PALM SPRINGS LINE-UP

The 13th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival will screen approximately 150 films, culled from more than 45 countries for the 2002 festival. The selection of films for screening include 50 U.S. and 10 World Premieres, from around the world. Also 43 of the 51 films submitted for consideration in the Best Foreign Language Film category for the Academy Awards will be screened at this year’s festival. This year’s festival will be held from January 10-21, 2002.
Jennifer Stark, the festival’s program director commented, “We wanted this year’s festival to be a strong blend of different types of film. While we were conscious of picking films with a strong social relevance, we also strove to include films that were uplifting, that gave hope for the future or were just plain silly.”
Denis Pregnolato, the festival’s executive director stated, “As we look back on our 13-year festival history, it is easy to identify the significant films we’ve introduced to our community and to the world. This year’s line-up is a clear indication that we have not broken from tradition and will showcase some of the finest films the world has to offer, many making their US premieres right here.”
This year’s festival will open on Thursday, January 10th, 2002 with India’s romantic comedy The Monsoon Wedding from director Mira Nair (Salaam Bombay, Mississippi Masala, Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love). Celebrating the tradition of love and family, The Monsoon Wedding tells the story of the secrets that are revealed at a big family wedding set against the backdrop of the monsoon rains looming on the horizon.
Forty-three Oscar contenders will compete for the International Federation of Cinematographic Press’ (FIPRESCI), prestigious Critic’s Award at this year’s festival. The FIPRESCI jury, made up of journalists from around the world, will screen the official foreign language submissions to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Best Foreign Language Film throughout the 12-day festival. Past films shown at the Festival that have received an Academy Award include Cinema Paradiso, Mediterraneo, Belle Epoque, Antonias Line, Character, Life is Beautiful, All About My Mother and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
For more info, including a complete screening schedule, call 760-322-2930 or visit the official Palm Springs International Film Festival web site.
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