‘Calle Malaga’ and ‘Glenrothan’ to Bookend 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival

The 37th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival will open and close with Maryam Touzani’s “Calle Málaga” and Brian Cox’s “Glenrothan,” respectively. The full line-up includes 168 films from 72 countries, including 53 premieres and 44 of the International Feature Film Oscar ​​Submissions.

The 2026 festival kicks off on Jan. 2 with “Calle Málaga,” the Spanish-language directorial debut of Moroccan filmmaker Maryam Touzani. The film follows an aging woman, played by Carmen Maura, fighting to keep her home and independence in Tangier, Morocco. Touzani will be in attendance at the screening.

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Closing night takes place on Jan. 11, when “Glenrothan” plays at the Richards Center for the Arts at Palm Springs High School. The film is directed by and starring Brian Cox alongside Alan Cumming as two estranged brothers reunited in their Scotish hometown at their family’s whiskey distillery. Cox will be present at the screening.

Other notable films and guests include “King Hamlet” with actor Oscar Isaac and director Elvira Lind, “Kim Novak’s Vertigo” with Kim Novak and director Alexandre O. Philippe, “The Housemaid” with director Paul Feig, “She Dances” with actress Audrey Zahn, actor Steve Zahn, director Rick Gomez and actress Mackenzie Ziegler, “Elvis, Rocky & Me: The Carol Connors Story” with songwriter Carol Connors and more.

Key programs include Gateway Films, screening titles that inspired lifelong cinephilia, curated by actress Diane Kruger, critic Leonard Maltin, director Paul Feig, programmer Therese Hayes and late actor Udo Kier; Family Day, screening “Arco,” “KPop Demon Hunters,” and “Zootopia 2” at Mary Pickford is D’Place; After Dark showcasing strange and suspenseful genre films; Local Spotlight offering locally made movies; and the return of Close-Ups, showing documentaries focused on filmmakers in front of and behind the camera.

Artistic Director of the Palm Springs International Film Society Lili Rodriguez said, “Our 2026 lineup is a celebration of the stories that move us, challenge us, and remind us why we love movies. From family fun to bold new voices, from international masters to exciting first-time filmmakers, this year’s selections reflect the range of energy of world cinema today. At Palm Springs, the joy comes not just from the films, but from the conversations and shared moments that bring people together year after year. We can’t wait for audiences to feel that spark that only cinema brings.”

See the festival’s full line-up of films, program updates and pass offers on the Palm Springs International Film Society website here.