The Palm Springs International Animation Festival didn’t get off to the best start

Sgt. Stubby

The Palm Springs International Animation Festival kicked off Wednesday in Palm Springs. According to the Desert Sun, the first day of the event could’ve gone better.

Mayor Robert Moon attended the opening ceremonies before the screening of “Sgt. Stubby,” but even festival founder and director Brian Hoff said the turnout was disappointing. “Sgt. Stubby,” the true story of a dog who amazingly finds his way onto a ship across the Atlantic Ocean to join his master in fighting World War I and become the most decorated dog in American history, features the voices of Helena Bonham Carter and Gerard Depardieu. But no one from the film showed up for the red-carpet arrivals amid the 4 p.m. weekday heat and less than 100 people filed into the large auditorium.

A red carpet with no stars is bad and less than 100 people showing up for the kickoff is also not good, but, on the bright side, the mayor was able to find some time in between changing outfits and reading all of your damn emails to make it.

The animation fest continues through Saturday and, if you want to go, it sounds like there are still plenty of tickets available.

You can get more info here.