Festival Theaters in Palm Springs to screen Udo Kier films

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - Festival Theaters in Palm Springs will screen a series of films featuring Udo Kier, the late Palm Springs resident and German actor, starting Thursday.

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The film series, "Remembering Udo Kier: Palm Springs' Valentine," will be held though March 5 at 789 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way.   

Kier died on Nov. 23, 2025 in Palm Springs at the age of 81. He appeared in more than 200 roles in films such as "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective," "Johnny Mnemonic," "End of Violence" and "Flesh for Frankenstein."  

"From cult horror to new queer cinema to arthouse prestige, the slate offers audiences a chance to revisit Kier's work while highlighting his deep personal connection to Palm Springs, a city he embraced,'' officials said.  

The tribute kicks off Thursday with "Blood for Dracula," a 1974 horror film written and directed by Paul Morrissey. It will screen at 7 p.m. Thursday, at noon Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. Feb. 8-11, and at noon Feb. 12.

Director Gus Van Sant's 1991 drama "My Own Private Idaho" will screen Feb. 13-19 at 8 p.m. each night.

Danish filmmaker Lars von Trier's 2011 science fiction fable "Melancholia'' screens Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb 21-26 at 7 p.m.

Finally, the 2021 comedic drama "Swan Song," which stars Kier as a flamboyant retired hairdresser who embarks on an odyssey to confront the ghosts of his past, will screen at 7 p.m. Feb. 27-March 5.  

Tickets can be found at festivaltheaters.com/home/.