Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs.
It’s always exciting to have an event that feels grand in scale and deeply personal while contributing to a great cause, and The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) is precisely that. Each January, the festival draws Hollywood royalty, acclaimed international filmmakers, industry insiders, critics and passionate movie lovers to the desert. Against a backdrop of Mid-Century Modern glamour and sun-washed mountains, Palm Springs becomes a stage where cinema and community meet in perfect harmony.
A Festival With Vision
The festival is the brainchild of former Mayor Sonny Bono, whose goal was to put Palm Springs on the map as a tourist destination. It took a year of gathering major sponsors—American Airlines, Metropolitan Theatres, Wells Fargo Bank and celebrities alike—to make it happen. The first festival, which launched in 1990, was a significant success. Nearly four decades later, PSIFF spans almost two weeks and fills theaters across the city with screenings of international features and documentaries alongside Hollywood blockbusters.
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Photo by Featureflash Photo Agency/shutterstock.com
An ICONIC Event
The festival’s appeal lies not only in discovery but also in glamour. Its Awards Gala includes some of Hollywood’s most celebrated names, including Nicole Kidman, Adrien Brody, Angelina Jolie and Ariana Grande. It’s also a chance to see films before they become major blockbusters, and many of these screenings have received Oscar nominations.
The Awards Gala is considered one of the most glamorous nights of the year. Stars walk the red carpet before being honored for their artistry, with categories ranging from International Star to Rising Star.
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More Than Film
This international film festival is more than screenings and red carpets; it’s also about raising the next generation of filmmakers and artists. Produced by the non-profit organization Palm Springs International Film Society, the event helps fund educational programs and student screenings. These initiatives bring the power of film into classrooms, provide opportunities for young filmmakers and ensure that the arts remain accessible across the Coachella Valley.
Another key philosophy is making the festival available to all. Organizations like the Auen Foundation have helped expand volunteer opportunities and provide tickets for seniors and community groups, keeping the festival rooted in inclusivity. Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts further support programming and workshops, strengthening the festival’s role as a platform for local and international voices and showing it’s truly a community coming together to create something remarkable every year.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The 37th Palm Springs International Film Festival is scheduled for Jan. 2-12, 2026. The Film Awards gala will take place on Saturday, Jan. 3, at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Screenings begin on opening night, followed by a full slate of programming and conclude with Best of Fest presentations on January 12.
New in 2026, the festival organizers announced Kering as the presenting sponsor of the Film Awards. Its Women In Motion program will introduce two “Talking Pictures” events during the opening weekend, bringing conversations about filmmaking and women’s voices in cinema to audiences. Festival passes and Film Awards gala tables are currently on sale.
Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs.
A Celebration That Lasts
What truly makes the PSIFF ICONIC is that it embraces both prestige and discovery while ensuring the legacy is passed on to aspiring filmmakers for generations. It welcomes global voices while remaining firmly rooted in the glamour of Palm Springs. Every January, the festival reminds us that film has the power to inspire, challenge and connect.
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