An interview with Lili Rodriguez, Artistic Director for the Palm Springs International Film Festival

Lili Rodriguez grew up in the east valley, far from Hollywood lights and glamor, but now, her job is all about the silver screen, and specifically, the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Running it, moving up from the position of Lead Programmer, Lili's journey at the festival started just six short years ago, even though it's been around most of her life.

"I'm a local, I grew up with it… I've been around it all my life, and started working there 6 years ago after taking my degree in film studies, but it's amazing, I'm surrounded by movies and the festival year 'round"

It is a big job, and she steps into this artistic director's role with the blessing and full support of the chairman, Harold Matzner. "Working for Harold is great, he calls and asks is there anything you need? What can I do for you… That's a good boss!"

It is not lost on Lili the fact that she represents the changing face of an industry, that's now more focused on inclusion.

"Diversity is an important part of what we do, to look at the world through other people's lenses and see the world perhaps differently than we experience it ourselves.

It's a "Local Kid makes it Big" story, and that's one of the best, Lili is super talented, and knows our valley, knows this festival, a great choice to lead the madness that is PSIFF.