South Palm Canyond Drive in Palm Springs, CA with palm trees and Modernism Week banner

World Premiere Film! Arthur Elrod was charismatic and charming. His work epitomized modern, innovative desert design. His own home, completed in 1968 overlooking Palm Springs on Southridge Drive, and immortalized in the 1971 James Bond film, Diamonds Are Forever, remains his legacy to the city he called home.

Arthur Elrod: Desert Cool, a new documentary by Adele Cygelman, author of Arthur Elrod: Desert Modern Design (2019, Gibbs Smith Publishers) and cinematographer Alan Kraemer, examines his influential interior design and a life cut short by a tragic car accident through interviews with family, clients and colleagues. Film 60 min. Q+A with the director follows the film.

$20 per ticket will support the production of the documentary.

A limited capacity VIP Pre-Screening Reception, including Preferred Seating for the film, will take place in the museum’s Elrod Sculpture Garden, adjacent to the Annenberg Theater, from 4:30 PM to 5:45 PM. Enjoy meeting the director, cinematographer, and special guests while savoring ample delicious hors d'oeuvres and wine catered from Livs Palm Springs by Chef Gabriel Woo. Just prior to the start of the film at 6:00 PM, guests will be escorted directly from the Elrod Sculpture Garden to reserved VIP preferred seats.

To attend 4:30 PM pre-screening reception and receive preferred seating for the 6:00 PM film, choose the ‘VIP Preferred Seating and Pre-Screening Reception Ticket’ 4:30 PM–7:30 PM option (ages 21 and older). Otherwise, there is a ‘FILM ONLY General Admission’ 6:00 PM–7:30 PM ticket option.

In addition to the film screening, at 3:00 PM the same day, there is a presentation ‘The Elrod House: A Deep Dive’ with special guests Jeremy Scott, Mark Haddawy, Frank Escher and Alan Hess, moderated by Adele Cygelman.

Photo Credits: Alan Kraemer

Location & Attendee Information

  • What are the appropriate ages for this activity?Person Ages 13 and older
  • Are pets, animals, or service animals permitted?Dog on a leash Pets and animals not permitted
  • What are the mobility considerations for this activity?Person walking Seated activity
  • What type of parking is available?Car Parking & handicap parking available
  • Are restrooms available?Restroom sign Restrooms available
  • Is this an indoor or outdoor activity?Sun Indoor activity
  • What is the policy regarding smoking?Cigarette with smoke No smoking or e-cigarettes
  • What type of ADA accessibility is available?Wheelchair Wheelchair accessible
The organizer of this event is: Modernism Week Annenberg Theater Activity

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