The Palm Springs Film International Festival kicks off today with a morning screening of “Cinema Paradiso” which it featured in its first installment 30 years ago. To celebrate the Festival’s 30 year Anniversary, 30 retrospective films that were highlighted at the festival and helped put the festival on the map as one of the top film festivals in America, and the world. Will be shown free of charge to the public.    The festival has continued to grow with its worl...

(c) 20th Century Fox all Rights Reserved   by Marla Lewin There is no doubt that John Lithgow is an accomplished serious actor who can never be too over the top for his own liking. Tuesday night was a rare opportunity to see him in a conversation with David Ansen, the new Artistic Director of LAFF. What was so special about this was that they were college roommates at Harvard and are still best friends. That gave David a unique insight and made it a more personal co...

DAVID ANSEN, Artistic director of the LA film festival by Marla Lewin I just got off the phone with David Ansen, who I have known from the festival circuit, as well as I must admit we are neighbors.  Through the years I loved reading his Newsweek reviews, as he is so highly regarded as one of Americas top film critics.  It was an honor to speak with him today in his new position. Marla: So David, I remember last year you were on the Jury of the LA film festival, and w...