Month: January 2025

DESTINATIONS

The “well hidden” Willows

“Opulence once enjoyed by Clark Gable and Carole Lombard” – The Guardian.And temporarily enjoyed by yours truly.

I’ve always gravitated towards tucked away hidden little gems.  The unusual; or unexpected!  This private hotel/hideaway is so well concealed that even after having eaten at the restaurant directly across the way, partied at the residence right above it and been to the museum next to it – this is the first time I’ve seen it. In my defense for never having noticed it before, and because I’m not that blind; it’s meant to be well hidden away from prying eyes. This historic Palm Springs Inn is built into the rocks on the side of a mountain. Reminiscent of a more splendid era.

Conrad, the property manager was kind enough to show me around this private, refined property – built by prominent Los Angeles architect William Dodd for two best friends who wanted to stay nearby each other.  Now that’s what I call friendship!

I only recently found out about The Willows when having breakfast at Spencer’s.  A friend of a friend came by our table and said she was staying there; sleeping in Einstein’s bed.  Well, maybe not the actual bed Einstein slept in at the time he stayed there, but at least the room he stayed in.  I was told that many locals aren’t aware of this lavish resort either, which makes me feel a lot better.  The only thing that doesn’t make me feel better is that it’s not dog friendly.  Not kid friendly as well, but that’s ok by me.  You can’t just walk in either.  You need a code.  I called ahead and Conrad met me at the entrance gate and my dogs waited just inside the gate.  It’s really something special. There are only 17 rooms but all are spacious and spectacular.  The fees which run anywhere from around $450 – $700 per night, include breakfast from 8-10am by the waterfall and happy hour in the afternoon by the fireplace.  Most of the rooms were occupied so I was not able to see them this time around.

The property is now owned by Soho House; an exclusive group with investments in hospitality, retail and entertainment around the world. Billionaire investor Ron Burkle is the majority owner of Soho House and has purchased a trio of iconic Palm Springs properties: The O’Donnell House and Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, Colony 29 event space, and Le Vallauris restaurant.

The introduction on their website says it all:

Mere moments from the excitement of downtown Palms Springs yet worlds away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life, is found one of the desert’s most unique hidden treasures – the Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn. Originally a millionaire’s private luxury hideaway, the Willows is a dream of peace and serenity brought to life by skilled craftsmen who nearly a century ago magically transformed a rugged and barren hillside in Palm Springs into a veritable oasis of rare beauty and ineffable charms.

One of Palm Springs’ most beloved landmarks, the Willows holds a rare and prestigious “Class 1” historic designation and is honored as one of the ten oldest structures in the entire City.

From September to May of each year, the Willows opens its fabled doors to a limited number of lucky guests. With only seventeen guest rooms, the Willows retains the feel of an exclusive private hideaway, which is exactly what it was created to be nearly a century ago. There is nothing of the soulless cookie-cutter hotel found here. As Los Angeles magazine so rapturously declared, “Staying at the Willows is like getting the keys to a well –off friend’s country estate.”

 Where are my friends when I need them?

Photos: d. king

 https://thewillowspalmsprings.com/about-the-willows/

 

 

THINKAboutit

Life is Like a Box of Coins

“You have, especially in striking encounters with strangers, two outcomes, but never know which side of human character is going to come up…”heads” (everybody wins), “tails” (everybody loses).”

I had a most unusual day on what happened to be my birthday, and what turned out to be a lesson in human nature and the intricate balance between good and evil.

Started out with meeting two friends for breakfast and a catch-up at Spencer’s; one of my favourite spots.  A very nice start to the day.

That afternoon I decided to take my dogs to their favourite Palm Springs park to let them run around and enjoy the big open space.

We were there for about one hour when all of a sudden the mood changed when a man showed up with an oversized dog, on a tight leash. Adele started to go up to the dog when the man yelled at me to get her away; which I did right away. He said to put my dogs on a leash. There was barely anyone at the park at this time and they weren’t bothering anyone.  I continued to let them play away from the man and his dog.  Then another man showed up out of nowhere and started shouting obscenities at me.  Turns out these two men are a married couple and they wanted me to know that they are law-abiding citizens.  They also wanted me to know that they considered me a stupid, f….ing “C” word – and they didn’t mean conservative. It became vile very quickly and they continued to scream and quite frankly, I didn’t know what they’d be capable of.  They were clearly trying to create a disturbance out of nothing.  A man with two children come to my defence and then that man also got verbally attacked. To the point where one of the verbally abusive men came too close for comfort.  We ended up leaving the park.  I put a non-emergency call to report the incident – just in case I come across them again.  One man indicated that things could turn out quite badly and I don’t know exactly what he meant by that, except it didn’t make sense to stay.

Wow; excitement to my day that I will not forget.

That evening I walked to a nearby, very nice, dog-friendly restaurant on my own to celebrate my special day.  I don’t believe in a birthday week or whole month as many here do; and I don’t go out of my way to alert people of my birthday because I think it makes them feel obligated.  Of course after the fact, some tell me I should’ve mentioned it. Maybe, however; dining alone can be an enjoyable experience.  There’s freedom of choice, no distractions and time to self-reflect. The people-watching can be great too.

Speaking of people-watching….an interesting group came in and sat down at the next outdoor table just as I was deciding what to order for dessert.  Four people; a man with two beautiful doodle dogs, another man and two women; all unrelated to each other as it turns out. Three out of four of them were married but their partners were not with them at the restaurant. The men were friends, colleagues and periodontists.  They were straight. The women were friends since high school.

The man with the dogs noticed my two dogs and asked it he could bring his dogs over to introduce them.  I love Palm Springs so much for their dog friendly attitude. He came over with his two well-behaved female dogs (sisters as well) and then went back to his table.  At which point he asked if I would join them.  I declined at first but they all insisted. So I went over, really enjoyed their company and had my dessert with them.  The women had already had their dinner in the restaurant and were on their way out when they met these two men who were on their way in to have dinner. 

The men asked them to join them and offered to buy them a drink so they said sure.  The women were from elsewhere, here visiting and staying at a the Rowan hotel downtown.  One man was visiting from Chicago, the other lives here in town. They were all very fun and friendly. Turned out to be such an unexpected, pleasant evening with lots of laughs.  When my bill came, the man with the dogs quickly picked it up and said it was his pleasure to take care of it.

AFTER THE SECOND BIRTHDAY “TOSS FROM THE BOX!”

Heads-up; what turned out to be an unpleasant afternoon experience, ended up as a very enjoyable end to my evening.

 

 

STYLE

Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion

What can be said about Bob Mackie – also referred to as the “Sultan of Sequins,” and the king of Hollywood’s red carpet?  

Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) 2025

For starters; his designs are synonymous with extravagance, glitter, and creativity, making him a legend in the world of fashion and costume design.  ALL the biggest stars wear (0r have worn) Bob Mackie.

This wonderful and glamorous documentary, part of the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025, was my personal favourite.

“Naked Illusion” celebrates the legendary costume designer’s six-decade career of iconic, over-the-top creations which earned him nine Emmy Awards, three Academy Award nominations, and a Tony Award. This delightful documentary offers a glittering cavalcade of Mackie’s celebrity clients including Cher, Carol Burnett, P!nk, and Tom Ford as they offer an inside look at his dazzling legacy.  See trailer below.

And what a legacy he created!

THIS iconic dress worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang “Happy Birthday Mr. President” to JFK.

There were a few surprises that the audience was not expecting.  For one; finding out that Mackie is a grandfather and great grandfather.  Finding  out that this was a surprise for him too.

The world premiere of the “Naked Issusion” was held in May at The Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles.  It was a legendary evening with Bob Mackie, Carol Burnett, RuPaul, Cher & Friends.

At the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Mackie was here in person and went on stage for a Q&A after the showing.

I’m lucky to have met Mackie on three separate occasions.  His book signing for “The Art of Bob Mackie,” at the Annenberg theatre for a play about “Edith Head” and recently at the Camelot theatre before the “Naked Illusion”screening. He’s very down to earth, a gentleman and  looks much younger than his 85 years.

Outside the Annenberg Theatre before the show. The actress (Susan Claassen) who played Edith Head is friend of Mackie’s. He told me that Edith Head gave him his start in the business when he worked as her assistant.
This was at the Camelot theatre in Palm Springs.

Here are some of the more famous creations he designed:

  • Cher’s 1974 Met Gala dress: A sheer, sequin-covered, feathered dress that was so shocking it was banned from some newsstands. Cher later wore it on the cover of Time magazine. 
  • Cher’s 1986 Academy Awards dress: A sequined caged top and a towering headpiece. When she came out and announced “I wanted to dress like a serious actress.”
  • Marilyn Monroe’s nude gown: The dress she wore to sing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy. 
  • Elton John as Donald Duck: Mackie dressed Elton John as Donald Duck, complete with a tail and webbed feet. 
  • Costumes for The Carol Burnett Show: Mackie designed up to 70 costumes for Carol Burnett and her guests each week.   
  • See TRAILER below:

Film Reviews

Diane Warren:Relentless

Part of the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025.

Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025

You might not know her; but if you don’t know her songs, then you’ve been living under a rock.

Diane Warren: Relentless is a raw, in-depth documentary about the most persistent songwriter in show business. 

A “BEST OF FEST” audience favorite from hollywood’s most coveted songwriter – with Beyoncé, Cher, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Tina Turner, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand and Toni Braxton among her many devotees.

Warren describes herself as weird; doesn’t like the word NO, is worth billions but not interested in spending it and prefers animals to people.  But who can blame her on that one?

This sensitive, snappy but mesmerizing woman has been nominated for 15 Oscars® – and never won.  She has been nominated for multiple Oscars for Best Original Song, including for her song “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” from the movie Armageddon, sung by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler.  It’s such a beautiful song but there are so many more. Instead, she was the first songwriter to receive a well-deserved honorary Oscar at the 13th Governors Awards in November 2022.

I personally tend to gravitate towards documentaries and this one is one of my favorites.  It’s an uplifting story that goes to prove how a rebellious, anti-social child from humble beginnings with a mother who kept hounding her to become a secretary, can become one of the great songwriters of all time.  An amazing accomplishment!

“Relentless” is a powerful adjective. It describes someone or something that is unyielding, persistent, and, often, unshakable. Someone who pursues their goals with unwavering determination, never giving up despite obstacles or challenges. They are tireless in their efforts and continue to push forward, no matter what.

Diane Warren was supposed to be here in person for a Q&A after the film but very sadly, her Malibu home was totally destroyed in the recent L.A. fires.  Bess Kargman, the director, put Warren on speaker phone so that audience members could ask a few questions.

The festival is now over but I’ve left the link to what was shown here:

https://www.psfilmfest.org/

FOLLOW the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Instagram: @psfilmfest | Facebook: PalmSpringsFilmFestival | Twitter: @PSFilmFest) and use #PSIFF2025.

Film Reviews

PSIFF: Every Little Thing

A delightfully empathetic film about a woman who tends to wounded hummingbirds up in the Hollywood Hills.  The California Premiere was part of the 36th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF).

Photo courtesy of Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Terry Masear is an angel of a person who either finds, or takes in hummingbirds who are injured and nurses them back to health.  Her phone rings with people wanting to drop birds off to her.

More often than not, her efforts reap rewards.  Sometimes they fail, but she never gives up on the delicate little creatures. As the story points out, this joyful, gorgeously shot portrait teaches us as much about these fragile, amazing creatures as it does about the tenacity of the human heart.

Masear painstakingly feeds babies from little droppers who’ve been left behind by in most cases, a deceased mother.  She does her utmost to try to get the ones with damaged wings to fly again. Her world revolves around a special relationship with hummingbirds and she knows a lot about them. 

Perhaps she’s attempting to fix their broken spirits, as she herself once went through deep emotional distress. We find out that Masear suffered from childhood abuse and then later on, she looked after her husband of 30 years as he went through a long decline of Alzheimer’s disease. It wasn’t easy.

Overall, this is a beautiful story about nature’s little wonders.

My friend Rosa holding this little feeder. Photo: d. king

Six fascinating, lesser-known traits about our little friends:

  1. Incredible Metabolism: Hummingbirds have the highest metabolism of any bird species. Their tiny bodies require enormous amounts of energy, and they can consume up to twice their body weight in nectar and insects daily.
  2. Napping Experts: To conserve energy, hummingbirds can enter a state of torpor, a mini-hibernation that allows them to significantly slow down their metabolism, sometimes by up to 95%. During this state, their heart rate drops drastically from over 1,000 beats per minute to as low as 50 beats per minute.
  3. Color Perception: Hummingbirds can see colors that are beyond human perception, including ultraviolet. This ability helps them spot nectar-rich flowers that stand out more vividly to their eyes than they do to ours.  They can spot a flower a mile away.
  4. Adaptability: While they’re known for their small size and delicate appearance, hummingbirds are remarkably adaptable. Some species can thrive in various environments, from the tropics to the North American deserts and even high-altitude Andean peaks.
  5. Speed and Agility: These birds are speed demons, capable of flying at speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour. They also have the unique ability to fly backward and hover in midair, thanks to their ability to rotate their wings in a full circle.
  6. Longevity: Despite their high-energy lifestyle, some hummingbirds can live quite long lives for such small birds, with some species living up to nine years or more in the wild.

The film festival is over now.  Today is Best of the Fest with information below:

https://www.psfilmfest.org/
Art & Culture

Schindler Space Architect

Part of the 36th Palm Springs International Film Festival – 2025.

“The sense for the perception of architecture is not the eyes – but living. Our life is its image” – Rudolph Schindler

Photo courtesy of Palm Springs International Film Festival.

If you love art and architecture, then you need to see this important and informative documentary about great modernist architect Rudolph Schindler. Schindler’s body of work which he referred to as “Space Architecture” was focused primarily on the design of interior space.  And it is impressive.  Each living space is a work of art.

With so much richness and history here, it occurred to me how difficult it must be to put a documentary together with an over abundance of information on one person with such a wide body of work.  Valentina Ganeva manages to give us an educational and stylish film which is sure to inspire. Narrated by Meryl Streep and Udo Kier. 

Schindler, for those not familiar, was the first architect to introduce the indoor/outdoor living concept in California. That especially, I can relate to and appreciate.  He combined multi-functional space with an abundance of natural light through strategically placed windows, skylights and doors. Light and space play crucial roles in creating a harmonious and inviting environment.

The late Austrian-born, American architect had a unique perspective by creating simple but functional and luxurious designs incorporating an expression of his specific ideas, almost entirely in Southern California in the early to mid 20th century.

He was famous for his style of meeting the needs of each client and site, often designing on the challenging hillside lots that his clients could afford. He worked within the budget of each client. One of his most beloved residential designs is the Tischler House (Westwood, 1949). 

Schindler developed a style at once distinctly modern and uniquely adaptive to local culture and climatic conditions. A true blend of artist and engineer, Schindler constantly experimented with materials, construction techniques, and the composition of space.

Schindler was a pioneer who broke from the International Style of the moment to do things “his way.”  Richard Neutra was his bitter rival; Frank Lloyd Wright a difficult mentor.  Both of these architects took some ideas from Schindler but did not offer credit.

This doc is also a study on human character – it’s good side and it’s disappointments.  It would be nice if people gave credit where credit is due, but we find out that this is not the case when both Neutra and Wright purposely keep Schindler out of some very significant acknowledgments.  What I like about Schindler is that he stuck to his original ideas without becoming conformist to what other architects deemed were the unwritten rules of the times. 

We also find out that both Neutra and Wright decide to make amends at the end of their life but instead of pointing a finger, Schindler decides to gracefully accept their apologies. Bittersweet moments.

At the Q&A at the end of the film, an audience member asked how Ganeva was able to get Streep to agree to narrate the film.  Someone she  knows is a friend of a relative of Streep’s and as it so happens, the actress knows a few people who live in Schindler designed homes and was more than happy to lend her voice. Udo Kier is a German born character actor who lives in Palm Springs.  Both Valentina and Udo were here in person.  This is Valentina’s first documentary.  Funnily enough, she used to be a movie critic in Bulgaria.

Photo: d. king – Q&A

This documentary will also be featured as part of Modernism Week here in Palm Springs.

Bravo for a work well done!

Palm Springs International Film Festival Tickets.  On until January 13th:

https://www.psfilmfest.org/

For more indepth information on Schindler I found this:

https://www.laconservancy.org/learn/architect-biographies/r-m-schindler/

FOLLOW the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Instagram: @psfilmfest | Facebook: PalmSpringsFilmFestival | Twitter: @PSFilmFest) and use #PSIFF2025.

Film Reviews

Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight

This Masterpiece of a movie is part of the Palm Springs International Film Festival – 2025.

Photo courtesy of Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025

This movie is beautifully filmed, told through the innocent but savvy eyes of gun toting, cigarette smoking Bobo; the eight-year old daughter of Zimbabwean land owners.

The title grabbed my attention while scrutinizing the multitude of film listings online. Then I noticed that it was filmed in South Africa and set in Rhodesia in 1980, the year Robert Mugabe took power as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe and started the end of white colonialism.

The history of land ownership in Zimbabwe is complex and deeply rooted in colonial history. Who owned what first is a bit sketchy. Hmmm…sound familiar?

The war began as a struggle against the white minority government led by Prime Minister Ian Smith, who had declared unilateral independence from Britain in 1965. This declaration was made without the consent of the majority black population.  The war resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, with estimates of around 20,000 people killed overall. The conflict also led to the end of white minority rule and the establishment of Zimbabwe as an independent nation.

Throughout the movie, Bobo keeps referring to her black help as “Africans” and white people as not real Africans. Here’s a little bit of info about that: the classification of white Africans as non-Africans has deep roots in the history of racial segregation and apartheid in South Africa. During the apartheid era (1948-1994), the government implemented strict racial classifications that divided people into categories.  It is that same division today that causes violence, harm, conflict and confusion.

As it so happens,  I’ve been messaging back and forth with a friend I met in Cape town who is originally from Zimbabwe.  I told her that I was interested in seeing this film.  Her reply: “Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight is a true story about my home town in Zimbabwe. OMG read the book years ago. It’s a film???? Jealous. Tt takes place in my town. Did it mention the name Bulawayo?

Good info, because I did not know that it was a screenplay from a book which piqued my interest even more so.  The movie was adapted from Alexandra Fuller’s real life memoir by the same title.

What’s even more impressive about this film is that Embeth Davidtz; the Director/Producer/Screenwriter/Actor, was able to capture and convey a story so compelling and frightening without showing the actual violence which took place.  You know it’s coming, but you don’t know when and how.  Keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time.

Bobo is played by seven-year-old Lexi Venter who is amazing as a mature but also innocent child, in almost every scene.  It took me a while to realize that Bobo’s mother was played by Embeth Davidtz, who was here in person for Q&A after the film. An astounding performance as a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown, fighting to keep her family’s land. What an awesome accomplishment in every department. Now who’s jealous!

Davidtz, who was born in the United States but raised in South Africa, chose to shoot in her home country and cast an entirely South African cast.  The scenery is breathtaking.

Before the start with Embeth Davitz.  Photo: d. king

My late husband and I travelled almost everywhere in Africa and I remember he wanted to show me Victoria Falls, which is located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, on the Zambezi River. We were told that the Zimbabwe side was still not totally safe even though this is in the order of about 20 years ago now.  So we went to the Zambia side and stayed at the famous Royal Livingstone Hotel instead.  A luxurious hotel on one side of the Falls with wild life freely roaming the property. I was in awe.  Of course, my friend from Zimbabwe claims that her side is even more beautiful. Cannot imagine unless I go back someday. The sunset cruise on the African Queen on the Zambezi was just heaven.  Had to throw that in as it’s one of my fondest memories.

I hightly recommend that everyone see this movie.

In closing; the story of war and hate versus good and peace is as old as humanity itself.  Despite this, there’s a persistent flicker of hope that refuses to be extinguished.   The path to peace is challenging, but not impossible. Let’s just stick with this hopeful possibility.

Palm Springs International Film Festival Tickets:

https://www.psfilmfest.org/
FOLLOW the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Instagram: @psfilmfest | Facebook: PalmSpringsFilmFestival | Twitter: @PSFilmFest) and use #PSIFF2025.
Film Reviews

LIZA Documentary

A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story – part of the lineup at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

The by-line above is part of the title of this remarkable documentary about everything Liza Minnelli.  Directed by Bruce David Klein.

Photo: courtesy of Palm springs International Film Festival.

That would be Liza with a “Z” (referring to the 1972 concert film made for television, produced by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse) who went on to win every entertainment award  you can imagine, in every single category, and who is refreshingly honest as she tells her story in present day while going through old movie clips and reliving those times.  She gives out solid advice like: “never hang around with dull people.”  From this doc it is clear she never has. I try not to, but sometimes they just happen to slip in.

As the daughter of Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli, she could’ve easily lived in her mother’s shadow.  Instead, she became an iconic show biz force of her own nature.  You find out about the relationship with her mother, her bond with mentor Kay Thompson who took Liza under her wings after Judy Garland passed away, her friends such as Charles Aznavour (considered the Frank Sinatra of France), Bob Fosse, Halston (an inseparable duo in the 70’s and 80’s, regularly supporting each other’s careers, traveling internationally and taking on the Studio 54 nightclub scene), her up-and-down marriages, personal and professional falls and showbiz triumphs.

By the way, Kay Thompson was a force of her own. The vivacious vocal coach, composer, dancer, actress, and choreographer was a staple in Liza’s life.  She was there for Liza until the end of her life in 1998 at which time she lived in Minnelli’s penthouse on the Upper East Side. Thompson stayed by Liza’s side, through thick and thin, cheering her on through everything.  Thompson became famous for creating the Eloise children’s books which she apparently modeled the main character after Minnelli, and for her role in the movie Funny Face.  She helped shaped Minnelli’s career. Now; that’s a friend!

And I have a little story of my own. First off, I saw Liza Minnelli and Charles Aznavour perform together at Place Des Arts in Montreal in 1993.  It was superb.  I’ve always appreciated all kinds of music, and the sheer talent of these two.  I would’ve rather seen them, than a regular rock concert.  It was a very powerful, showstopper of an evening.

Then, on one of my many visits to New York City back in the day, I went with a friend to Elaine’s restaurant on the upper East side. We were finished dinner and debating whether or not to order dessert when all of a sudden Liza Minnelli and two of her friends came in and sat down at the very next table.  We ordered dessert.  After dessert I went to use the restroom and as I was washing my hands, a stall opened and out came Liza. We were the only two in the restroom and I did not utter a word – just a smile.  Back to the table to try to eavesdrop, but only a bit.  Ha.

Once again; while in the pass-holder lineup, I chatted with a woman who looked vaguely familiar.  Once inside the theater, we sat next to each other, realizing that we had been to not one, but two of the same events recently but sat at different tables. Then we went through our phone pics to confirm and to see if we could find each other in the photos.  She said “many people have more in common than not” which I also believe.  Except the only thing I have in common with Liza was being at the same restaurant and washing our hands together. I usually don’t get star struck but I clammed up.  I should’ve told her that I saw her concert with Aznavour in Montreal.  I think she would’ve been pleased.  Note to self: if I ever get the opportunity again, I will do so.

After watching this documentary, I have a new appreciation for Liza Minnelli.  She’s so much more than her most amazing Oscar-winning performance as Sally Bowles in the 1972 film Cabaret.  She’s a true friend who goes above and beyond as told by others such as Mia Farrow, Ben Vereen, Joel Grey, and Michael Feinstein. These friends share their insights and memories, providing a heartfelt and genuine portrait of Liza’s life and career.

Well worth the watch.

For Film FestivalTickets:

https://www.psfilmfest.org/
FOLLOW the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Instagram: @psfilmfest | Facebook: PalmSpringsFilmFestival | Twitter: @PSFilmFest) and use #PSIFF2025.
Film Reviews

Shelf Life – PSIFF

My relationship with CHEESE is forever changed. 

Image courtesy of PSIFF

SHELF LIFE is part of the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF).

I had an idea that this film would be quirky, but no idea about how the director would make it so. Normally when you go on a documented culinary journey, no matter what the cuisine, it leaves you craving for that food.  You go because you’re a foodie and looking to find out more about a particular chef, or the origins of a certain dish or perhaps pick up some tips on how to prepare or serve it. 

Unlike the documentary I saw at VIFF “The Chef and the Daruma” where I wanted to go for sushi right after; “Shelf Life” makes me want to question any cheese I put in my mouth.  Says the woman who bit into a piece of soap thinking it was fudge because of its packaging.  Anyway, it was a very interesting doc nonetheless. The scenery is breathtaking and each cheese maker is passionate about what they do.

This was a mid-morning documentary held at the historic Palm Canyon Theatre; a former school gymnasium which was transformed into a local theatre by a family from Kentucky and is still thriving almost 30 years later.  This non-profit organization (on loan for PSIFF) is dedicated to the education of live stage productions for the enrichment of the greater Palm Springs community and its visitors. I love the feel of a rickety old-fashioned theatre with chandeliers.

Plus, you never know who you’re going to meet at 10:30 am in the pass holder line up for a film about cheese.  So many interesting patrons.  I met Jane, a pro film festival circuit regular who used to be Sonny Bono’s neighbor.  Bono; the late mayor of Palm Springs, founded the Palm Spring Film Festival in 1989.  It has grown substantially since then. We thank him for that, but also we thank him for helping discover a gal named Cher. Must say, the man had a good eye.

I also met a woman from Vancouver, BC seated in the next row who used to run the “Hollywood” theatre in Vancouver for many years. The very same elegant single-screen neighborhood cinema that I used to go to, especially for the $5 two-for-one ticketed Monday night special of movies that just left theatrical release. Best popcorn and Nanaimo Bars (only those in the know, know what that is).

But I totally digress….let’s get back to cheese.  The documentary runs some parallels between the shelf life of cheese to those of humans. Because over time, we all get moldy but I never realized that this film would make me question my own mortality.

We all have a shelf life and don’t get me started on all the living micro-organisms that live on cheese – at least at the start.  It’s not the most palatable or pleasing sight. And don’t think any of us were expecting that.  Blue cheese might have to take a back seat for a bit.

Director Ian Cheney takes us on a journey through the world of cheese from places we already know make it like England & Switzerland, to places we had no idea make (or used to make it) such as Egypt and Japan.  The cheese monger at the very beginning and ending of this intriguing and at times disturbing doc, reminded me a bit of John Malcovitch by his eccentric attitude and delivery.

After exiting the theatre I bumped into several people I know coming out of the same film.  This is a somewhat small resort town with cultured people who enjoy cheese and supporting our local film festival.  All in all, the reviews were mixed and thought-provoking for this unique documentary. 

Then they said “cheese” standing in front of the PSIFF backdrop.

This Film has an Inspired Dinner scheduled at Eight4Nine Restaurant on Wednesday, January 9th. Seperate ticket neccessary. Check here for availability

For Tickets:

https://www.psfilmfest.org/
FOLLOW the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Instagram: @psfilmfest | Facebook: PalmSpringsFilmFestival | Twitter: @PSFilmFest) and use #PSIFF2025.
Film Reviews

Auction

The 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) kicked off on Thursday, January 2, with its Opening Night and its widely acclaimed *Talking Pictures program.

This review is for the movie “AUCTION;” an intriguing French drama, which I saw at the Annenberg Theatre (at the Palm Springs Art Museum) but there are a few more upcoming showings at the Camelot Theatre.  

Image courtesy of PSIFF.

I’ve always been intrigued by live auctions.  The adrenaline in the room is contagious. So far, I’ve only been to one live auction because I don’t want to run the risk of raising my hand again.

But really; I’m more intrigued by how art collectors know, or trust, why certain works of art are worth so much money. We’re not talking thousands, we’re talking millions. You must have a trained eye.  Then again, how do they determine the worth of a certain painting?  That was what got me to this movie.  The idea that a lost masterpiece from 1939, from an artist I’ve never heard of, was re-discovered in recent years in the home of a young man who inherited the home from his deceased grandfather. 

The young man noticed the painting in a book, so decided to contact a hotshot dealer to have the piece evaluated.  André Masson, specialist in modern art, receives a letter according to which a painting by Egon Schiele had been discovered in Mulhouse, France. 

Of course not being familiar with Schiele, I Googled him.  Of Austrian descent, he was known as an expressionist painter. It also noted that he was incestuously attracted to his sister Gerti, to the great consternation of their father (which makes sense, although father went on to die of syphilis himself). At age 16, Schiele took Gerti, then 12, by train to Trieste and spent the night with her.

What a lovely story.  Kidding of course.  A lot of artists of that era were tragic figures.

The painting in this film is slightly along the lines of  Van Gogh Sunflowers, if the sunflowers are on their way out.  It’s a dark painting with sad flowers -maybe alluding to how the artist himself felt at the time.

I also didn’t know that certain paintings were referred to as “degenerates” by the Germans during WWII.  The looted ones which they did not deem worthy were either destroyed or given to families who they considered lower class.  I’m guessing that is how the  grandfather ended up with the painting in the first place.

This thrilling French drama (with English subtitles),directed by Pascal Bonitzer, is filled with deceit, surprises, double dealings and a few little things that don’t make complete sense. But it is very interesting and always good to learn something new…or old in the world of Art.  Overall I enjoyed it very much.

The Fesival is on until January 13th.  For tickets:

https://www.psfilmfest.org/film-festival-2025
From Thursday, January 2 – Saturday, January 4, the *Talking Pictures program began with a Q&A following “A Real Pain” with actor, director and producer Jesse Eisenberg at the Annenberg Theater, “Sing Sing” followed by a Q&A with actor Colman Domingo, “Babygirl” followed by a Q&A with actress Nicole Kidman at the Richards Center for the Arts at Palm Springs High School, “Emilia Perez” presented by Kering followed by a Q&A with director Jacques Audiard and actors Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Edgar Ramírez, and “Wicked” followed by a Q&A with an extended introduction with actresses Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and director Jon M. Chu. 
 
FOLLOW the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Instagram: @psfilmfest | Facebook: PalmSpringsFilmFestival | Twitter: @PSFilmFest) and use #PSIFF2025.
 
NOTE: If you attend the Annenburg Theatre make sure to bring a sweater.