PALM SPRING'S 17th FILM FESTIVAL

PALM SPRINGS, CA -- This month will see the 17th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, which will run from Jan. 5-16. Two hundred and thirty-two films will be screened at the fest, which has become one of the largest and most prestigious film showcases in North America. Seventy countries will be represented, with entries ranging from features, documentaries and late-night specials. Fifty-one of the 56 films submitted for consideration by the Academy Awards will be screened in Palm Springs.

Among the world premieres are Expiration Date (USA), King Leopold's Ghost (USA), My Bollywood Bride (India) and The Virgins of Juarez (USA). The festival's Breakthrough Performance Award will be given at a Sat. Jan. 7 gala to Felicity Huffman, star of Transamerica. Other honorees include David Cronenberg, Jake Gyllenhaal and Terrence Howard.

For tickets and information call (760) 322-2930 or visit psfilmfest.org