Sunnylands Center & Gardens will begin its new season on September 10 and, two days later, will launch the Films in the Gardens series. This year’s theme, “Tales Beneath the Trees,” is inspired by the exhibition Curating Canopy: Trees at Sunnylands, which examines the role of trees in shaping the property’s landscape over nearly six decades.
The outdoor film series features three movies where trees play a significant part in their stories. The screenings are scheduled for consecutive Fridays in September and each film carries either an R or PG rating due to their supernatural or scary themes.
The schedule is as follows:
September 12 at 7:30 p.m. – 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 p.m. – 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 p.m. – 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.”
Each screening begins at 7:30 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m., and admission is free for all attendees.
While reservations are not required for entry, organizers encourage carpooling due to limited parking space on site. Attendees should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets as no seating will be provided; snacks and drinks can be purchased from Sunnylands café between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., but large coolers, alcohol, smoking, and pets are not allowed on site.
The event may be canceled if there are adverse weather conditions such as rain or strong winds.
Films in the Gardens is organized through a partnership with Palm Springs International Film Festival and takes place at Sunnylands Center & Gardens located at 37977 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage.
