Idyllwild CinemaFest Director Stephen Savage premieres his latest feature film, “Vertical,” as a special festival event on Saturday, Jan. 12, at the fourth year of the festival he founded. “It’s the final film in my Idyllwild trilogy,” said Savage, whose previous features “Cosmic Radio” (2007) and “Legacy” (2010) were also shot on location here.

The opening night film for the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema is Director Will Wallace’s “Red Wing.” Wallace also is the festival’s co-director. “Red Wing” is loosely based on Gearge Sand’s French novella, “The Country Waif.” Rather than the green and pastoral French countryside, “Red Wing” is set in a small Texas cattle ranching town….

The performers for the 21st Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines, Aug. 16 and 17, have been announced. “This is the return of Marshall Hawkins,” said Anne Finch, chair of the popular jazz festival. “It’s a tribute. I’m thrilled.” Many of the performers are either Idyllwild Arts alumni or students of the renowned jazz performer and…