Palm Springs Film Fest: Opening Night Screening

Today is the first in a series of posts covering the Palm Springs International Film Festival. This world renowned film fest runs from January 3rd-14th and will screen over 225 films from 70 countries. The film festival draws in the major Hollywood actors, directors and producers. Our festival is unique in that it screens more international films than any other film fest in the US; therefore it attracts filmmakers from around the world, looking for their big break into the film industry. Over the next 10 days I plan to share highlights of the festival, including my perspective on a few films that caught my eye. I will also include coverage of:

* Opening Night Screening and Gala (see below)

* Black Tie Star-Studded Awards Gala

* Dick Van Patten Star ceremony on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars

* Private Reception Gala (with surprise guest)

* Closing Night Gala

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The Opening Night Screening Gala

Thursday night was an evening of excitement and glamour as the 19th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival kicked off with the opening night film screening and gala party. It was a crisp winter night, the desert sky was pitch-black, accented by distant stars and a dramatic moon glowing in the night. The huge Hollywood searchlights majestically scanned the sky, marking the spot where the magic of the film fest was unfolding before the eyes of eager film goers. It was the U.S. premiere of "Then She Found Me," a new film directed by Helen Hunt, in her first stint as a director.

above: the red carpet was lined with press, taking photos and capturing every moment of the evening.

above: Helen Hunt arrives on the Red Carpet at the Palm Springs Film Fest

above left: the Opening Night Screening and Party is the beginning of a busy ten day period for Palm Springs. Over 117,000 people are in town attending various functions and viewing films during the festival. Above right: Here's a cheesy photo of The Palm Springs Savant himself, Mr Rick Rockhill. I wore a black crush-velvet jacket with a nice silk ascot.

The opening film was Then She Found Me, directed by Helen Hunt; a romantic comedy starring Helen Hunt, Bette Midler, Colin Firth, & Matthew Broderick. The film is scheduled to open in theatres across America in April, but I had the pleasure of seeing it last night. The basic storyline is about a schoolteacher (Helen Hunt) who is 39 and wants to have a baby. She plays April, a troubled woman, dealing with love interest issues, family challenges and self doubt. She meets her natural mother (Bette Midler) who attempts to get to know her and develop a relationship. An interesting relationship develops between April and Frank (Colin Firth) which winds through the story revealing their complex personalities. While there are one or two points when I felt the April's character's behavior was improbable, the film was entertaining and held my attention. Matthew Broderick portrays April's inept husband Ben masterfully, there were moments when he was cuddly and then annoying. There is a fun surprise at the end which leaves the viewer with a question or two, but with a warm smile none-the-less.

above: Academy Award winning Actress and Director Helen Hunt introduces her film at the Palm Springs Film Festival. It was dark in the theatre so this photo is somewhat grainy. I thought Helen was delightful- she came across as down to earth and humble.

The After Movie Gala Party

Helen Hunt attended the after party and mingled with guests discussing her film. Above: there was a huge after party at the Palm Springs Art Museum, with a delicious buffet with fresh fruit and vegetable platters, cheeses, shrimp, pastas and beef. It was catered by Spencer's Restaurant at the Mountain, a top restaurant here in the desert.

above left: fabulous desserts from these petite fours to brownies, cookies and fresh fruits. above right: dramatic lighting provided atmosphere to the museum. There was live music just beyond this bar in the center of the room.

above: I ran into friend Maggie Downs (white jacket), a rising-star reporter for The Desert Sun newspaper. She is with her colleagues Marilyn Chung (front) and... oh I forgot the other lovely young woman's name...hopefully someone will read this and remind me! Anyway it was a terrific evening and a great way to kick off the Film Festival
-Rick Rockhill