The Palm Springs International Film Festival, established in 1988 by Palm Springs Mayor Sonny Bono, aimed to rejuvenate downtown Palm Springs and celebrate filmmakers worldwide. Initially met with skepticism due to the proximity of Hollywood, the festival successfully attracted 17,000 attendees in its inaugural year. Now in its 37th year, the festival has expanded into a vibrant thirteen-day event, showcasing 169 films from 72 countries, including 53 premieres, and drawing over 135,000 attendees.
On January 4, 2026, I attended the world premiere of “Ramona And The Ballad Of Juan Diego,” a documentary film created by the husband-and-wife team of Jason and Tawney Slaver. This compelling film introduces a new perspective on a significant chapter in American literature, highlighting the story behind Helen Hunt Jackson’s landmark novel “Ramona.”
Initially a poet and romance novelist, Jackson’s life took a pivotal turn after witnessing Chief Standing Bear’s speech about Native American injustices in 1879. This motivated her to dedicate her life to advocating for Native American rights, leading to the creation of her non-fiction work “A Century Of Dishonor.” Despite her efforts, legislative changes were lacking, prompting Jackson to write “Ramona” in 1884 as a narrative aimed at enlightening the public about the harsh realities faced by Native Americans. The novel became a bestseller and has remained in print since its release, inspiring multiple adaptations, including five feature films and the longest-running outdoor play in the U.S., performed annually in Hemet, California.
The outdoor play gained traction due to the immense popularity of Jackson’s novel, becoming a community-backed initiative with local families and performers participating for over a century. Notably, the play has cast many Native American actors among its ranks, highlighting cultural representation.
The Slavers delved deeply into the true events surrounding the novel, including the tragic story of a Native American named Juan Diego, who was murdered, and the injustices faced by his widow, Ramona Lubo. The documentary features significant historical artifacts, including an antique wax recording of the murderer recounting the crime, and personal testimonies from Diego’s descendants that emphasize the painful legacies of such events.
Actor Eli Santana, known for his role as Allesandro, shares his journey of embracing his Native American heritage, which inspired him to contribute the song “The Ballad Of Juan Diego” featured in the film. In recent years, the “Ramona” play has taken steps to include more authentic representation, appointing Duane Minard as the first Native American director in its century-long history.
The premiere of “Ramona And The Ballad Of Juan Diego” took place at the historic Mary Pickford Theatre in Cathedral City, a fitting homage considering the venue’s connection to the silent film adaptations of “Ramona.”
Helen Hunt Jackson’s enduring legacy inspires ongoing recognition. Efforts to honor her contributions have included establishing California’s first Literary Landmark for a woman writer and securing her a star in the Palm Springs Walk Of The Stars, alongside a recently unveiled portrait now housed in the Pioneers Museum in Colorado Springs. Initiatives are also in motion to have Jackson commemorated with a U.S. postage stamp, celebrating her influential life and work as the documentary sheds new light on her mission and achievements. This continued recognition highlights Jackson’s impact and the importance of storytelling in addressing social issues, evoking hope for future advocacy.