Moviegoers, filmmakers and industry insiders descended on Palm Springs Friday as the 37th Palm Springs International Film Festival kicked off with multiple screenings across the city.
Opening night festivities on Friday will include a screening of “Calle Malaga” at Palm Springs High School, 2401 E. Baristo Road, with director Maryam Touzani and producer Nabil Ayouch expected to attend. The drama explores family ties and generational conflict within a Moroccan immigrant community.
The festival will feature 169 films from 72 countries, with screenings scheduled at multiple venues, including the Plaza Theatre, Camelot Theatre, Festival Theatre and the Mary Pickford Theatre in Cathedral City.
The 37th edition of the festival runs from Jan. 2 through Jan. 12. Awards events will begin Saturday at the Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros.
This year’s honorees include Michael B. Jordan, Adam Sandler, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried, Kate Hudson, Miley Cyrus, Rose Byrne, Timothee Chalamet, director Guillermo del Toro’s film “Frankenstein” and director Chloe Zhao’s film “Hamnet.”
Juried awards in seven competitive categories will be announced Jan. 11.