By Valerie Milano
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 1/2/26 – The Palm Springs International Film Festival returns January 2 through January 12, reaffirming its reputation as one of the most dynamic showcases of international and independent cinema on the festival circuit. This year’s edition is the largest in the event’s history, presenting 168 films from 72 countries, including 53 premieres and 44 official submissions for the Academy Award® for International Feature Film.
At its heart, PSIFF remains deeply committed to the idea of cinema as both a global art form and a shared experience. Artistic Director Lili Rodriguez emphasizes the festival’s rare balance of elegance and accessibility, where audiences can experience world-class films while still engaging intimately with the artists behind them.
The festival opens January 2 with Calle Malaga, the Spanish-language debut from director Maryam Touzani. Set in Tangier, the film stars Carmen Maura as a fiercely independent woman determined to protect her home, and her identity, against encroaching change. The closing night film on January 12, Glenrothan, marks the directorial debut of celebrated actor Brian Cox. Co-starring Alan Cumming, the film tells the story of estranged brothers brought back together in their Scottish hometown through the legacy of their family’s whiskey distillery.
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A highlight of the festival’s first weekend is the Palm Springs International Film Awards on January 3, which will honor an impressive roster of artists and films. This year’s recipients include Timothée Chalamet, Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Amanda Seyfried, Ethan Hawke, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, Adam Sandler, and standout films such as Frankenstein, Hamnet, and Sentimental Value, underscoring PSIFF’s strong connection to the awards season conversation.
Located just over 100 miles east of Hollywood, Palm Springs offers a setting unlike any other on the festival trail. Long known as a retreat for entertainment industry figures, the city blends cinematic history with a relaxed desert atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for both premieres and meaningful dialogue around film.
As awards season accelerates, PSIFF’s timing is especially significant. Chief Programmer Alissa Simon notes that the festival’s signature Awards Buzz program curates a focused selection of international Oscar contenders, often bringing shortlisted filmmakers directly to Palm Springs for screenings and discussions, an opportunity rarely available elsewhere.
One of the festival’s defining qualities is its emphasis on direct engagement. Filmmaker conversations extended Q&As, and intimate discussions are woven throughout the schedule. This year’s lineup includes high-profile screenings such as Hamnet, One Battle After Another, and The Testament of Ann Lee, alongside a newly expanded Family Day, featuring free screenings and a special sing-along presentation of Kpop Demon Hunters.
New to the festival this year is the Close-Ups program, a documentary series offering personal portraits of influential figures in cinema. Among its most anticipated events is the January 9 screening of Kim Novak’s Vertigo, with legendary actress Kim Novak in attendance. Directed by Alexandre O. Phillippe, the film revisits Novak’s iconic performance in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, her rise to Hollywood stardom, and her later life as an artist in Oregon, offering a reflective and deeply human look at a screen legend’s enduring legacy.
With its expansive programming, intimate access, and unmistakable desert glamour, the Palm Springs International Film Festival once again proves why it remains a vital bridge between global cinema and the heart of awards season.
