Jan. 4 Daily Briefing: How to see the stars as film fest starts, a guide to local book clubs, and more

Happy Thursday, everyone, where we hope word reached you yesterday that last night’s free tribute band concert in Downtown Park was canceled due to concerns about the weather. We’re not sure what the data says, but it sure seems like rain often hits on Wednesdays when there are free concerts and movies planned in that park! Worry not — the event has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. Weather permitting, of course.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Like The Movies” by Lauren

---

LEADING OFF

Film fest kicks off today with screenings, awards

One of the biggest events of the year, The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF), begins today, with several films screening this morning and afternoon and the Palm Springs Film Awards this evening.

With much of the focus on the huge international stars in town, it’s easy to forget that the event is also a big hit with locals. Whether you have a festival pass or just want to see a couple of screenings, here’s a rundown of what you need to know.

Driving the news: Festival representatives say the PSIFF, which runs through Jan. 14, has come to be known as the first stop on the road to the Academy Awards. In its 35th year, the global lineup of the festival includes 180 films from 74 countries. 

On the schedule: In addition to films, the PSIFF also offers “Talking Pictures” presentations, where actors and directors participate in a sit-down discussion after a screening of the film, curated film-inspired dinners, a family day, and a panel focused on international feature films. Tickets for screenings and Talking Pictures events range from $15 to $30.

• Check out the full schedule and get tickets online here.

Some highlights: With 180 films and dozens of events, it’s hard to prioritize. Following are some of out recommendations:

• This morning at 10 a.m., you can catch a screening of “American Fiction” with actor Jeffrey Wright or see “The Color Purple” at 10:30 a.m. with actresses Danielle Brooks and Taraji P. Henson.
  
  
• At 11 a.m. this morning, “Maestro” will be screened, following a discussion with actress Carey Mulligan, and at 12:30 p.m. Greta Gerwig will join a screening of “Barbie.”
  
  
• On Friday at 11:15 a.m., there will be a screening of “Poor Things” with director Yorgos Lanthimos and actors Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe.
  
  
• In addition to films with Oscar buzz, there will also be a spotlight on South Korean Cinema with films like “The Handmaiden” and “Train to Busan,” and a celebration of films like “Goodfellas” and “Paris Is Burning” released in 1990 to honor the festival’s 35th anniversary.
  
  
• Other categories include New Voices, New Visions, Modern Masters, Queer Cinema, Cine Latino, and more.
  
  
• Two films were selected as a part of the Local Spotlight highlighting films from the Coachella Valley, “Amongst the Trees” and “The Green Desert,” and the film “Merchant Ivory” was directed by local Stephen Soucy.

Tonight, the stars will be out on the red carpet outside the Palm Springs Convention Center for the film awards. Honorees include Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Greta Gerwig, Jeffrey Wright, Carey Mulligan, Paul Giamatti, and more. 

Yes but: Tickets for a table at the awards ceremony cost upwards of $350. But patient fans waiting across the street from the entrance are often rewarded when stars come over to take selfies and sign autographs. 

• Doors open for the ceremony at 4:30 p.m., and the stars could start arriving any time after that. Keep in mind, the biggest stars might also be the latest.

---

FEATURED EVENTS

Sustainability Subcommittee on Waste and Recycling 
2:30 p.m. | City Hall
According to the agenda, the subcommittee will discuss topics including composting, battery recycling, and eco-friendly foodware.

Palm Springs International Film Awards
4:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Convention Center
The stars will be out tonight at the annual film awards. Expect lots of traffic in the area surrounding the convention center. 

Public Arts Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Commissioners will meet to discuss art in public parks and asphalt art, among other items on the agenda.

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
The weekly street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food. The Palm Springs Art Museum also has free admission tonight starting at 5 p.m.

Jazz Grooves at the Revolution
6 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
Vocalist/trumpeter Joe Gransden and his band will be performing the very best of smooth jazz and the American Songbook. ($35)

Bridge Night
6 p.m. | Play Lounge & Cafe
Join others for a couple of rousing rounds of the card game bridge. 

SAVE THE DATE

• Mini Masterpieces Show at Desert Art Center this Saturday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival at Ruth Hardy Park on Jan. 27.
  
  
• PS Woman’s Club Annual Patio Sale on Feb. 3.
  
  
• Tour de Palm Springs in Downtown Palm Springs on Feb. 10.

---

AND FINALLY …

📚 Did you set a goal this new year to start reading more books? Lucky for you, there are plenty of book clubs in the city that can help you meet your goal and connect you with fellow readers. 

Driving the news: Palm Springs is a city of book lovers, with five book clubs hosted by the Palm Springs Public Library covering different topics and held at different times. 

• Whether you’re a lifelong reader looking for some fresh material or a burgeoning bookworm, book clubs can introduce you to new authors, genres, and friends!

Here’s a list of book clubs hosted by the Palm Springs Public Library:

• Morning Coffee Book Club: Meets at 10:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month, September through May, at the Welwood Murray Memorial Library in downtown Palm Springs. Here’s their list of titles, and you can join here.
  
  
• Nonesuch Nonfiction Book Club: Meets at 2 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month from September through May at the Learning Center in the Palm Springs Public Library. Here’s their list of titles, and you can join here.
  
  
• Friends of the Palm Springs Library Book Club: Meets at 2 p.m. on the third Friday of each month, September through May, at the Learning Center in the Palm Springs Public Library. Here’s their list of titles, and you can join by emailing friendspslibrary.bookclub@gmail.com 
  
  
• Libros, Té y Más Book Club: This Spanish language reading group meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month, January through April, in the story room at the Palm Springs Public Library. Here’s their list of titles, and you can join here.
  
  
• Outbook Book Club: Selections for this book club highlights LGBTQ+ new releases and classics. The group meets at 6 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month at the Learning Center in the Palm Springs Public Library. Here’s their list of titles, and you can join here.