This film festival is something I look forward to attending and blogging about every year. The lineup has always been excellent and it’s nice to sit with and bump into the same familiar faces. No doubt this time is going to be different. The familiarity of sharing a cinematic experience with a crowd is on hold for now and we’ll all be happy when things return to normal and we’re able to sit together again. So until then…
British Columbia’s biggest annual celebration of cinema is just around the corner.
From Noon on September 24 to October 7th, film lovers province-wide will enjoy over 100 feature films and events showcasing exciting, groundbreaking and provocative cinema and creators from around the globe.
You’ll be able to watch this year’s stellar line-up from the comfort of your home via VIFF Connect, VIFF’s new online streaming platform. For the first time, audiences across BC can watch VIFF curated cinema and viewers around the world can tune into our Talks and Conferences.
These remarkable photographs were taken by Stacy Jacob – of Jacob Fine Art Portraits, Palm Desert, Ca. I wanted to share them with you. Our canine and feline friends never looked so fine.
I met Stacy at Yappy Hour – a monthly fundraiser for Animal Samaritans in Palm Springs which takes place at the Riviera Hotel. She was supporting “Paws for a Cause” 2020 with a booth there and invited us to her studio for a sitting.
Jia Jia – taken 01/2020
I was thrilled to see that the portrait she took of Jia Jia really captured his spirit. It means more to me now than ever. I have lots of photos as you well know, however this one that Stacy took is very special.
Capturing personality, expressions and relationships is my goal for your session. Bringing joy, surprise, even some “happy” tears to so many people is something I feel lucky to get to do. I get to be part of creating a memory for someone that they’ll enjoy for years to come and share with countless others. How cool is that!? – Stacy Jacob
Studio: 41945 Boardwalk suite d, Palm Desert, CA 92211, United States
Here’s a story about a most remarkable renovation/restoration
This is something else I’ve been meaning to post because not only is it highly unusual, it’s extraordinary.
The 17th-century oil painting discovered behind a wall during construction of the Oscar de la Renta boutique in Paris. Credit: Julien Mignot for The New York Times
A new Oscar de la Renta boutique in New York was undergoing renovations three months ago when something unusual was discovered on the second floor. When workers were clearing out garbage and debris at the end of the space on that floor, something seemed definitely amiss. As they were clearing and resurfacing, something else resurfaced.
Something had been hidden behind a wall, and it wasn’t asbestos. It was a 10-by-20-foot oil painting of an elaborately coiffed and dressed 17th-century marquis and assorted courtiers entering the city of Jerusalem.
The restoration is expected to be done by May. Credit: Julien Mignot for The New York Times
Teams of restorers swab away some of the varnish to allow colors to come through. Credit: Julien Mignot for The New York Times
Hidden Paradise is the very appropriate tour name given by the Palm Springs Historical Society to refer to The Mesa; an eclectic and beautifully secluded hillside neighborhood. I took all of these photos two days ago, on the last day of the tour for this season. It was a hot one….and I’m not referring to just the tour.
Beyond this gate was the home of actor Joseph Cotten (Citizen Kane, Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte among many other well known films).
I was invited to go on this relatively new tour, not being aware of how incredibly close in proximity The Mesa is to where I reside. I’m really happy I chose this walking tour from several the society offers because it’s another hidden jewel that I’m told many locals don’t even know about. Even though some of the homes you can see from a distance, you may not know how to get there.
As they say on their website it is truly a slice of paradise. The amazing variety of architecture ranges from the romantic Spanish Colonial Revival of the 1920’s to today’s dramatic contemporary styles. Even one original mid-century modern home that stands out.
Max Factor (the makeup maven) family mansion. The gate was open; it felt somewhat inviting.
With a glamorous past it has long been home to the Hollywood elite (Natalie Wood, Robert Wagner, Cher, Joseph Cotten, Henry Mancini, *Johnny Mercer, Jack Warner of Warner Brothers Studios, among others). Many have been celebrities from the World of Music – singers, composers, lyricists and musicians. Even the cartoonist Lee Holley, known for Denis the Menace and comic strip Bugs Bunny who passed away in his home here just last year. Our guide told us that he was so friendly he’d give away some of his original cartoon drawings.
Home of cartoonist Lee Holley – a fairly modest home here.
There are many vacation rentals here now too. One home had no outside windows at all in the front to keep passersby from peering inside. But I’m telling you; never judge a house from the outside.
Unless you’re lucky enough to get an invite to one of Barry Manilow’s fundraising shindigs, you can see his home and that of his friend Suzanne Somers from the outside only. However the area itself which is larger than it appears is striking just to walk around and see the gorgeous gardens. In fact, it was really more of a garden/landscape tour than home tour – walking around for 2 hours+.
You can see the home of Suzanne Somers in the distance. She said she can see Barry Manilow in one of the rooms of his home (which is a compound) – way up on the opposite side of the hill.
A crown jewel of desert architecture, Ship of the Desert, is located here. Designer TrinaTurk (love her clothes) resides here. I’ve seen this home from afar many times. I know a few people who’ve been to a cocktail party inside (there are no hallways) during Modernism week. They referred to Turk as a lovely and gracious host.
Ship of the Desert. d. king
This home appeared in this magazine in 1936.
and many years later
Michael, our patient tour guide was very knowledgeable about the homes and the people who lived/lives here and entertained us with some anecdotes and juicy gossip.
I highly recommend one of the walking tours (only $20) when visiting or even living in Palm Springs.
Other tours the Historical Society offers are Golden Era (Hollywood Homes of Old Las Palmas), Inns, Architecture and Glamour,The Tennis Club (Celebrity Haven), Rat Pack Playground (and Frank Sinatra’s Neighborhood in the Movie Colony), among Private Tours (Architecture gems and Palm Springs Highlights).
See the 3 guard dogs? As easy as it appears to jump this fence…I don’t think so. I wonder what lies behind that door….Narnia?
*Johnny Mercer wrote 1,500 songs and won 4 oscars. He’s probably most famous for writing Moon Riverfor Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Also the Days of Wine and Roses,Autumn Leaves, etc. He was a big fan of Barry Manilow and near the end of his life he donated all of his songs to Manilow.
On the very last day of March I visited SUNNYLANDS to walk through the magnificant gardens and listen to Jazz on the grass. It was the last of a “Music in the Gardens” Sunday concert series in March and it was fabulous.
Photo: d. king *JAZZGRASS
SUNNYLANDS is a 200 acre historical estate featuring a mid-century modern residence and three cottages designed by architect A. Quincy Jones. The grounds include a private nine-hole golf course, 11 lakes, tennis court, swimming pool, and collection of sculpture and artworks. For more than 40 years, Walter and Leonore Annenberg welcomed political, business, and entertainment leaders to Sunnylands. The couple were among the 20th century’s most generous philanthropists. They donated 500 million to public education and the donation of one of the world’s most significant collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Photo: d. king
Sunnylands is surrounded by nearly 10 acres of gardens with more than 70 species of drought-tolerant plants. They are not labeled so that the emphasis is on their visual effect.
Outside entrance. Photo: d. king
*Jazzgrass was put together in 1999 by Idyllwild resident Barnaby Finch to honor the newer and more progressive side of Bluegrass music. He was originally smitten with the music of a short-lived All-Star band, put together at the Telluride Festival, called “Strength in Numbers.” In 2011, Barnaby wanted to perform that music again, and recruited talented locals to play. There’s Don Reed on mandolin, dobro, and guitar. He’s a famous Idyllwild virtuoso who’s performed with numerous artists. There’s Sam Zorn on fiddle, a promising young player who covers everything from jazz to Celtic music. On bass is Bill Saitta, one of the busiest musicians in the Desert—and Jeff Olson on drums, who plays with David Benoit. Pianist Barnaby Finch is the musical director, formerly music director and touring member of Lee Ritenour’s band since 1982. Prior stints include Ronnie Laws, Alphonse Mouzon, Boz Scaggs, and Lionel Richie. His piano was featured on the Lionel Richie/Diana Ross hit “Endless Love.” From 1982 to 1989 Barnaby toured with George Benson, and from 1987 to 1989 he was conductor and musical director.
Photo: d. king
Photo: d. king
Other people’s photography below:
Lake View at Sunnylands during migration. Photography by Tim Lamon – February 2018
Left to Right: President Gerald Ford, Prince Andrew, Bob Hope, and Ambassador Charles Price. Photographer unknown. 1993.
Costa’s Hummingbird – April 2017. Birds of Sunnylands photorgraphy, A female flies up to search for nectar in the Red Hesperaloe.
Pied-Billed Grebe – March 2017
White-Faced IBIS
Great Foret
Sunnylands is a renowned birding area and a photographer’s paradise.
It’s that time of year again….Palm Springs hosts it’s 14th annual signature event featuring midcentury modern architecture, interior, and landscape design, art and vintage culture from February 14-24, 2019.
Photo credit: Bethany Nauert
Join us for modernist tours, talks, shows, exhibits, films, parties, and much much more.
I look forward to this time of the year. It always starts off with a bang. The bang being fireworks for New Year’s Eve and after a day or so of recuperation (depending of course on how much partying I do)…..my favorite way to start the year is by viewing & reviewing a bunch of great films at the Palm Springs International Film Festival; one of the largest film festivals in North America. It’s always an exciting time to be in Palm Springs.
On Thursday, January 3, the annual Film Awards Gala will kick off the festival at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The gala honours the best achievements of the film year by a celebrated list of talents.
The screening portion of the festival will run Friday, January 4 through Monday, January 14.
The Festival welcomes over 135,000 attendees each year for its lineup of new and celebrated international features and documentaries. Produced by the Palm Springs International Film Society, the Festival offers 12 days of events and film screenings featuring over 200 films from 78 countries.
I don’t present myself as a movie critic or pretend to be one. I only attend the films and documentaries that interest me personally and blog about it for this website. So I am obviously hoping to “like” everything I see and am aware that what I like, you may not. I’m looking to be entertained and learn something new. And I feel privileged to be given media passes to premieres and special events.
YELLOW IS FORBIDDEN. Star Chinese fashion designer Guo Pei, the face of the “new China,” gave documentary filmmaker Pïetra Brettkelly an all-access pass for this fascinating — and occasionally troubling — behind-the-scenes look at Guo’s life and the run-up to her make-or-break Paris runway show.
It’s that time again…Following TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival). Leafing through the booklet (shown above) there are too many films that I’m anxious to see. A Sampling:
ANTHROPOCENE: The Human Epoch
Okay; not feel-good but necessary knowledge:
The latest masterful collaboration between Jennifer Baichwal, Nicholas de Pencier and Edward Burtynsky isn’t so much eye-opening as mind-blowing as it essays our unprecedented impact on the Earth to stunning effect. The staggering tableaux captured here are at once surreal and sobering, including monolithic machines hell-bent on terraforming their surroundings and potash mines that evoke a bad drug trip. This is filmmaking of the highest order that unfolds on a dizzying, almost inconceivable scale.
Bathtubs Over Broadway
MAD | Music/Art/Design (Because I LOVE Broadway Musicals)
Where did Chita Rivera, Martin Short and the late Florence Henderson (all present here) get their starts? In “industrial” musicals–musicals commissioned by corporate America from the 50s through the 80s to entertain employees and celebrate, say, bathroom fixtures or Fords… Dava Whisenant’s supremely entertaining film follows industrial musical obsessive Steve Young (a writer for David Letterman, who also appears) as he uncovers a hidden world. “Get ready to laugh, sing, cheer, and be dazzled.”—POV
In My Room (Israel)
Impact | VIFF Impact
Deeply intimate, unexpectedly moving and entirely of its moment, Ayelet Albenda’s documentary unfolds through footage culled from six teenagers’ self-produced YouTube videos. Make no mistake: these aren’t social media stars or influencers. They’re just average kids documenting their trials (including pregnancy and eating disorders) and trying to make some sense of them. The remarkably honest moments they share quickly coalesce into an involving study of the myriad iterations of adolescence.
I’ll be focusing on reviewing a bunch of diverse cinema during the festival.
Opera unites music, poetry, drama, and spectacle in the most elaborate of all art forms.
So it was an absolute pleasure to finally attend “Opera in the Park“, the Palm Springs premier cultural event in April . This is the first time I’ve stayed here this long. Usually I’m gone by the end of March because it gets too hot here, but this time I decided to stay a little longer. The event takes place at Sunrise Park which is a very short drive from where I live (part-time of course).
I originally had a spot reserved under the big white tent but decided to sit on the grass just outside it in a shady area with my lawn chair and the lunch I packed because I wasn’t sure they’d have food. But they did have food and drinks. And souvenirs. Most people were sitting outside the tent. It was lovely.
This live concert with arias from operas by Bizet, Delibes, Donizetti, Gounod, Mozart, Puccini, Rossini and Verdi draws thousands of people from all over Southern California every April in a celebration of great music with a professional orchestra conducted by Valery Ryvkin. In addition, a special tribute to Leonard Bernstein’s Centennial featured music from West Side Story and Candide. It also marked the 20th Anniversary of Opera in the Park. Oh, did I mention that it’s free?
The Palm Springs Opera Guild Orchestra performed from 1-4 pm with famous operas including Carmen, Rigoletto, Madame Butterfly, La Traviata, Faust and more.
There were food vendors from well known establishments offering delicious sandwiches, salads, platters, wine, beer, and cocktails. You could even pre-order online from Triorestaurant.
Presenting Sponsors: The Augustine Foundation and
*Newman’s Own Foundation
Using the power of philanthropy to transform lives*Newman’s Own Foundation is all about supporting people doing great things. People whos stories inspire us.
This month there’s also Coachella, a more famous and enormously profitable music festival with a great long lineup. A lot of musicians whom I’m familiar with and many I’m not. But it was actually Opera in the Park that I really wanted to go to. Coachella maybe another time.
Have you been to either?
Opera in the Park: Music Director: Mona Lands. Artistic Director: Andrew Eisenmann.
Last Thursday I had the opportunity to see a special performance from London’s National Theatre of Tennessee Williams’s 1955 Pulitzer Prize-winning play
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Sienna Miller & Jack O’Connell in the starring roles. Show image photography -Charlie Grey.
But I saw it from the comfort of my seat at the Camelot theatre in Palm Springs.
When my friend Megan told me she had an extra ticket for the showing I actually thought we were going to watch a live stage performance. It was instead a pre-recorded live performance in select cinemas around the world for one night only. And to my surprise it was very much like being right there in person. Or at least the closest thing to experiencing the actual feeling of sitting in the theatre. This was the first I’ve heard of National Theatre Live.
Scene from the play. Production photography – Johan Persson.
National Theatre Live was founded specifically to bring access to the incredible live performances of The National Theatre and shares them with audiences who may not have the opportunity to go to London’s West End to see them.
Broadcasts retain the feeling of a live performance and though each broadcast is filmed in front of a live audience in the theatre, cameras are carefully positioned throughout the auditorium to ensure that cinema audiences get the ‘best seat in the house.’ I was amazed at how good it was.
I vaguely remember seeing the movie about a tempestuous marriage in a dysfunctional family with lots of secrets and lies. In the original it was Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor in the title roles and I thought who would ever be able to outdo them? But this play, directed by Benedict Andrews managed to pair a wonderful Jack O’Connell as drunken husband Brick, and an amazing performance by Sienna Miller as Maggie “the cat”, Brick’s neglected wife. It’s a steamy family fight for survival that’s complex, riveting, disturbing and poetic all at once. I have to admit their Mississippi accents makes the fighting and arguing sound that much more romantic.
So unless I’m actually in London, I’ll be on the lookout for more of these cinematic events by this exceptional company.
ABOUT NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE National Theatre Live launched in June 2009 with a broadcast of the National Theatre production of Phèdre with Helen Mirren. NTL captures live performances from the National Theatre and from other theatres in the UK and broadcasts them in more than 2,500 movie theaters and other venues in 60 countries worldwide. As of February 2017, the global audience reached almost 8 million people.
Next Production is Hamlet – The 2015 broadcast, with Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role, returns to UK and international cinemas.
Photo: d. king
Following TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival). Leafing through the booklet (shown above) there are too many films that I’m anxious to see. A Sampling:
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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