News from: Sunnylands
Just two days after Sunnylands Center & Gardens opens for a new season Sept. 10, the popular outdoor movie series Films in the Gardens returns with a trio of films that take inspiration from a new exhibition, Curating Canopy: Trees at Sunnylands.
While the new exhibition explores the variety of trees that have helped shape the Sunnylands landscape for nearly 60 years, the film series showcases movies in which trees play a role in the story.
With a series title of “Tales Beneath the Trees,” each of the films is rated R or PG for their scary or supernatural themes. The films will be screened on three consecutive Fridays in September. They are:
- September 12 at 7:30 pm – Poltergeist (1982) – A family’s home becomes the center of paranormal activity that opens a doorway to the “other side.” With help from a team of parapsychologists, the family must cross over to get their kidnapped daughter back. (IMDb). Rated: PG. Run time: 1 hour 54 minutes.
- September 19 at 7:30 pm – Sleepy Hollow (1999) – Young detective Ichabod Crane is sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate a string of mysterious murders, all by decapitation. The culprit is a legendary apparition, The Headless Horseman. (IMDb). Rated: R. Run time: 1 hour 45 minutes.
- September 26 at 7:30 pm – Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) – In 1944 Spain, young Ofelia is sent to live with her new stepfather, a ruthless captain in the Spanish army. One night, she meets an old faun who reveals to her that she’s a princess but must prove her royalty by surviving three gruesome tasks before she can reunite with her real father, the king of the underworld. (IMDb). Rated: R. Run time: 1 hour 58 minutes.
All films begin at 7:30 p.m., with Sunnylands’ gates opening at 6 p.m. Admission is free.
While reservations are not required, carpooling is strongly encouraged. No food or seating is provided, though snacks and drinks will be available from the Sunnylands café from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Filmgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and small picnics. Large coolers, alcohol, smoking, and pets are not permitted.
Films may be canceled at any time due to weather conditions, including rain, lightning, or strong winds.
Films in the Gardens is presented in partnership with the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Sunnylands Center & Gardens is located at 37977 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage.
Photo Credit: The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands