Theater

110 NEW VOICES NEW VISIONS

PSIFF.ORG

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111

AMERICAN

INDIES A SELECTION OF THE LATEST INDEPENDENT VOICES

BURT USA, 2024, 78 minutes Director: Joe Burke Cast: Oliver Cooper, Burt Berger, Steven Levy, Catlin Adams Genres: Drama, Comedy, Thriller, Suspense, Family, Aging/Seniors, Health

In this low-key indie charmer—shot for just $7,000 in seven days—Burt, an effervescent street musician, stumbles into fatherhood after a wayward thirtysomething claims to be his long-lost son.

Saturday, January 3 • 3:30 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 4 • 1:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Thursday, January 8 • 8:15 pm • Festival Theaters Friday, January 9 • 10:00 am • Festival Theaters

FANTASY LIFE USA, 2025, 91 minutes Director: Matthew Shear Cast: Amanda Peet, Matthew Shear, Alessandro Nivola, Judd Hirsch, Bob Balaban, Andrea Martin, Zosia Mamet, Holland Taylor Genres: Jewish Interest, Romantic Comedy

After losing his job, Sam lands an unexpected gig babysitting his therapist’s three granddaughters, and winds up falling for their mother (Amanda Peet), whose marriage is on the skids.

Winner: Best Narrative Feature, Audience Award, SXSW. Sunday, January 4 • 1:15 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Saturday, January 10 • 7:30 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 12:00 pm • Cinemark Century La Quinta

112 AMERICAN INDIES

PSIFF.ORG

HONEYJOON

IDIOTKA

USA/PORTUGAL, 2025, 75 minutes Director: Lilian T. Mehrel Cast: Ayden Mayeri, Amira Casar, José Condessa Genres: Comedy, Dramedy, Women, Family Relations, Romance

USA, 2024, 82 minutes Director: Nastasya Popov Cast: Anna Baryshnikov, Camila Mendes, Benito Skinner, Julia Fox, Saweetie, Owen Thiele Genres: Class/Economics, Family Relations, Fashion, California, Comedy

In this lighthearted comedy, June and her Persian-Kurdish mother travel to the Azores islands—a destination once loved by her late father—where their charming tour guide sparks a path toward healing and their renewed bond.

An aspiring fashion designer’s dreams are put to the test when she lands a spot on a new competition reality show in this heartwarming indie comedy.

Tuesday, January 6 • 7:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Wednesday, January 7 • 5:15 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 3:30 pm • Cinemark Century La Quinta

Sunday, January 4 • 4:45 pm • The Plaza Theatre Thursday, January 8 • 10:00 am • Palm Springs High School

SHE DANCES

TOW

USA, 2025, 93 minutes Director: Rick Gomez Cast: Steve Zahn, Audrey Zahn, Ethan Hawke, Mackenzie Ziegler, Rosemarie DeWitt, Sonequa Martin-Green Genres: Drama, Comedy, Family Relations, Dance, Youth/Teen, Road Movie

USA, 2024, 105 minutes Director: Stephanie Laing Cast: Rose Byrne, Octavia Spencer, Ariana DeBose, Dominic Sessa, Simon Rex, Demi Lovato, Elsie Fisher, Corbin Bernsen, Lio Mehiel, Roma Maffia, Genres: Drama, Class/Economics, Social Issues, Women, Biography

Starring real-life father and daughter, Steve and Audrey Zahn, this charming dramedy follows a struggling dad as he attempts to reconnect with his distant teen by serving as her dance competition chaperone.

Rose Byrne delivers an unstoppable performance as real-life unhoused hero Amanda Ogle, whose fight to regain custody of her live-in automobile becomes an unforgettable rallying cry for the little guy.

Saturday, January 3 • 7:00 pm • Cinemark Century La Quinta Monday, January 5 • 11:00 am • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 1:30 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 1:00 pm • The Plaza Theatre

Sunday, January 4 • 12:45 pm • Camelot Theatres Monday, January 5 • 12:45 pm • Annenberg Theater

113 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

AMERICAN INDIES

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AFTER DARK

OUR LATE-NIGHT THRILLS AND CHILLS CORNER, SERVING UP FROM AROUND SHARP, STRANGE, ANDTHE WORLD PULSE-POUNDING WORK

THE BOOK OF SIJJIN AND ILLIYYIN INDONESIA, 2025, 98 minutes Director: Hadrah Daeng Ratu Cast: Yunita Siregar, Dinda Kanyadewi, Kawai Labiba, Nai Djenar Maisa Ayu Genres: Family Relations, Fantasy, Horror, Religion/Spirituality, Women

Recommended for anyone seeking a good jolt, this black-magic horror tale follows a tormented woman who curses her wicked stepfamily— sometimes with eye-popping results. Winner: Best Director, Fantasia.

Sunday, January 4 • 7:00 pm • Cinemark Century La Quinta Friday, January 9 • 7:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater

GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE USA, 2025, 134 minutes Director: Gore Verbinski Cast: Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz Asim Chaudhry, Tom Taylor, Juno Temple Genres: Black Comedy, Action/Adventure, Thriller, Science Fiction, Technology

Sam Rockwell leads an all-star cast in this gonzo time-traveling adventure to save the world from AI-driven apocalypse, as directed by visionary populist filmmaker Gore Verbinski.

Friday, January 2 • 4:30 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 3 • 8:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Thursday, January 8 • 8:15 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Sunday, January 11 • 4:30 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre

116 NEW VOICES NEW VISIONS

PSIFF.ORG

MĀRAMA

THE PLAGUE

NEW ZEALAND, 2025, 89 minutes Director: Taratoa Stappard Cast: Ariāna Osborne, Toby Stephens, Umi Myers, Evelyn Towersey, Erroll Shand Genres: Indigenous, Drama, Narrative, Period, History, Horror

USA/ROMANIA, 2025, 95 minutes Director: Charlie Polinger Cast: Everett Blunck, Joel Edgerton, Kayo Martin, Kenny Rasmussen Genres: Coming of Age, Psychological, Thriller, Sports

In writer/director Taratoa Stappard’s deliciously gothic debut, colonialism takes center stage as a young Māori woman sets out to connect with her family heritage, but instead uncovers a dark and unsettling reality.

A group of boys at summer camp believe an inexplicable disease is spreading among them in this psychological thriller that instinctively captures the combustible nature of adolescence.

Saturday, January 3 • 3:30 pm • Cinemark Century La Quinta Tuesday, January 6 • 11:00 am • Camelot Theatres Sunday, January 11 • 7:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater

Saturday, January 3 • 7:45 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Sunday, January 4 • 2:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Monday, January 5 • 7:00 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 7:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater

117 JANUARY 2 – 13, 2025

AFTER DARK

TRUE STORIES

NONFICTION FILMMAKING THRILLS AND CHILLS AT ITS MOST FROM AROUND THE URGENT AND WORLD ILLUMINATING

ADAPTATION TO DARKNESS ISRAEL, 2025, 86 minutes Director: Shay Fogelman Genres: Documentary, History, Jewish Interest, Psychological, Crime, Politics

A stranger-than-fiction portrait of Dr. Edwin Katzen-Ellenbogen, the only Jew to be tried alongside the Nazis at Nuremberg, a man of extraordinary abilities but very little conscience.

Friday, January 2 • 1:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Monday, January 5 • 6:45 pm • Festival Theaters Thursday, January 8 • 2:00 pm • Festival Theaters

ASCO: WITHOUT PERMISSION USA, 2025, 92 minutes Director: Travis Gutiérrez Senger With: Harry Gamboa Jr, Patssi Valdez, Willie Herron III, Gronk Genres: Art/Design, Documentary, Latinx, California, History, Period

Executive produced by Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna, filmmaker Travis Gutiérrez Senger’s propulsive documentary chronicles the rise of underground Chicano art collective Asco throughout their prolific punk uprising during the 1970s–80s.

Saturday, January 3 • 1:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Sunday, January 4 • 10:00 am • Festival Theaters Thursday, January 8 • 7:00 pm • Festival Theaters Friday, January 9 • 11:00 am • Festival Theaters

118 TRUE STORIES

PSIFF.ORG

ASK E. JEAN

ELVIS, ROCKY & ME: THE CAROL CONNORS STORY

USA, 2025, 91 minutes Director: Ivy Meeropol With: E. Jean Carroll Genres: Documentary, Politics, Women

USA, 2025, 75 minutes Director: Alex Rotaru With: Carol Connors, Bill Conti, Talia Shire, Mike Tyson, Diane Warren, Dionne Warwick, Irwin Winkler Genres: Film-related, Performance, Music, Documentary, Biography

Witty, fearless, and unapologetically candid, journalist and columnist E. Jean Carroll has spent her life telling women to speak their truth—then did just that when she accused Donald Trump of sexual assault and defamation, and triumphed twice against him.

Legendary songwriter Carol Connors recounts her colorful life in show business in this tell-all reflection on fame, gender, and artistic achievement.

Saturday, January 3 • 5:30 pm • Festival Theaters Wednesday, January 7 • 6:30 pm • Festival Theaters Friday, January 9 • 12:00 pm • Festival Theaters

Saturday, January 3 • 7:30 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 4 • 10:30 am • Festival Theaters Monday, January 5 • 2:30 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 9:30 am • Festival Theaters

THE GAS STATION ATTENDANT

THE GOLDEN SPURTLE

USA, 2025, 83 minutes Director: Karla Murthy With: Karla Murthy, H. N. Shantha Murthy Genres: Documentary, Family Relations, Borders/Migration, Work/Labor

AUSTRALIA/UNITED KINGDOM, 2025, 75 minutes Director: Constantine Costi Genres: Documentary, Comedy, Food

Filmmaker Karla Murthy pays tribute to her father’s peculiar immigrant story, from living on the streets of Bangalore to becoming a charismatic and ambitious serial entrepreneur in America.

Saturday, January 3 • 2:00 pm • Festival Theaters Tuesday, January 6 • 3:00 pm • Festival Theaters Wednesday, January 7 • 8:30 pm • Festival Theaters Thursday, January 8 • 4:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater

In this endearing documentary, global porridge-makers descend upon the Scottish Highlands to compete in a legendary tournament to determine who can cook the best bowl of slow-cooked oats in the world.

Tuesday, January 6 • 1:30 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Saturday, January 10 • 10:30 am • Festival Theaters

119 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

TRUE STORIES

LA SALSA VIVE

MODERN WHORE

COLOMBIA/USA, 2025, 101 minutes Director: Juan Carvajal With: Rubén Blades, Henry Fiol, Willie Rosario, Angel Lebron, Johnny Rodriguez, Luis Eduardo Mulato, Samuel Formell, Francia Elena Genres: Documentary, Dance, Music, Culture

CANADA, 2025, 80 minutes Director: Nicole Bazuin With: Andrea Werhun Genres: Documentary, Biography, Social Issues, Erotic/Sex

The rhythm and energy of salsa do not recognize borders.

Born in the streets of New York, the dance later reigned in Cali, Colombia. Featuring an array of salsa legends, La Salsa Vive illuminates its dazzling evolution.

With humor and heartbreak, sex worker, performer, and activist Andrea Werhun confronts the social stigma surrounding her work while boldly reclaiming her narrative.

This powerful and engaging hybrid documentary is as illuminating as it is disarming.

Saturday, January 3 • 3:00 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 4 • 10:30 am • Mary Pickford Theater Thursday, January 8 • 1:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater

Saturday, January 3 • 4:45 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Sunday, January 4 • 5:00 pm • Festival Theaters Wednesday, January 7 • 11:00 am • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 3:30 pm • Festival Theaters

NATCHEZ

RAOUL WALLENBERG: MISSING INACTION

USA, 2025, 86 minutes Director: Suzannah Herbert With: Tracy "Rev" Collins, Tracy McCartney, Deborah Cosey, Kathleen Bond, Barney Schoby, Mayor Dan Gibson, Ser Boxley Genres: Historical, Verite, Documentary, Culture, Black/African Diaspora

USA, 2025, 89 minutes Director: Brad Rothschild, Brian Mait With: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jamie Lee Curtis, Brian Cox Genres: Documentary, Human Rights, Geopolitics, True Crime, Jewish Interest

In her absorbing, award-winning documentary, filmmaker Suzannah Herbert explores the contradictions of small-town Natchez, Mississippi, through the lens of its unique—and often stranger-than-fiction—cottage industry of antebellum tourism.

Tuesday, January 6 • 1:00 pm • Festival Theaters Thursday, January 8 • 11:30 am • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 2:30 pm • Festival Theaters

One of the 20th century’s greatest unsolved mysteries is detailed in this comprehensive investigation into the life and mysterious fate of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, who rescued 100,000 Jews at the end of World War II—then vanished.

Friday, January 2 • 1:30 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Monday, January 5 • 10:00 am • Festival Theaters

120 TRUE STORIES

PSIFF.ORG

REMAINING NATIVE

RUNA SIMI

USA, 2025, 87 minutes Director: Paige Bethmann With: Kutoven Stevens, Delmar Stevens, Misty Stevens, Lupe Cabada Genres: Documentary, Sports, Indigenous, Coming of Age, History

PERU, 2025, 81 minutes Director: Augusto Zegarra With: Fernando Valencia, Dylan Valencia Genres: Documentary, Family Relations, Film-related, Indigenous

Seventeen-year-old cross-country runner Ku Stevens embarks on his most personal race yet as he retraces his grandfather’s 50-mile escape route from the Indian boarding school that held him captive.

Ten million people speak Quechua, yet no film has been dubbed in the language. In Cusco, Fernando and his young son set out to dub The Lion King, transforming dubbing into a tool of resistance.

Sunday, January 4 • 3:30 pm • Festival Theaters Tuesday, January 6 • 6:00 pm • Festival Theaters Wednesday, January 7 • 3:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Thursday, January 8 • 11:00 am • Festival Theaters

Tuesday, January 6 • 4:30 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Thursday, January 8 • 1:30 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Sunday, January 11 • 10:00 am • Festival Theaters

SPEAK.

STEAL THIS STORY, PLEASE!

USA, 2025, 103 minutes Director: Jennifer Tiexiera, Guy Mossman Genres: Documentary, Performance, Youth/Teen

USA, 2025, 101 minutes Director: Tia Lessin, Carl Deal With: Amy Goodman, Juan Gonzales, Jeremy Scahill, Sharif Abdel Kouddous, Nermeen Shaikh Genres: Documentary, Journalism, History, Politics

In this rousing documentary, five standout teens transform personal pain, politics, and passion into electrifying oratory with the hopes of winning one of the largest and most grueling academic competitions in the world.

Sunday, January 4 • 6:45 pm • Festival Theaters Friday, January 9 • 4:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater

Fearless journalist Amy Goodman has spent three decades amplifying the voices mainstream media ignores. This documentary charts her extraordinary path—from war zones to the daily whirlwind of hosting Democracy Now! Winner: Audience Award, Mill Valley; Audience Award, SIFF DocFest; Audience Award, Woodstock.

Saturday, January 3 • 6:15 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 4 • 10:00 am • Mary Pickford Theater Tuesday, January 6 • 12:30 pm • Festival Theaters 121

JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

TRUE STORIES

SWEET STÖRY

TRADE SECRET

SWEDEN/UNITED KINGDOM/USA, 2025, 72 minutes Director: Sarah Justine Kerruish, Matt Maude With: Meg Ray, Maria Thomsson Genres: Documentary, Food, Women, Environment, Nature

AUSTRALIA/UNITED KINGDOM, 2025, 100 minutes Director: Abraham Joffe With: Adam Cruise, Iris Ho, Ole J Liodden Genres: Documentary, Animals, Crime, Nature

San Francisco Bay pastry empress Meg Ray’s love affair with the magical Café Truten on Sweden’s remote Baltic Sea island of Rödlöga. “Life is what you bake!”

Executive produced by Adam McKay—and filmed over six years—this globetrotting documentary thriller bravely exposes the global polar bear fur trade and its devastating impact on our planet.

Saturday, January 3 • 4:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Sunday, January 4 • 10:00 am • Camelot Theatres Monday, January 5 • 4:00 pm • Annenberg Theater Saturday, January 10 • 4:30 pm • Annenberg Theater

Monday, January 5 • 5:00 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 1:45 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre

WHISTLE

YANUNI

AUSTRALIA/USA/SPAIN/JAPAN, 2025, 85 minutes Director: Christopher Nelius With: Molly Lewis, Carole Anne Kaufman, Yuki Takeda, Ayna Ziordia Botella, Davitt Felder, Lauren Elder, Jay Winston, Gabriel Perkins Genres: Documentary, California, Family Friendly, Performance

AUSTRIA/BRAZIL/USA/CANADA/GERMANY, 2025, 112 minutes Director: Richard Ladkani With: Juma Xipaia, Hugo Loss Genres: Documentary, Indigenous, Thriller, Women, Biography, Politics

In Hollywood, the annual World Whistling Championship unfolds as the heartfelt passion project of its founder, Carole Anne Kaufman, who juggles limited budgets, backstage snafus, and eccentric personalities with unshakable spirit.

Friday, January 9 • 1:00 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 1:30 pm • Annenberg Theater

In Brazil’s Amazon, fearless Indigenous leader Juma Xipaia defends her land and people against forces threatening their survival. Her extraordinary courage and resilience is captured here—as mother, warrior, and a symbol of resistance for her people.

Friday, January 2 • 3:00 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 4 • 12:00 pm • Cinemark Century La Quinta Monday, January 5 • 2:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Sunday, January 11 • 4:15 pm • Mary Pickford Theater

122 TRUE STORIES

PSIFF.ORG

Lotus Garden, where flowers and creativity meet.

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WEDDINGS • GARDEN • PATIO AND COURTYARD • CUSTOM ARRANGEMENT A beautiful flower arrangement or a striking garden plant can make an enduring impression.

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124 PSIFF.ORG

JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

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127 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

PSIFF.ORG

WORLD CINEMA NOW

THRILLS AND CHILLS FROM AROUND TRAVEL THE WORLD THE WORLD WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR SEAT

THE ALTAR BOYS POLAND, 2025, 110 minutes Director: Piotr Domalewski Cast: Tobiasz Wajda, Bruno Błach-Baar, Mikołaj Juszczyk, Filip Juszczyk, Daria Kalinchuk, Kamila Urzędowska, Tomasz Schuchardt Genres: Drama, Social Issues, Religion/Spirituality, Family Relations

A group of altar boys from a poor parish try to implement their own unusual plan for social justice and moral renewal. From the producers of Corpus Christi (PSIFF 2020).

Sunday, January 4 • 7:30 pm • Festival Theaters Monday, January 5 • 1:15 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Friday, January 9 • 12:30 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 9:00 am • Festival Theaters

BATTLE OF OSLO NORWAY, 2025, 94 minutes Director: Daniel Fahre Cast: Bjørn Sundquist, Andrea Berntzen, Eldar Skar, Elias Holmen Sørensen, Fridtjov Såheim, Jon Øigarden, Håvard Bakke, Øystein Røger, Terje Strømdahl Genres: Drama, History, War, Period

April 9, 1940. As German warships approach Oslo, Colonel Birger Eriksen, commander of the undermanned Oscarsborg Fortress, makes a bold decision that changes the course of history.

Saturday, January 3 • 4:30 pm • Annenberg Theater Sunday, January 4 • 12:45 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Monday, January 5 • 7:45 pm • Festival Theaters

128 WORLD CINEMA NOW

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BEGINNINGS

THE BLUE TRAIL

DENMARK, 2025, 96 minutes Director: Jeanette Nordahl Cast: Trine Dyrholm, David Dencik, Bjørk Storm, Luna Svelmøe Genres: Drama, Family Relations, Health

BRAZIL/MEXICO/CHILE/NETHERLANDS, 2025, 86 minutes Director: Gabriel Mascaro Cast: Denise Weinberg, Rodrigo Santoro, Miriam Socarrás, Adanilo Genres: Drama, Road Movie, Aging/Seniors, Social Issues, Women

A sudden emergency forces a long-married couple on the verge of divorce to stay together and postpone telling their children about the split. Exquisitely performed by Denmark’s top actors.

In a dystopian future where seniors are forced into isolation, 77-year-old Tereza refuses to let her story end. She rebels, embarking on an inspiring journey to pursue her dreams.

Friday, January 2 • 1:00 pm • Festival Theaters Monday, January 5 • 1:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Wednesday, January 7 • 4:30 pm • The Plaza Theatre

Sunday, January 4 • 4:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Thursday, January 8 • 12:00 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 5:00 pm • Camelot Theatres

THE CHORAL

COLOURS OF TIME

UNITED KINGDOM/USA, 2025, 113 minutes Director: Nicholas Hytner Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Roger Allam, Mark Addy, Alun Armstrong, Robert Emms Genres: Dramedy, Music, Romance, Gay, History, War

FRANCE/BELGIUM, 2025, 124 minutes Director: Cédric Klapisch Cast: Suzanne Lindon, Abraham Wapler, Julia Piaton, Vincent Macaigne, Cécile de France Genres: Comedy, History, Period, Family Relations, Art/Design

A Yorkshire choir director gathers an eccentric ensemble to reinterpret a famous oratorio in this quietly commanding wartime drama that beautifully depicts the healing power of music in the face of unimaginable loss.

Sunday, January 4 • 4:00 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 10:00 am • Festival Theaters

In this charming exploration of family history, a group of distant cousins learn about their relationship to an extraordinary young woman named Adèle, and one of France’s most famous impressionists. Winner: Audience Award, American French Film Festival.

Monday, January 5 • 4:00 pm • Palm Springs High School Tuesday, January 6 • 12:30 pm • Annenberg Theater Friday, January 9 • 1:00 pm • Festival Theaters 129

JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

WORLD CINEMA NOW

THE CONDOR DAUGHTER

DAMNED IF YOU DO, DAMNED IF YOU DON’T

BOLIVIA/PERU/URUGUAY, 2025, 109 minutes Director: Álvaro Olmos Torrico Cast: María Magdalena Sanizo, Marisol Vallejos Montaño, Nelly Huayta Genres: Indigenous, Drama, Narrative, Women, Culture, Family Relations

ITALY/FRANCE, 2025, 97 minutes Director: Gianni Di Gregorio Cast: Gianni Di Gregorio, Greta Scarano, Tom Wlaschiha, Anna Losano, Pietro Serpi, Iaia Forte Genres: Comedy, Family Relations, Romance, Aging/Seniors

Clara, a young Quechua midwife, leaves her Andean village to become a singer in the city. When her adoptive mother journeys to retrieve her, Clara must decide between following her dreams or embracing her ancestral duty.

From the writer/director/star of PSIFF favorite Mid-August Lunch (PSIFF 2009), a delightful humanist comedy about a retired professor who rediscovers the beauty and pain of love.

Wednesday, January 7 • 4:30 pm • Festival Theaters Friday, January 9 • 1:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Sunday, January 11 • 6:00 pm • Festival Theaters

Tuesday, January 6 • 4:30 pm • The Plaza Theatre Sunday, January 11 • 1:15 pm • Camelot Theatres

FRONTIER

FUZE

SPAIN/BELGIUM, 2025, 101 minutes Director: Judith Colell Cast: Bruna Cusí, Miki Esparbé, Asier Etxeandia, Maria Rodríguez Soto, Jordi Sánchez, Kevin Janssens, Joren Seldeslachts, Anna Franziska Jäger Genres: Drama, History, Jewish Interest, Thriller, War, Borders/Migration

UNITED KINGDOM, 2025, 98 minutes Director: David Mackenzie Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, Sam Worthington, Gugu Mbatha-Raw Genres: Action/Adventure, Thriller, Drama

In 1943, a Pyrenean town defies Franco’s regime by helping thousands fleeing Nazism cross into France. A customs officer and his wife risk everything to save lives in this gripping historical thriller, inspired by true events.

When the discovery of an unexploded WWII bomb ignites widespread panic in central London, a gang of thieves seizes the opportunity to stage an elaborate heist.

Friday, January 9 • 8:00 pm • Palm Springs High School

Friday, January 2 • 8:15 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 3 • 12:00 pm • Cinemark Century La Quinta Thursday, January 8 • 4:30 pm • Festival Theaters Friday, January 9 • 1:30 pm • Annenberg Theater 130 WORLD CINEMA NOW

PSIFF.ORG

GUSTAAKH ISHQ

H IS FOR HAWK

INDIA, 2025, 116 minutes Director: Vibhu Puri Cast: Vijay Varma, Fatima, Sana Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharib Hashmi Genres: Drama, Romance

UNITED KINGDOM/USA, 2025, 115 minutes Director: Philippa Lowthorpe Cast: Claire Foy, Brendan Gleeson, Denise Gough, Sam Spruell, Lindsay Duncan Genres: Drama, Animals, Family Relations, Women

Determined to save his father’s dying Urdu press, an aspiring writer seeks to publish the lost verses of a retired poet, but his search takes an unforeseen turn when he falls for the recluse’s daughter.

In the wake of her father’s death, Helen (Claire Foy) adopts a goshawk. What begins as a way to cope with her grief gradually evolves into a healing, transformative journey of connection.

Saturday, January 3 • 1:15 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 4 • 4:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Monday, January 5 • 8:00 pm • Festival Theaters

Sunday, January 4 • 7:00 pm • Palm Springs High School Friday, January 9 • 2:00 pm • Palm Springs High School

HELLO BETTY

IT WOULD BE NIGHT IN CARACAS

SWITZERLAND, 2025, 110 minutes Director: Pierre Monnard Cast: Sarah Spale, Martin Vischer, Rabea Egg, Viviana Zappa, Cyril Metzger, Ueli Jäggi, Morgane Ferru Genres: Drama, Comedy, Food, Family Relations, Work/Labor, Women

MEXICO/VENEZUELA, 2025, 97 minutes Director: Mariana Rondón, Marité Ugás Cast: Natalia Reyes, Moisés Angola, Sheila Monterola, Edgar Ramírez, Samantha Castillo Genres: Drama, Thriller, Politics, Women, Latinx

An inspiring dramedy about Emmi Creola, the visionary advertising pioneer who navigated ambition, creativity, and the limitations of a male-dominated society to create the Swiss culinary icon Betty Bossi.

Set in Caracas during the 2017 protests, this gripping thriller follows a woman trapped in a city consumed by chaos. When regime loyalists seize her apartment, she’s forced into hiding and faces an impossible choice for survival.

Wednesday, January 7 • 1:45 pm • Festival Theaters Thursday, January 8 • 7:45 pm • Annenberg Theater Friday, January 9 • 1:00 pm • Camelot Theatres

Saturday, January 3 • 10:45 am • Mary Pickford Theater Sunday, January 4 • 6:30 pm • Festival Theaters Thursday, January 8 • 12:30 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 4:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater 131

JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

WORLD CINEMA NOW

KY NAM INN

LOVELY DAY

VIETNAM, 2025, 140 minutes Director: Leon Le Cast: Lien Binh Phat, Do Thi Hai Yen, Tran The Manh, Ngo Hong Ngoc, Le Van Than, Ly Kieu Hanh Genres: Drama, Romance, Literature, Period

CANADA, 2025, 119 minutes Director: Philippe Falardeau Cast: Neil Elias, Hassan Mahbouba, Rose-Marie Perreault, Hiam Abou Chedid, Georges Khabbaz Genres: Drama, Comedy, Romance, Family Relations

When a young intellectual arrives in Saigon with the task of translating The Little Prince, he develops a close connection with his downstairs neighbor, a quiet older widow.

Alain is on the verge of emotional collapse as his wedding day spirals out of control, unraveling his meticulously crafted plans, in this tender, humorous look at love, generational pressures, and life’s messy contradictions.

Friday, January 2 • 4:00 pm • Festival Theaters Wednesday, January 7 • 9:30 am • Festival Theaters Friday, January 9 • 7:30 pm • Festival Theaters

Sunday, January 4 • 4:00 pm • Annenberg Theater Monday, January 5 • 1:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Saturday, January 10 • 12:00 pm • Cinemark Century La Quinta

MADE IN EU

MEADOWLARKS

BULGARIA/GERMANY/CZECH REPUBLIC, 2025, 109 minutes Director: Stephan Komandarev Cast: Gergana Pletnyova, Todor Kotsev, Gerasim Georgiev, Anastasia Ingilizova, Ivaylo Hristov, Ivan Barnev, Martina Peneva, Ovanes Torosian Genres: Work/Labor, Drama, Women, Family Relations, Class/Economics

CANADA, 2025, 91 minutes Director: Tasha Hubbard Cast: Michael Greyeyes, Carmen Moore, Alex Rice, Michelle Thrush Genres: Drama, Indigenous, Family Relations

A clothing factory seamstress becomes the scapegoat for a COVID-19 outbreak in her small town in this trenchant drama. Winner: Best Director, Best Actress, Golden Rose Film Festival.

Saturday, January 3 • 8:15 pm • Camelot Theatres Tuesday, January 6 • 10:00 am • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 4:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater

Inspired by real events, this heartwarming exploration of identity, loss, and healing follows four Cree siblings who reunite after a 50-year separation. Winner: Panorama Audience Award, Vancouver.

Saturday, January 3 • 7:00 pm • Festival Theaters Monday, January 5 • 3:30 pm • Festival Theaters Friday, January 9 • 4:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Saturday, January 10 • 4:00 pm • Festival Theaters

132 WORLD CINEMA NOW

PSIFF.ORG

MR. BURTON

NO COMMENT

UNITED KINGDOM, 2025, 124 minutes Director: Marc Evans Cast: Toby Jones, Lesley Manville, Harry Lawtey Genres: Drama, Architecture, Performance, Period, Theater

NORWAY, 2025, 89 minutes Director: Petter Næss Cast: Laila Goody, Pia Tjelta, Anders Baasmo Christiansen Genres: Comedy, Politics, Family Relations, Social Issues

The origin story of acclaimed actor Richard Burton, from wild Welsh schoolboy Rich Jenkins to the adopted son of English teacher Philip Burton, who helped mold his talent.

From the director of Elling comes a sharp political satire about power, cover-ups, and chaos—where spin rules and everything spirals out of control.

Saturday, January 3 • 4:00 pm • Palm Springs High School Monday, January 5 • 10:00 am • Camelot Theatres Thursday, January 8 • 7:15 pm • The Plaza Theatre

Friday, January 2 • 8:00 pm • Festival Theaters Monday, January 5 • 4:00 pm • Festival Theaters Friday, January 9 • 10:00 am • Camelot Theatres Sunday, January 11 • 4:30 pm • Annenberg Theater

ONCE UPON MY MOTHER

THE PARTY’S OVER!

FRANCE/CANADA, 2025, 102 minutes Director: Ken Scott Cast: Leïla Bekhti, Jonathan Cohen, Joséphine Japy Genres: Dramedy, Jewish Interest, Period, Disability

FRANCE, 2025, 95 minutes Director: Antony Cordier Cast: Laurent Lafitte, Elodie Bouchez, Laure Calamy, Ramzy Bedia, Sami Outalbali, Noée Abita Genres: Black Comedy, Class/Economics, Family Relations, Social Issues

From the director of Starbuck (PSIFF 2012) comes the French box office mega-hit about a Sephardic Jewish mother fiercely determined that her youngest son will lead the fullest of lives despite his clubfoot.

Tuesday, January 6 • 7:30 pm • Annenberg Theater Wednesday, January 7 • 10:30 am • Festival Theaters Thursday, January 8 • 1:15 pm • Camelot Theatres

This entertaining black comedy follows the escalating class conflict between an entitled rich couple and the husband and wife they employ to look after their luxurious holiday home.

Friday, January 2 • 1:30 pm • Festival Theaters Tuesday, January 6 • 4:00 pm • Festival Theaters Friday, January 9 • 7:00 pm • The Plaza Theatre

133 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

WORLD CINEMA NOW

PRIMAVERA

A PRIVATE LIFE

ITALY/FRANCE, 2025, 109 minutes Director: Damiano Michieletto Cast: Tecla Insolia, Michele Riondino, Andrea Pennacchi, Fabrizia Sacchi, Valentina Bellè, Stefano Accorsi Genres: Biography, History, Music, Period, Women

FRANCE, 2025, 107 minutes Director: Rebecca Zlotowski Cast: Jodie Foster, Virginie Efira, Mathieu Amalric, Daniel Auteuil Genres: Drama, Comedy, Work/Labor, Jewish Interest, Mystery

Venice, early 1700s. At the Ospedale della Pietà, violinist Cecilia discovers the power of her musical gift under new music director and composer Antonio Vivaldi. Winner: Audience Award, Chicago.

Sunday, January 4 • 4:00 pm • Palm Springs High School Thursday, January 8 • 4:00 pm • Palm Springs High School Friday, January 9 • 10:00 am • Festival Theaters

A therapist (Jodie Foster in a rare French-language performance) goes looking for clues when she suspects the sudden death of a patient may be the sign of a murder.

Monday, January 5 • 7:30 pm • Palm Springs High School Thursday, January 8 • 7:00 pm • Palm Springs High School

PROJECT Y

PROMISED SKY

SOUTH KOREA, 2025, 110 minutes Director: Lee Hwan Cast: Han So-hee, Jun Jong-seo Genres: Thriller, Coming of Age, Drama, Urban, Crime

FRANCE/TUNISIA/QATAR, 2025, 95 minutes Director: Erige Sehiri Cast: Aïssa Maiga, Debora Lobe Naney, Laetitia Ky, Estelle Kenza Dogbo, Foued Zaazaa, Mohamed Grayaa, Touré Blamassi Genres: Drama, Black/African Diaspora, Borders/Migration, Women

Two hostesses in the Seoul underworld stumble upon the location of some buried cash of shady provenance. A highoctane revenge heist with fast cars, gold bars, and deadly women.

Friday, January 2 • 7:45 pm • ARCO Palm Canyon Theatre Monday, January 5 • 8:45 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 3:30 pm • Cinemark Century La Quinta Sunday, January 11 • 7:15 pm • Mary Pickford Theater

Director Erige Sehiri crafts a tender and timely portrait of three Ivorian women navigating life in Tunisia amid rising racism and immigration crackdowns.

Monday, January 5 • 1:45 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Friday, January 9 • 6:00 pm • Festival Theaters

134 WORLD CINEMA NOW

PSIFF.ORG

RENOIR

THE RICHEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD

JAPAN/USA/FRANCE/SINGAPORE/PHILIPPINES/INDONESIA/QATAR, 2025, 118 minutes Director: Chie Hayakawa Cast: Yui Suzuki, Lily Franky, Hikari Ishida, Ayumu Nakajima, Yuumi Kawai, Ryota Bando Genres: Coming of Age, Family Relations, Period, Drama, Social Issues

FRANCE, 2025, 123 minutes Director: Thierry Klifa Cast: Isabelle Huppert, Marina Foïs, Laurent Lafitte, Raphaël Personnaz, André Marcon Genres: Black Comedy, Drama, Family Relations, Class/Economics

In this bittersweet coming-of-age drama, an imaginative 11-year-old girl grapples with a terminally ill father and a detached mother while searching for connection in late1980s Tokyo.

Saturday, January 3 • 1:00 pm • Festival Theaters Tuesday, January 6 • 8:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Thursday, January 8 • 10:45 am • Mary Pickford Theater

Isabelle Huppert delivers a commanding performance as the eponymous antagonist, who falls under the influence of a much younger, self-obsessed artist who progressively siphons her vast wealth.

Saturday, January 3 • 7:00 pm • Palm Springs High School Wednesday, January 7 • 10:00 am • Palm Springs High School Friday, January 9 • 11:00 am • Palm Springs High School

SAIPAN

SPICES AND LIES

IRELAND/UNITED KINGDOM, 2025, 91 minutes Director: Lisa Barros D'Sa, Glenn Leyburn Cast: Steve Coogan, Éanna Hardwicke Genres: Drama, Sports

FRANCE, 2025, 104 minutes Director: Amine Adjina Cast: Younès Boucif, Clara Bretheau, Hiam Abbass, Gustave Kervern, Birane Ba, Malika Zerrouki, Laurent Stocker, Agathe Dronne Genres: Comedy, Food, Romance, Family Relations

The notorious fallout between Irish captain Roy Keane and manager Mick McCarthy on the eve of the 2002 World Cup gets an epic retelling in this charged examination of a workplace rift that exploded into a national spectacle.

Monday, January 5 • 10:00 am • Annenberg Theater Wednesday, January 7 • 4:45 pm • Camelot Theatres Saturday, January 10 • 1:00 pm • Camelot Theatres

In this endearing culture-clash dramedy filled with mouthwatering comestibles, Franco-Algerian chef Mehdi learns some difficult lessons about love, identity, and being true to yourself.

Monday, January 5 • 10:00 am • Palm Springs High School Thursday, January 8 • 1:00 pm • Palm Springs High School

135 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

WORLD CINEMA NOW

SPIT

THE SUN RISES ON US ALL

AUSTRALIA, 2025, 100 minutes Director: Jonathan Teplitzky Cast: David Wenham, Helen Thomson, Pallavi Sharda, David Field, Arlo Green Genres: Comedy, Crime

CHINA/FRANCE, 2025, 132 minutes Director: Cai Shangjun Cast: Xin Zhilei, Zhang Songwen, Feng Shaofeng Genres: Drama, Crime, Relationships

Small-time crook Johnny ‘Spit’ Spitieri (the hilarious David Wenham) lands back in Australia after 20 years and is immediately detained. Inside a detention center, he stumbles into riotous misadventures with new friends—while outrunning old enemies.

During an ultrasound visit, 35-year-old Meiyun runs into an ex-lover who is out of prison after taking the fall for a crime that she committed.

Sunday, January 4 • 7:00 pm • Festival Theaters Tuesday, January 6 • 8:00 pm • Festival Theaters Thursday, January 8 • 2:00 pm • Camelot Theatres Friday, January 9 • 10:15 am • Annenberg Theater

Tuesday, January 6 • 12:45 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 1:00 pm • Festival Theaters

SUNDAYS

TO THE VICTORY!

SPAIN/FRANCE, 2025, 117 minutes Director: Alauda Ruiz de Azúa Cast: Blanca Soroa Palos, Patrica López Arnaiz, Miguel Garcés Genres: Drama, Religion/Spirituality

UKRAINE/LITHUANIA, 2025, 105 minutes Director: Valentyn Vasyanovych With: Valentyn Vasyanovych, Vladlen Odudenko, Marianna Novikova Genres: Documentary, Narrative, Black Comedy, Social Issues

At 17, Ainara decides that after high school she’s considering becoming a nun. Her decision unsettles her family, especially her aunt Montse, who sees it as a loss of freedom. Winner: Golden Shell, San Sebastián.

Playing a version of himself, director Valentin Vasyanovych strives to continue working in a postwar Ukraine where hope for the future is at a premium in this tragicomic docudrama.

Winner: Platform Award, TIFF.

Tuesday, January 6 • 4:00 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Wednesday, January 7 • 11:15 am • Festival Theaters Thursday, January 8 • 2:30 pm • Festival Theaters

Saturday, January 3 • 12:00 pm • Festival Theaters Sunday, January 11 • 1:30 pm • Festival Theaters

136 WORLD CINEMA NOW

PSIFF.ORG

TWO PIANOS

YOUNGBLOOD

FRANCE, 2025, 115 minutes Director: Arnaud Desplechin Cast: François Civil, Nadia Tereszkiewicz, Charlotte Rampling, Hippolyte Girardot, Alba Gaïa Bellugi, Anne Kessler, Jeremy Lewin Genres: Drama, Music, Mystery

CANADA, 2025, 104 minutes Director: Hubert Davis Cast: Ashton James, Blair Underwood, Henri Picard, Shawn Doyle, Tamara Podemski, Donald MacLean Jr., Alexandra McDonald Genres: Drama, Sports, Black/African Diaspora, Family Relations

Back in his hometown after years abroad, a virtuoso pianist unearths old passions and eerie coincidences in this haunting romantic mystery from one of the world’s most iconoclastic filmmakers.

Dean Youngblood, a talented hockey player, strives to make it to the NHL, but first must navigate the conflicting pressures from his father and coach, in this adrenaline-charged and emotionally resonant sports drama.

Saturday, January 3 • 4:30 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 10:00 am • Camelot Theatres

Saturday, January 3 • 7:30 pm • Mary Pickford Theater Sunday, January 4 • 3:30 pm • Cinemark Century La Quinta Friday, January 9 • 6:30 pm • Festival Theaters Saturday, January 10 • 10:00 am • Festival Theaters

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142 PSIFF.ORG

JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

CANADA. THE TRUE NORTH, STRONG & TALENTED. CELEBRATING CANADIAN TALENT AT PALMS SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. Thank you to all our Talent Fund donors who make this possible.

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FILMS BY REGION AFRICA

CALLE MALAGA THE EYES OF GHANA MY FATHER’S SHADOW PROMISED SKY

ASIA

3670 THE BOOK OF SIJJIN AND ILLIYYIN FIRE GUSTAAKH ISHQ HOMEBOUND IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE KOKUHO KY NAM INN THE LAST DANCE LEFT HANDED GIRL MANOK NO OTHER CHOICE PROJECT Y RENOIR THE SUN RISES ON US ALL A USEFUL GHOST

EUROPE

100 LITERS OF GOLD 2000 METERS TO ANDRIIVKA THE ALTAR BOYS AMRUM ARCO BAD PAINTER BATTLE OF OSLO BEGINNINGS BELOW THE CLOUDS BROKEN VOICES THE CAPTIVE THE CHORAL COLOURS OF TIME DAMNED IF YOU DO, DAMNED IF YOU DON’T DEAF FAMILIA FATHER FRANZ FRONTIER FUZE GLENROTHAN GOD WILL NOT HELP

THE GOLDEN SPURTLE H IS FOR HAWK HAMLET HAMNET HELLO BETTY HEN HONEYJOON I SWEAR ISLANDS A LAND WITHIN THE LAST SPY THE LAST VIKING LATE SHIFT THE LITTLE SISTER LITTLE TROUBLE GIRLS THE LOVE THAT REMAINS MADE IN EU MAGELLAN A MAGNIFICENT LIFE MASPALOMAS MEDEA MIROIRS NO. 3 MR. BURTON MR. NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN THE NEGOTIATOR NO COMMENT ON THE SEA ONCE UPON MY MOTHER ORPHAN THE PARTY’S OVER! PRIMAVERA A PRIVATE LIFE RAOUL WALLENBERG: MISSING INACTION REEDLAND THE RICHEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD SAIPAN SENTIMENTAL VALUE SILENT FRIEND SILENT REBELLION SIRĀT SOUND OF FALLING THE SOUNDMAN SPICES AND LIES STARS SUNDAYS SWEET STÖRY THE TALE OF SILYAN THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE

TO THE VICTORY! THE TOWER OF STRENGTH TRAFFIC TWO PIANOS TWO PROSECUTORS WHAT MARIELLE KNOWS YOUNG MOTHERS

LATIN AMERICA

BELÉN BELOVED TROPIC THE BLUE TRAIL THE CONDOR DAUGHTER IT WOULD BE NIGHT IN CARACAS LA SALSA VIVE THE MYSTERIOUS GAZE OF THE FLAMINGO THE NATURE OF INVISIBLE THINGS A POET RUNA SIMI THE SECRET AGENT UNDER THE FLAGS, THE SUN YANUNI

MIDDLE EAST

ADAPTATION TO DARKNESS ALL THAT’S LEFT OF YOU EAGLES OF THE REPUBLIC HAPPY BIRTHDAY HIJRA IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT PALESTINE 36 THE PRESIDENT’S CAKE A SAD AND BEAUTIFUL WORLD THE SEA THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB YES

NORTH AMERICA

ASCO: WITHOUT PERMISSION ASK E. JEAN BRINGING UP BABY BOORMAN AND THE DEVIL BURT CASABLANCA CORONER TO THE STARS COVER-UP

DEAD MAN’S WIRE DOPE QUEENS DREAMS DRUNKEN NOODLES ELVIS, ROCKY & ME: THE CAROL CONNORS STORY FANTASY LIFE THE GAS STATION ATTENDANT GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE THE HOUSEMAID IDIOTKA IT’S DOROTHY! ITALIAN WANNABE KIM NOVAK’S VERTIGO KING HAMLET KPOP DEMON HUNTERS THE LIBRARIANS LOVELY DAY LUCKY LU MAD BILLS TO PAY MEADOWLARKS MODERN WHORE NATCHEZ ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER ORWELL: 2+2=5 THE PLAGUE RAMONA AND THE BALLAD OF JUAN DIEGO REMAINING NATIVE SHE DANCES SPEAK. STATE OF FIRSTS STEAL THIS STORY, PLEASE! THE THINGS YOU KILL THIRD ACT TOW VERTIGO WE ARE PAT WHISTLE YOUNGBLOOD ZOOTOPIA 2

OCEANIA JIMPA MĀRAMA SPIT

TRADE SECRET 147

JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

PSIFF.ORG

INDEX #

100 LITERS OF GOLD............................. 88 2000 METERS TO ANDRIIVKA............. 88 3670............................................................. 76

A

ADAPTATION TO DARKNESS............ 118 ALL THAT’S LEFT OF YOU..................... 88 THE ALTAR BOYS................................... 128 AMRUM...................................................... 82 ARCO........................................................... 64 ASCO: WITHOUT PERMISSION........ 118 ASK E. JEAN............................................. 118

B

BAD PAINTER........................................... 82 BATTLE OF OSLO................................... 128 BEGINNINGS........................................... 129 BELÉN......................................................... 89 BELOVED TROPIC................................... 89 BELOW THE CLOUDS.......................... 103 THE BLUE TRAIL..................................... 129 THE BOOK OF SIJJIN AND ILLIYYIN..... 116 BOORMAN AND THE DEVIL................ 72 BRINGING UP BABY................................ 70 BROKEN VOICES................................... 108 BURT.......................................................... 112

C

CALLE MALAGA....................................... 57 THE CAPTIVE.......................................... 103 CASABLANCA........................................... 70 THE CHORAL.......................................... 129 COLOURS OF TIME............................... 129 THE CONDOR DAUGHTER................ 130 CORONER TO THE STARS..................... 73 COVER-UP............................................... 103

D

DAMNED IF YOU DO, DAMNED IF YOU DON’T............................................. 130 DEAD MAN’S WIRE................................. 59 DEAF.......................................................... 108 DOPE QUEENS......................................... 76 DREAMS................................................... 104 DRUNKEN NOODLES............................ 76

E

EAGLES OF THE REPUBLIC................... 89 ELVIS, ROCKY & ME: THE CAROL CONNORS STORY................................. 119 THE EYES OF GHANA............................ 73

F

FAMILIA...................................................... 89 FANTASY LIFE......................................... 112 FATHER....................................................... 90 FIRE.............................................................. 71 FRANZ....................................................... 104 FRONTIER................................................ 130 FUZE.......................................................... 130

G

THE GAS STATION ATTENDANT....... 119 GLENROTHAN.......................................... 57 GOD WILL NOT HELP........................... 108 THE GOLDEN SPURTLE................ 62, 119 GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE............................................... 116 GUSTAAKH ISHQ................................... 131

H

HAMLET..................................................... 59 HAMNET.................................................... 49 HAPPY BIRTHDAY................................... 90 HELLO BETTY.................................. 63, 131 HEN............................................................ 104 HIJRA........................................................... 90 H IS FOR HAWK..................................... 131 HOMEBOUND.......................................... 90 HONEYJOON.......................................... 113 THE HOUSEMAID................................... 48

I

L

A LAND WITHIN...................................... 82 LA SALSA VIVE........................................ 120 THE LAST DANCE.................................... 91 THE LAST SPY........................................... 83 THE LAST VIKING.................................. 104 LATE SHIFT................................................ 91 LEFT HANDED GIRL................................ 92 THE LIBRARIANS..................................... 51 THE LITTLE SISTER.................................. 77 LITTLE TROUBLE GIRLS......................... 92 THE LOVE THAT REMAINS................... 92 LOVELY DAY............................................ 132 LUCKY LU................................................. 109

M

MAD BILLS TO PAY................................ 109 MADE IN EU............................................ 132 MAGELLAN................................................ 92 A MAGNIFICENT LIFE........................... 105 MANOK...................................................... 77 MĀRAMA................................................. 117 MASPALOMAS.......................................... 75 MEADOWLARKS................................... 132 MEDEA........................................................ 71 MIROIRS NO. 3....................................... 105 MODERN WHORE................................ 120 MR. BURTON.......................................... 133 MR. NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN........... 93 MY FATHER’S SHADOW........................ 93 THE MYSTERIOUS GAZE OF THE FLAMINGO................................................ 93

IDIOTKA.................................................... 113 IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE..................... 71 ISLANDS..................................................... 82 I SWEAR....................................................... xx ITALIAN WANNABE......................... 63, 74 IT’S DOROTHY!........................................ 73 IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT................. 91 IT WOULD BE NIGHT IN CARACAS.... 131

NATCHEZ................................................. 120 THE NATURE OF INVISIBLE THINGS.... 109 THE NEGOTIATOR................................. 109 NO COMMENT....................................... 133 NO OTHER CHOICE................................ 93

J

O

JIMPA.......................................................... 77

K

KIM NOVAK’S VERTIGO........................ 72 KING HAMLET.......................................... 48 KOKUHÔ.................................................... 91 KPOP DEMON HUNTERS..................... 65 KY NAM INN........................................... 132

N

ONCE UPON MY MOTHER................. 133 ON THE SEA............................................ 110 ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER.......... 48 ORPHAN..................................................... 94 ORWELL: 2+2=5..................................... 105

P

PALESTINE 36........................................... 94 THE PARTY’S OVER!.............................. 133 THE PLAGUE........................................... 117 A POET........................................................ 94 THE PRESIDENT’S CAKE....................... 94 PRIMAVERA............................................. 134

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INDEX P

A PRIVATE LIFE....................................... 134 PROJECT Y............................................... 134 PROMISED SKY...................................... 134

R

RAMONA AND THE BALLAD OF JUAN DIEGO............................................. 74 RAOUL WALLENBERG: MISSING INACTION................................................ 120 REEDLAND................................................ 95 REMAINING NATIVE............................. 121 RENOIR..................................................... 135 THE RICHEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD..................................................... 135 RUNA SIMI............................................... 121

S

A SAD AND BEAUTIFUL WORLD........ 95 SAIPAN...................................................... 135 THE SEA...................................................... 95 THE SECRET AGENT............................... 95 SENTIMENTAL VALUE.......................... 105 SHE DANCES........................................... 113 SILENT FRIEND....................................... 106

Open for lunch & dinner daily.

Reservations are suggested and available on Open Table.

s

SILENT REBELLION............................... 110 SIRĀT........................................................... 96 THE SOUNDMAN.................................. 106 SOUND OF FALLING.............................. 96 SPEAK....................................................... 121 SPICES AND LIES............................ 63, 135 SPIT............................................................ 136 STARS.......................................................... 83 STATE OF FIRSTS..................................... 77 STEAL THIS STORY, PLEASE!.............. 121 THE SUN RISES ON US ALL................ 136 SUNDAYS................................................. 136 SWEET STÖRY................................. 62, 122

T

THE TALE OF SILYAN.............................. 96 THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE............ 49 THE THINGS YOU KILL........................... 96 THIRD ACT................................................. 73 TO THE VICTORY!.................................. 136 TOW.......................................................... 113 THE TOWER OF STRENGTH................ 97 TRADE SECRET....................................... 122 TRAFFIC...................................................... 97

T

TWO PIANOS.......................................... 137 TWO PROSECUTORS........................... 106

U

UNDER THE FLAGS, THE SUN............. 97 A USEFUL GHOST.................................... 97

V

VERTIGO.................................................... 59 THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB................ 98

W

WE ARE PAT.............................................. 75 WHAT MARIELLE KNOWS.................... 83 WHISTLE.................................................. 122

Y

YANUNI.................................................... 122 YES............................................................. 106 YOUNGBLOOD...................................... 137 YOUNG MOTHERS.................................. 98

Z

ZOOTOPIA 2.............................................. 64

200 W Arenas Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.8886 holidayhouseps.com @holidayhouseps

149 JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

PSIFF.ORG

2026 FESTIVAL STAFF

EXECUTIVE

Toni Merrihew, Executive Director Rhea Woodson, Managing Director Lili Rodriguez, Artistic Director Christina Sasse, Film Awards Director of Operations & Producer

ADMINISTRATION

Alexander Paz, Operations Manager Mackenzie Wardlow, Operations Assistant Felicia Alford, Accounting & HR Manager Jose Padilla, Accounting Assistant Judith Beltran, Office Coordinator Mary Hanson, Volunteer Manager Jim Gazan, Assistant Volunteer Manager

PROGRAMMING

Jennifer Van Camp, Programming & Education Manager Alissa Simon, Chief of Programming Hebe Tabachnik, Senior Programmer Mimi Brody, Programmer Brian Hu, Programmer Daniel Crooke, Associate Programmer & Retreats Producer Natali Hopkins, Educational Programs Manager Phil Segal, Programming Coordinator & Film Society Programmer Sammy Merabet, Programming Coordinator Linton Melita, Introductions and Q&A Coordinator Victoria Sung, Programming Intern Raven Zaki, Programming Intern

BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

Scarlett Wilmsen, Corporate Sponsorship Manager Anne Blalock, Philanthropy Relations Manager Kameron Gregson, Film Awards & Brand Partnerships Coordinator Jose Padilla, Administrative Assistant

MARKETING

Cord Media Company Alexia Zografakis, Marketing Intern

CREATIVE

Martin Foster, Designer & Creative Services Coordinator Sammy Merabet, Design Associate Joel Hoglund & Martin Foster, Publications Coordinators Jesse Knight, Publications Editor Poster Art by LAssociates

PUBLICITY

Scenario Communications: Steven Wilson, Co-Founder/President Lauren Peteroy Kelly, Vice-President Kylie Elliot, Senior Account Executive Austin Good, Account Executive

GUEST RELATIONS

Noopur Sinha, Guest Relations Manager Jack Heggi, Guest Relations Coordinator Jorge Molina, Guest Relations Coordinator

Ian Stewart, Ground Transportation Manager Rebecca Montalvo, Guest Relations Assistant/Hotel Coordinator

FESTIVAL OPERATIONS

Aaron Ridenour, Technical Director Joshua Nye, Theater Operations Manager Mijoe Sahiouni, Theater Operations Assistant Manager Nicole Noroian, Special Events Manager Clayton Martin, Print Traffic Manager Jesse Dubus, Print Traffic Coordinator Danielle Mitchell, Print Traffic Assistant Chad Gneiting, Production Manager

BOX OFFICE

Caroline Harbour, Box Office Co-Manager Casey Knight, Box Office Co-Manager Debbie Wright, Concierge Manager Cassie Conklin, Concierge Assistant Elle Jarecki, Credentials Manager

FILM AWARDS

Jessica Jazayeri, Associate Director Ron Sylvester, Show Director Joel Hoglund, Program Writer Martin Foster, Designer Adrenia Kemp, Transportation Manager Alex Figueroa, Transportation Assistant Amy Hartman, Studio Manager Andrew Schaff, Front of House Manager Brian Bell, Transportation Manager Daniel Kleba, Production Manager Dina Morales, VIP Manager Jarelle Balanzat, Executive Assistant Jeff Fink, Transportation Manager Jessica Diller, Transportation Manager Lilliam Sanchez, Film Awards Assistant Matt McRee, Credentials and Transportation Support Nichole Alvarez, Credentials and Transportation Manager

VENUE MANAGERS

Graham Bennett, Melissa Camarena, Nathalie Cupen, Cola Engel, Ryan Fitzsimmons, Sarah Frost, Hilary Gil, Jeremy Goodlander, Julia Grinberg, Stephanie Hough, Christine Holt, Ava Jackson, Dana Kapella, Daniel Ladanne, Charlee Liebskind, Alex Mills, Jenn Misko, Brendan Newcomb, Paul O’Conner, Anna Peters, Addison Woodson

PROJECTION TEAM

Franciso Ashwanden, Greg Babush, Chris Bredenberg, Alex Fountain, Ryan Gardner Smith, Curt Heiner, Sarah Kennedy, Talia Kopecki-Phillips, Sam La Strapes, Miles Marsico, Brian Morataya, Morgan Murphy, Dael Norwitz, Jesse Palmer, Kelsey Parks, Hasti Soltani, Wyatt Stone, Brandon Theige

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lexi Amoriello, Chris Feil, Jesse Knight, Taylor Lomax, Linton Melita, Neal Mulani, Phil Segal, Darcy Wytko 151

JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

PSIFF.ORG

Docs?

Got ‘em.

International dramas?

Yep. Late-night weird stuff?

Oh yeah.

Whatever you’re into, there’s something for you at ShortFest.

Seven days, 300+ short films, filmmakers from around the world and a community of people who seriously love cinema.

June 23-29, 2026 psfilmfest.org

152 PSIFF.ORG

JANUARY 2 – 12, 2026

We couldn’t agree more. Beneath the desert stars, the Plaza Theatre returns to the spotlight, debuting a brilliant new chapter for our city.

Welcome to the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival.

palmspringsca.gov

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