Drama And Controversy Make Film Festival A Hit

PALM SPRINGS – Off-screen drama took center stage at the 2010 Palm Springs International Film Festival.

“It was a record year, not just locally or nationally but world-wide,” says Darryl Macdonald, PS International Film Festival Director.

There was enough surprise and controversy for the makings of a hit film.

“It was wonderful in some many ways, it was handed to us on a silver platter,” says Macdonald.

It all started opening night, with some comedy.

“So Mariah Carey had too much to drink, good for her,” says Lillian LaSalle, Producer of “Today’s Special.”

“We had the frivolousness with Mariah Carey making headlines worldwide,” says Macdonald.

Next, politics stole the spotlight. The Chinese government demanded film festival organizers pull a Tibetan film. Organizers didn’t comply, so China took their own films off the line-up.

“It was cowardly of the Chinese to pull the films,” says Nimitt Mancad, Producer of “Today’s Special.”

The high-profile dispute sparked a lot of interest.

“I want to see the movie they are so upset about,” says Tony Evans, film watcher.

Mariah Carey and the Tibetan film weren’t the only ones getting all of the attention. At a luncheon six different films won awards, it’s something every filmmaker hopes for.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed,” says Mancad.

“We’re hoping for the audience award,” says Michael Amato, filmmaker “Is It Just Me?”

An award from this festival can take a filmmaker’s career to the next level.

“If the audience gets behind you in Palm Springs, it can take your film around the world,” says Mancad.

“We are definitely going to be launching a number of careers,” says Macdonald.

After two weeks of action the curtain is closing and this year’s event ends with a standing ovation.

“This is the best year yet, hands down best year yet,” says Helen Dutoit, Palm Springs International Film Festival Director of Programming.

The festival officially ends on Monday with “The Best of the Fest” it’s your final chance to see some of this year’s most popular films. For show times and a list of the award-winning films go to www.psfilmfest.org