Travel:Palm Spring's 37th Film Fest 📽️ CA , US, Jan. 4-12th/2026
- Lili Naveh
- Jan 13
- 12 min read
36th Palm Springs fest 2025 (here)
The Palm Springs International Film Festival which I have been attending for over 10 years, and which offers a large and high quality selection of international foreign language films, has been one of my delightful interests,
I have enthusiastically perused it every year in January. enjoying viewing about 4 films, each day for the 8 days on average
of my stay., in this charming desert town, about which I wrote more in detail here
An Unexpected expectancy
On the early morning of Jan 4th, I was due to fly out with Alaska Air to Palm Springs, which is only an hour and an half flight away from SFO. To my dismay, I discovering when waking up at 5:00am, that Alaska Air cancelled the 9;00am flight, because of some FAA mysterious flight's regulations restrictions.
keren my daughter and her husband Elie who were also awake that early morning, being parents to a 5 months old baby, went into an immediate rescue operation mode, and with much determination, booked me a seat - the only one left- on another early morning flight with United Air due to depart SFO at 8:25 am.
That flight was completely full. and it was a sheer luck I managed to get on it, and to have made it to the airport on time, mainly thanks to the ride given by Keren .
SFO airport was mobbed with travelers returning from the long New Year weekend..
but somehow the long lines at the Security Check were steadily streaming , so that delaying obstacle, was also successfully overcome.
Despite of the fogy grey and rainy weather, the flight departed on time to my relief, though the stress was still bubbling and only continued building up, when a warning to anticipate a bumpy turbulent flight. was announced.
As the flight neared the majestic pointy snow- caped San Jacinto mountains looming over Palm Springs at Coachella valley I found myself in a "reality nightmare" movie directed by unforeseen Geo-political circumstances.
The United Air flight was hovering over Palm Sprigs for about 15 minutes as it didn’t get a permission to land, The aircraft, we were also notified, didn’t have enough fuel
(only for 50 minutes) as to continue hovering in air, waiting for unknown new landing slot.
Thus the pilot diverted the plane to LAX airport, about 20 minutes flight away, over the mountains, which already was jammed as it had to accommodate other derailed flights.
The plane started descending toward the LAX airport when suddenly the pilot pulled back up again into air and then hovered for another 15 minutes, burning the last drops
of meager extra fuel supply, before finally making the landing.
Initially we were told to hang out by the gate, at LAX, as United Air tried to arrange for another connecting flight to Palm Springs within an hour. Regretfully, however, that effort failed, and passengers were told after another hour of wait, to pick up their luggage, and line up for a bus ride transport to Palm Springs.
After 3 hours “hovering” on land at the airport, while waiting for United Air to get the logistic act together, and in retrieving the luggage, I was put on the third and last bus, that departed just before 2:00pm. I made it to Palm Springs a bit after 4:00pm.
It was not clear what was the problem at the US airports when not just mine, but many other flights were grounded or derailed, allegedly related to Radar capacity limitations,
The formal reporting by the papers indicated that Palm Springs Airport (PSP) significant flight disruptions, including ground stops and delays, started January 3rd, due to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control issue affecting Southern California airspace, impacting multiple airports and causing cascading delays that extended into January 4th as the FAA worked on repairs and airlines managed backlogs. The issue wasn't specific to PSP but caused extensive cancellations and significant schedule impacts during a busy holiday travel period.
The informal speculation indicated that the disruptions were related to the US attack of Venezuela and military increased usage of Radars. On Jan. 3rd 2026, the US launched military strikes on Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores .
What ever was the reason, to the disruptions, the impact of the halted departures significant delays, and cancellations. it was a nightmare for many impacted travelers
Thus instead of landing at 10am, and missing most of the day's films, once getting off the bus upon arrival, I did mange to quickly check into the hotel, that late afternoon
and got to see the 5:00pm and evening films,
Films Rating
Fest Home Page All Fest Films List Best of the Fest - Fest Feedback
My rated lists of films all which were screened at the festival, also include films released, that I saw in movie theaters or in streaming. prior to the
start of the film fest.
4 rating categories like : Outstanding, Very Good , Good and Fair , in liking reduce order as well as recommendations, and country/language of the film + IMDB numeric rating, are noted.
Outstanding
The Alter Boys. - (Polish. 7.2)
My favorite film at the fest.
Teenage altar boys tape confessionals to fight injustice their way. Wearing Zorro masks, they judge sinners and help the needy, blurring good and evil in their suburban crusade for moral renewal.
Kokuho (Japanese 8.0)
In post-war Japan's economic boom, gangster family-born Kikuo Tachibana finds himself adopted by a kabuki actor. Despite life's challenges, he develops into a gifted performer.
An amazing visually saga
Ky Nam Inn. (Vietnamese 8.1)
In post-war Saigon a young intellectual arrives with the task of translating The Little Prince, and develops a close connection with his downstairs neighbor, a quiet older widow.
A beautifully crafted drama exploring grief and desire
Mr Burton. (UK. 7.1)
Wild schoolboy and son of an alcoholic miner, Rich Jenkins is mentored by teacher Philip Burton to transform into Richard Burton - Wales's greatest star.
A remarkable acting talent..
Very Good
Primavera. (Italian 7.4)
A talented violinist, Cecilia, confined in an orphanage, meets Vivaldi who becomes her teacher. Under his mentorship and through his healing power of music, she gains courage to break free from the life she was destined for and pursue her life possibilities.
Sentimental Value. (Norway. 7.9)
A family drama, in which a filmmaker attempts to mount a comeback movie loaded with autobiographical elements, reigniting long-simmering resentments with his estranged 2 daughters.
An intimate exploration of memories, and the reconciliatory power of art.
The last Dance (Hong Kong 7.6)
A debt-ridden wedding planner inadvertently becomes a successful funeral planner, after he convince a traditional Taoist priest of his legitimacy to continue operating in the field.
The Last Viking. (Danish 7.3)
A wacky film with Mads Mikkelsen
on what is normal and abnormal.
A bank robber released from jail must unlock his traumatized brother's memory to recover stolen loot.
Tower of Strength. (Montenegro 7.2)
A hunted child finds a refuge in the house of the enemy. The host faces a terrible choice: save the child's life or risk losing his own family.
A riveting saga of ethnic conflictual interests in mountainous community.
No other Choice. (Korean. 7.5)
After being unemployed for several years, a man devises a unique plan to secure a new job: eliminate his competition..
A wacky well made film on the impact of technological changes in society
with several gruesome scenes
I swear. (UK. 8,5)
John Davidson: diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome at a young age which alienated him from his peers, he struggled with a condition few people had witnessed.
A well made and acted like doco-drama feature.
Nurenberg (US 7.4)
A WWII psychiatrist evaluates Nazi leaders before the Nuremberg trials, growing increasingly obsessed with understanding evil as he forms a disturbing bond with Hermann Göring.
An haunting amazingly acted film
Choral (UK 6.4)
A Yorkshire choir director gathers an eccentric ensemble to reinterpret a famous oratorio of Eduard Elgar in this commanding wartime (WWI) drama that beautifully depicts the healing power of music in the face of unimaginable loss.
Amrum. (German 7.2)
In 1945 in Amrum Island, 12-year-old Nanning hunts seals, fishes at night, and farms to help feed his Nazi admiring family. Life feels calm on this windswept isle until peace at the end of the WWII reveals an unexpected turn of events With a small Jewish Twist
Good
Hamnet. (UK. 8.1)
After losing their son Hamnet to plague, Agnes and William Shakespeare grapple with grief in 16th-c England.
A healer, Agnes must find strength to care for her surviving children while processing her devastating loss.
Beautiful cinematographic film.
The Secret Agent. - (Brazil. 7.9)
A political corruption drama in which
In 1977, a technology expert flees from a past and returns to his hometown of Recife in search of peace. He soon realizes that the city is far from being the refuge he seeks.
Several very gruesome scenes.
It was just an accident. (Iran 7.6)
An unassuming mechanic is reminded of his time in an Iranian prison when he encounters a man he suspects to be his sadistic jailhouse captor. Panicked, he rounds up a few of his fellow ex-prisoners to confirm the man's identity.
The Negotiator (Italian 6.7)
A riveting real-life thriller
Nicola Calipari, an Italian an Italian major general and SISMI military intelligence officer., risks his life to rescue a kidnapped journalist from an Iraqi terrorist cell. As they escape, Calipari is tragically killed while shielding the
Beginnings. (Danish 7.0)
Thomas and Ane, amid a divorce, haven't told their children. Ane suffers a stroke when Thomas plans to move in with his girlfriend. They stay together, facing challenges of their new reality.
Franz. (German 6.6)
It narrates the life of Czech writer Franz Kafka, from his birth to his death.
Renowned director Angieszka Holland’s Modernist luminary Franz Kafka is at time disturbing in portraying the visionary and enigmatic Kafka.
Made in EU. (Bulgaria 6.8)
A factory worker in rural Bulgaria becomes her town's first Covid case, unleashing a wave of blame and social ostracism. As the virus spreads, she faces mounting persecution from employers, coworkers, family, and neighbors.
On the primitive fears and heartlessness
of human beings.
Colors of Times. (French 7.3)
Follows the lives of the cousins who inherit an old house in rural Normandy and retrace their steps of their ancestors in 19th century Paris.
A celebration of colors and art
Once upon My mother. -(French 7.0)
A lioness mother's unwavering devotion helps her son, born with a clubfoot in 1963, overcome physical challenges and social barriers. Her powerful determination and conviction drives their remarkable journey through life's ups and downs.
The Silent Revolution. (French 7.0)
A virtuous teen in 1943 Switzerland questions her village's morality when they turn away French refugees.
After a personal trauma upends her life, she finds the courage to forge her own path as a liberated woman, against social expectations.
Happy Birthday. ( Egypt. 8.0)
Eight-year-old maid Toha goes to great lengths to ensure that who she considers to be her best friend Nelly, the daughter of her wealthy employer, has a successful birthday party. A poignant film exploring classism in modern-day Cairo.
The Sun Rises on Us All. - (Chinese. 6.4)
Ex-lovers reunite years later, burdened by past regrets, remorse and sacrifices. Their meeting stirs old feelings and pain until they finally embrace, crying, before parting ways again with unexpected ending.
Fantasy Life. (US 7.3)
After getting laid off, a thirty-something Jewish paralegal in New York starts babysitting his psychiatrist's three granddaughters and falls for their mother, an actress in a rocky marriage.
(Lebanese 7.9)
Across three decades, Nino and Yasmina are bound by a magnetic relationship. Torn between love and survival, they must decide whether to build a family in Lebanon, or leave their home amid the country's unfolding tragedies.
Matthias masters impersonating roles for hire: cultured boyfriend, perfect son, sparring partner. Professionally adept at pretending daily, his true challenge lies in being himself. The film also criticizes the
German inflated art scene.
Frontier (Spain 6.7)
In 1943, a Spanish customs officer quietly helps refugees flee Nazi-occupied France. As his defiance grows into a resistance movement, he and his wife are forced to confront the scars left by the Spanish Civil War
The HouseMaid. (US. 6.9)
A struggling young woman is relieved by the chance for a fresh start as a maid for a wealthy couple. Soon, she discovers that the family's secrets are far more dangerous than her own.
Some gruesome scenes.
Homebound. (India 8.0)
Two friends from a North Indian village pursue police jobs seeking dignity, but their friendship strains as desperation grows in their quest.
The Sea. (Israel. 7.6)
Khaled, a Palestinian boy, embarks on a dangerous journey to the sea in Israel for the first time in his life, despite Israeli authorities denying his entry. His father, Ribhi, is trying to trace his whereabouts, risking arrest and job loss.
The film was criticize as being anti Israeli.
Jay Kelly (US. 6.6)
Famous movie actor Jay Kelly embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting his past and present with his devoted manager Ron. Poignant and his children.
Belen. (Argentina. 7.2)
A woman hospitalized for pain discovers she's pregnant. After a medical emergency, she faces criminal charges. With support from her attorney and women's rights advocates, she fights for justice in a landmark case that could change lives.
Idiotca (US 8.4)
In West Hollywood's Russian district, Margarita of a Russian -Jewish decent lives out the American Dream: competing on a reality show. Will she slay, serve, or survive?
A funny endearing film.
Spices and Lies (France 6.4)
In this endearing culture-clash dramedy filled with mouthwatering comestibles, Franco-Algerian chef Mehdi learns some difficult lessons about love, identity, and being true to yourself.
Left Handed Girl - (Taiwan 7.4 )
A single mother and her two daughters relocate to Taipei to open a night market stall, each navigating the challenges of adapting to their new environment while striving to maintain family unity.
Late Shift. ( Swiss 7.7)
Floria, a dedicated nurse, tirelessly serves in an understaffed hospital ward. Herr shift becomes a tense and urgent race against the clock. A bit tedious film
An homage to the strenuous not enough appreciated work of the nursing profession.
A Poet. (Colombia 8.0)
An aging poet finds purpose mentoring Yurlady, a talented teen, though exposing her to the poetry scene might be unwise. His own poetic pursuits led nowhere, leaving him a stereotypical obscure writer.
A bit tedious film with the ugliest repulsive actor
Mirrors No.3 (German 6.6)
After a car crash kills her boyfriend, piano student Laura is taken in by Betty, who witnessed the accident. Living with Betty's family brings comfort, but Laura starts questioning their intentions as time passes.
Great acting of the 2 main women.
One Battle After Another ( US 7.8)
Bob is a washed-up revolutionary who survives off-grid with his spirited daughter. When his evil nemesis resurfaces after 16 years and she goes missing, the former radical with a group of ex-revolutionaries, reunite and scrambles to find her
Documentaries
The Last Spy (US 7.4) Very Good
A riveting portrait of 100-year-old CIA spymaster Peter Sichel. From escaping Nazi Germany as a Jewish refugee to becoming the first CIA Station chief in post-war Berlin and a key player in Cold War espionage.
The Liberian ( US. 7.7) Very Good
Librarians unite to combat book banning, defending intellectual freedom on democracy's frontlines amid unprecedented censorship in Texas, Florida, and beyond.
Adaptation to Darkness (US 7.0) Good
A biographical and psychological portrait of Dr. Edwin Katzen-Ellenbogen, a man of extraordinary abilities but very little conscience: a brilliant physician and a pioneer of psychiatric research, but also an elusive con artist who became the only Jew in history convicted of Nazi war crimes. The film traces his journey from a small town in Galicia to a career as a grou..
Orwell 2+2=5 (US 6.7) Good
The ultimate and comprehensive documentary film about the exceptional writer George Orwell., the English novelist, poet, essayist, journalist, and critic opposing to all totalitarianism (both authoritarian communism and fascism,
Modern Whore (Canda 8.1) Good
Andrea Werhun as she confronts the social stigma surrounding the profession, she portrays with humor and heartbreak, her past roles as escort Mary Ann, and stripper Sophia, all part of her Toronto sex work journey. An engaging and disturbing hybrid documentary
Only Fair
Meadowlarks (Canada 7.5)
Inspired by real events, 4 siblings, torn apart by the Sixties Scoop, reunite after a 50-year separation. for one week. in which they explore identity, loss, and healing
Films of Interest NOT yet Seen
Blue Moon (US 6.9) Calle Malag (Spanish 7.4). Battle of Oslo (Norway 7.2)
Father (Slovakia 7.3) Cover Up (US doco 7.5) The Captive (Spanish 6.2)
Tow (US 6..5) The Testament of Ann Lee (UK 6.9) Two Prosecutors (Russian 7.1)
A Private Lives.(French 6.3) Eagles of the Republic (Egypt 6.8) Magellan.(Portugal 6.7 )
Not screened at the Festival but I Saw and Recommend
Marty Supreme. ( US 8.2) Very Good
Marty Mauser, a young Jewish unhinged charterer with a dream to be a Ping Pong's world champion, which no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness.
A wacky entertaining superbly acted film.
Song Sung Blue. (US 7.5) Good
Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife couple - Mike and Claire Sardina, known for their heartfelt performances of Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together.
Is This Thing On (US 7.2) Good
As their marriage unravels, Alex faces middle age and divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene. Meanwhile, his wife Tess confronts sacrifices made for their family, forcing them to navigate co-parenting and identities.
Among Neighbors (Doco US 7.6)
In a small Polish town where a dark history has been silenced about the murdering of Jews, an eyewitness to murder speaks out in search of the Jewish boy she loved.
A very Good made Doco
SEE YOU AT THE MOVIES - THE END!