Maryam Touzani’s ‘Calle Malaga’ Opens, Brian Cox’s ‘Glenrothan’ Closes Palm Springs Fest
The Palm Springs International Film Festival will mark its 37th edition from January 2 to 12. This year’s festival will open with Maryam Touzani’s film, Calle Malaga, and close with Brian Cox’s film, Glenrothan. The festival has announced a lineup featuring 168 films from 72 countries, including 53 premieres and 44 films vying for the Oscar for Best International Feature.
Calle Malaga: A Story of Home and Identity
Calle Malaga stars Carmen Maura as an elderly woman in Tangier, struggling to retain her home amidst her daughter’s plans to sell it. The narrative centers on themes of family bonds and personal identity.
Glenrothan: A Family Drama
Glenrothan showcases the dynamic between estranged brothers, portrayed by Brian Cox and Alan Cumming. Set in a picturesque Scottish town, the film explores the traditions surrounding their family’s whiskey distillery.
Highlighted Films and Talent
- King Hamlet – Featuring Oscar Isaac and directed by Elvira Lind.
- Kim Novak’s Vertigo – Special appearance by Kim Novak with director Alexandre O. Philippe.
- The Housemaid – Directed by Paul Feig.
- She Dances – Starring Audrey Zahn, Steve Zahn, and directed by Rick Gomez.
- Elvis, Rocky & Me – Featuring songwriter Carol Connors.
- Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die – Directed by Gore Verbinski.
- It Would Be Night in Caracas – Featuring actor Edgar Ramirez.
- Steal This Story, Please! – With journalist Amy Goodman.
- Palestine 36 – Directed by Annemarie Jacir.
- The Last Viking – Directed by Anders Thomas Jensen.
New Initiatives and Program Highlights
This year’s festival introduces a series titled Gateway Films, curated by notable figures such as Diane Kruger and Leonard Maltin. Another feature is an in-depth panel discussion moderated by The Hollywood Reporter, focusing on Oscar contenders for Best International Feature.
The festival will also include an “After Dark” section, showcasing genre films, as well as an American Indies section highlighting emerging U.S. filmmakers.
Film Awards Ceremony
Hollywood’s stars will gather for the festival’s Film Awards on January 3. Honorees this year include Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, Adam Sandler, and Leonardo DiCaprio, among others.
Artistic director Lili Rodriguez expressed excitement for the upcoming festival, emphasizing its role in bringing together audiences and filmmakers. “This year’s selections reflect the vibrant energy of world cinema today,” she stated.
