The 2009 Palm Springs International Film Festival wraps today, after a luncheon at DST Studios announced the winners yesterday. The festival began January 6 and screened 208 films from 73 countries, including 50 of the 67 foreign entries for this year's Academy Awards. The growing festival continues to expand its programming of independent and foreign films—and draw press and industry attention for its importance on the festival circuit.
Even in the tough economic climate, the desert fest broke revenue records for ticket sales to the celebrity-filled awards gala, total box office take, and the number of sold-out film screenings. Local newspaper The Desert Sun noted, "The festival has emerged as one of the nation's two largest film events with arguably the most glamorous gala of all." The festival's advance ticket sales toppled last year's record of more than $1 million. The city sponsors the program to the tune of $350,000.
The Los Angeles Times noted part of the desert festival's enduring appeal is that "unlike at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, you can squeeze in a round of golf between screenings and Q&A sessions... The atmosphere [is] laid-back." The Times further noted that "the event also has its share of star power, especially for the award gala at the Palm Springs Convention Center."
