Festival Theaters Palm Springs Positions Itself as Coachella Valley’s Home for Indie, International and LGBTQ+Cinema
PALM SPRINGS —Festival Theaters Palm Springs, 789 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, is entering a new chapter with a renewed commitment to independent, international, and LGBTQ+ cinema, positioning itself as the Coachella Valley’s home for arthouse and community-driven film programming.
“We’re the last shot of a true independent, arthouse movie theater experience in the desert,” Zack Solomon, General Manager of Festival Theaters Palm Springs said in a statement. “Palm Springs is a historically and artistically relevant city, and it deserves a theater that reflects that—one that supports serious, adult-driven films while still welcoming the broader community.”
While Festival Theaters will continue to screen select studio releases, the renewed focus prioritizes specialty cinema often underserved in the Coachella Valley, creating a dependable destination for moviegoers seeking independent voices, global storytelling, and inclusive perspectives.
Recent audience turnout has reinforced the shift. “We’re seeing clear demand for serious, adult-driven films,” Solomon added. “People here want to engage with cinema as an experience—not just a transaction.”
ACCESSIBLE SHOWTIMES, DISCOUNTED TICKETS
As part of its effort to make specialty cinema more accessible, Festival Theaters has expanded daily operating hours and introduced new affordability initiatives. Beginning January 16, showtimes start at 11:00 a.m. daily, with $7 ticket days offered every Tuesday and discounted senior admission on Thursdays. The theater also offers a free-to-join membership program with monthly rewards and concessions perks.
Festival Theaters’ approach emphasizes consistency over one-off events—ensuring audiences always know where to go for films that challenge, inspire, and reflect the diversity of our community.
UPCOMING SPECIALTY PROGRAMMING
Festival Theaters will continue to announce new titles and events throughout the year. Upcoming highlights include a special screening of Pillion in partnership with KGAY alongside key international award contenders like The Secret Agent, It Was Just an Accident, and Sirât.
“Our intention is long-term,” Solomon restated. “We want Festival Theaters to be a place people trust—a space that grows with its audience and stays rooted in what makes Palm Springs unique.”
For showtimes, memberships, and upcoming announcements, visit festivaltheaters.com.
ABOUT FESTIVAL THEATERS
Festival Theaters Palm Springs is Palm Springs’ exclusive home for first-run cinema, festival favorites, and beloved classics. Located in downtown Palm Springs (789 E Tahquitz Canyon Way), the theater is
dedicated to presenting a diverse mix of independent, international, LGBTQ+, and select mainstream films. Festival Theaters aims to serve as a trusted home for film lovers seeking thoughtful, inclusive, and artist-driven cinema year-round. Follow @festivaltheaters on Instagram and Facebook.
