Jan. 5 Daily Briefing: Local director screens tribute at film fest, progress on airport mural, free park passes, and more

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🎶 Setting the mood: “Paris Latino” by Bandolero

LEADING OFF

Local filmmaker pays tribute to James Ivory, collaborators in new documentary

Local director Stephen Soucy is preparing for screenings of his film “Merchant Ivory,” a documentary celebrating the historic partnership of James Ivory and Ismail Merchant, at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Driving the news: The documentary reveals the personal and professional relationship between Merchant and Ivory, who were life and business partners for four decades, and their collaboration with screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala and composer Richard Robbins.

Why it matters: Merchant Ivory produced 43 films, including beloved classics like “Howards End,” “The Remains of the Day,” and “A Room with a View.” 

Background: While making an animated short documentary focusing on the composer of 21 of those films, Richard Robbins, Soucy learned more about the behind-the-scenes story of Merchant Ivory. Ivory, who was narrating the short film, agreed to let Soucy make the definitive documentary on Merchant Ivory. 

How it happened: The filmmaker said it took four long years to make the documentary a reality. The labor of love is crafted with interviews from Merchant Ivory collaborators, actors, including Hugh Grant, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emma Thompson, and Ivory himself, the only member of the original quartet of creators still living.

The goal: Soucy hopes to inspire future filmmakers with Merchant Ivory’s example of resourcefulness and determination.

What they’re saying: “Merchant Ivory was one of the first independent production companies, and Ivory is kind of like the granddaddy of independent film,” Soucy said. The studio had to raise money for every single film because they worked outside major studio systems. 

Details: Soucy’s film, “Merchant Ivory,” will be screened at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on Jan. 6, Jan. 7 and Jan. 13. Find tickets here. 

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

BRIEFLY

🎨 Commission seeks more revisions in proposed airport mural

What could be one of the most visible pieces of artwork in the city got further scrutiny Thursday evening from the Public Arts Commission, which asked for some final changes before giving final approval.

• The artwork, slated to appear on a wall at Palm Springs International Airport, features postcard-like lettering of the words “Palm Springs,” with scenes of desert life including pools, the Tram, mountains, and more. Another part of the design is a more sparse mountain scene with the words “Welcomes You.”
  
  
• Commission members were pleased that the artist had revised the design since their last meeting. Among the changes was removal of the depiction of polo playing in favor of hiking to make the design more Palm Springs-centric.
  
  
• Bottom line: Commissioners were happy with the improved design, but wanted the final product to be more detailed and refined. The revised design will be considered at a future meeting.

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YOUR WEEKEND

ALL WEEKEND

Palm Springs International Film Festival
It’s the 35th anniversary of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, and there are screenings of films, new and old, all weekend, as well as the festival’s “Talking Pictures” conversations with actors and directors.  

TODAY

Country Western Dancing
7:30 p.m. | Step By Step 
Enjoy a night of country western dancing, including two-step, waltz, shadow, East and West Coast swing, and line dances. Lessons at 7 p.m. ($5)

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show
7:30 p.m. | Oscar’s Palm Springs
The comedy show this week features Kells Jokenword, Patrick Deguire, and GeoffBSerious. ($20)

Drag Race Viewing Party
8 p.m. | Play Lounge and Cafe
Come to a viewing party for the premier of the new season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” hosted by Luna La Fierce.

SATURDAY

Certified Farmers’ Market
8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Camelot Theatre
The market returns to its outdoor location, with local farmers and vendors offering fresh agri­cul­tural and related products.

Murder in the Sky: Airplanes and War in the Films of Alfred Hitchcock
1 p.m. | Palm Springs Air Museum
Emmy-nominated documentarian Steven C. Smith gives a presentation on Alfred Hitchcock’s use of planes and flight onscreen and the last impact it had on cinema. ($23)

Mini Masterpieces Show Opening Reception
5 p.m. | Desert Art Center
The Mini Masterpieces event returns to celebrate its 74th year. Come and view 6” x 6” canvases created by our artists, all priced at $74. 

SUNDAY

Palm Springs Vintage Market
8 a.m. | Camelot Theater
This monthly market features unique and quirky furniture, décor, clothing, accessories, and more. Come enjoy the shopping, or just browse and take in the music and food. Early preview at 7 a.m. ($5)

Cabaret Workshop
4 p.m. | Oscar’s Palm Springs
Host Craig Victor with Christopher Marlowe at the piano will help hone your skill, whether it’s singing, dancing, playing an instrument, stand-up, or any other talent. ($10)

Golden Globes Viewing Party
5 p.m. | Play Lounge and Cafe
Play games and vote on who you think will win during this Golden Globes Awards watch party.

SAVE THE DATE

• Rock the Park free outdoor tribute band concert, rescheduled for Jan. 10.
  
  
• Palm Springs Speaks presents an evening with Fran Drescher on Jan. 25.
  
  
• 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

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AND FINALLY …

Did you (like one of us) make a vow to get out into nature more this year? If so, here’s your reminder that the Palm Springs Public Library is making it easier.

Driving the news: Library cardholders can now access over 200 California State Parks for free and borrow a Discovery Backpack filled with outdoor exploration tools, thanks to a new program funded by the State of California.

Zoom in: The program allows library patrons to check out a California State Park hangtag pass, which provides free vehicle day-use entry to participating state parks. 

• The pass is valid for one passenger vehicle with a capacity of nine people or less, or one highway licensed motorcycle, any day of the week, including holidays, if space is available.

But wait: Along with the pass, the library is offering 10 Discovery Backpacks, equipped with binoculars, a compass, three books, a set of California Nature Field Guides, a ‘Leave No Trace’ card in English and Spanish, an emergency whistle, and a map of California State Parks. The map and whistle can be kept by the user after use.

• The backpacks and passes can be checked out for two weeks at no cost with a library card.

Details: More information about the California State Library Parks Program can be found online at CheckOutCAStateParks.com.