Palm Springs International Film Festival kicks off at Palm Springs High School

Opening night for the Palm Springs International Film Festival kicked off at Palm Springs High School.

The Festival is celebrating its 36th year, with the opening night screening of 'Better Man,' a biographical film about British pop superstar Robbie Williams.

It takes a creative twist by portraying main character Williams through the lens of a CGI monkey.

Director Michael Gracey shared more about translating his vision to the big screen.

"There were many challenges. It's also an independent film, so doing a film of this scale independently inherently is very challenging," Gracey said. "It just became a passion piece for everyone working on it. And that's the thing I love the most."

Gracey described the film as deeply reflective.

"It's a bit of an emotional rollercoaster," Gracey said. "I think people take away a something different every time."

The film will open wide on January 10.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of the Palm Springs International Film Festival.