Palm Springs International Short Film Festival & Short Film Market
By Heidi Simmons
The Palm Springs “ShortFest” celebrates 20 years as the world’s largest short film festival and short film market. Starting Tuesday, June 17, 320 films from over 50 countries will screen at the Camelot Theaters in Palm Springs. This exciting fest features 58 short film programs over seven days.
The best short films the world has to offer will play on Camelot’s three state of the art screens. This signature event allows festival attendees to view five to nine short films in a single program in the same amount of time as one full-length feature film. Comedy, crime, drama, documentaries, animation, art, Latino, LGBT, family and foreign movies will once again enchant and entertain a wide variety of audiences. Wonderful cinematic surprises await! Guaranteed!
“We’ve never been more sure of the ability that short films have to inspire, illuminate and entertain an audience than we are with this year’s line up,” said Darryl Macdonald, Executive Director. “Never have we been more in awe of the vast array of talented voices and visions emerging in the short film world than we are this year.”
Twenty years ago the Palm Springs Film Society had an ambitious goal: to provide a vital springboard for newly emerging talent. The Society wanted to ensure a high profile showcase for a format that had nearly disappeared. After 19 years, the ShortFest continues to exceed its expectations with new and returning filmmakers from all over the planet.
“It’s a birthday of sorts for me as well,” said Kathleen McInnis, Festival Director. “On the invitation of Darryl Macdonald, I came to ShortFest in 2004 as Program Director. For the last ten years, I’ve enjoyed the extraordinary pleasure of working alongside the ShortFest team, and Darryl in particular, as we grew in filmmaker attendance, industry awareness and international stature and profile: A thrilling journey, to be sure, but also a deeply rewarding one.” McInnis and her team viewed over 3,000 films from 80 countries to put together this landmark program.
Besides the great entertainment the films provide, this ShortFest is an important stepping-stone for many filmmakers. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has designated the ShortFest as an award-qualifying festival. In the 19-year history of the ShortFest, 97 festival films have received Academy Award nominations. ShortFest winners in Juried categories are eligible to submit their films to the Academy for consideration. As always, the ShortFest will have World premieres, North American premieres and US premieres. So, be sure to vote after every program.
The ShortFest, like its older sibling the Palm Springs International Film Festival held in January, is part of the programing provided by the Palm Springs International Film Society, a charitable non-profit organization. Their mission is to cultivate and promote the art and science of film through education and cross-cultural awareness.
“This is the largest event of its kind and it hosts the only Short Film Market in North America,” said Harold Matzner, Palm Spring International Film Society Chairman. “Aside from all the fun and entertainment, ShortFest is basically a $500,000 educational initiative by the Palm Springs International Film Society, benefitting the filmmakers of tomorrow from every country of the world.”
As part of the Society’s mission, there are panels, forums, master classes and round-table discussions throughout the weeklong festival. The film Society sees these informative events as opportunities to network, build relationships and participate in the collaborative nature of filmmaking. These forums are open to the public. Check online for topics, dates and times. A variety of interesting programs includes the business of filmmaking to meeting festival programmers.
The ShortFest Forums and Industry Roundtables take place at the Renaissance Hotel’s Mojave Learning Center. Tickets are required and cost $11 to $12. These are popular events and it is strongly suggested to be in line at least 15 minutes early. It is important to check in at the Andreas room when you arrive to ensure a seat. These are dynamic conversations for anyone who is interested in filmmaking and the business of film.
The ShortFest film market is also located in the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel. This market allows accredited film buyers, distributors and industry professionals to view the work of students and transitioning filmmakers. Entertainment professionals and filmmakers can enjoy the market library of over 2,500 films. It is a great opportunity for filmmakers to network and make deals. The ShortFest is a fertile field of emerging talent.
Featured this year, from the land down under, is an Australian showcase. Saturday, June 21 at 5:30 pm, six films will premiere in the program “Australia’s Got Talent” at Camelot’s big theater. This is a terrific chance to get a taste of the diverse range of Australian stories and talent. Many other countries are feature throughout the week, but not as a singular program.
If you can’t make it to the fest be sure to check out the free Online Festival. The Virtual Screening Room has ten amazing films that exemplify the quality and nature of the ShortFest. To view and vote, go to the website: www.psfilmfest.org The winner of the online event will receive an award at the Closing Night Awards Program and Party.
Oh, did someone say party? ShortFest attendees love to party and there are many throughout the event. Besides the Opening and Closing parties, look for filmmakers, the LGBT community and sponsors to celebrate the fest and films. Poolside at the Hilton Palm Springs Resort will be the place to be for the wrap party on closing night. Some events require tickets but others don’t, so inquire as you hear about the fun happenings around Palm Springs.
Passes are still available but they go quickly. A Chairman’s Pass is $500 and includes everything: Opening and Closing Night programs and all parties, forums, film programs, access to the Filmmaker’s Lounge and a signed poster. For $200, the Insider’s Pass includes: Opening and Closing Night programs and respective party, film programs and forums. A Reel Deal Six Pack is $60, which allows six film programs of choice, but must be purchased by June 17.
Ticket price for General Admission is $12. Matinee (programs beginning at or before 3:00 pm) is $11. The physical box office is at Camelot Theaters located at 2300 E. Baristo Road in Palm Springs or, tickets can be purchased online www.psfilmfest.org and also by phone 760 778-8979.
The Palm Springs International Short Film Festival & Short Film Market, (affectionately known as ShortFest), is a wonderful way to enjoy a hot summer day or evening. Festival attendees are a fascinating group of film buffs. They come to Palm Springs from all over. This year 26,000 people are expected to attend. So why not take a break and catch a program filled with amazing cinematic experiences that cannot be had anywhere else?
58 Programs in Seven Days: The ShortFest Overview
By Heidi Simmons
As always the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival aims to please its audiences with diverse and entertaining film programs. There is absolutely something for everyone. The ShortFest begins Tuesday night, June 17 and runs through Monday, June 23.
For 20 years it has been the tradition to open the ShortFest with a program of funny films and this year is no exception. The celebration continues with plenty of raucous fun and good humor to get the ShortFest party started.
On Saturday, June 20, look for the special family film programs. Also there is an entire program of Australian short films. Animal lovers will be pleased to see a list of short films in the “Animal Instincts” group, which is also screening on Saturday.
Throughout the week, there are several LGBT film programs including His and Her’s night on Thursday, June 19.
The last day of the fest, Monday, June 23, be sure to catch at least one of the six selections of festival favorites. This is a sure fire way not to miss the Best of the Fest based on attendee’s votes and Jury awards.
Here is the daily schedule of film programs. Tickets are available at the Camelot box office or online. For more information and film descriptions go online at www.psfilmfest.org
Opening Night: Make ‘Em Laugh
Tuesday, June 17, 6:30 PM
Eleven films in 76 minutes – Camelot 1
Happy Birthday, ShortFest Darryl’s Picks
Wednesday, June 18, 11:30 AM
Six films in 89 minutes – Camelot 1
When Cultures Collide
Wednesday, June 18, 1:00 PM
Five films in 93 minutes – Camelot 3
Land(e)scapes
Wednesday, June 18, 1:30 PM
Five films in 85 minutes – Camelot 2
Extraordinary People
Wednesday, June 18, 2:00 PM
Five films in 95 minutes – Camelot 1
Games People Play
Wednesday, June 18, 4:00 PM
Six films in 86 minutes – Camelot 3
Odd Couples
Wednesday, June 18, 4:30 PM
Six films in 90 minutes – Camelot 2
The In and (Occasional) Outs of Coupledom Version 2.0: Gay Pairings
Wednesday, June 18, 5:00 PM
Six films in 87 minutes – Camelot 1
Odd Jobs
Wednesday, June 18, 7:00 PM
Seven films in 89 minutes – Camelot 3
You Don’t Have to be Jewish
Wednesday, June 18, 7:30 PM
Five films in 87 minutes – Camelot 2
Idiot’s Delight
Wednesday, June 18, 8:00 PM
Eight films in 88 minutes – Camelot 1
The Silver Screen
Thursday, June 19, 11:30 AM
Five films in 94 minutes – Camelot 1
Growing Pains
Thursday, June 19, 1:00 PM
Six films in 81 minutes – Camelot 3
For Arts Sake
Thursday, June 19, 1:30 PM
Six films in 89 minutes – Camelot 2
Identity Crisis
Thursday, June 19, 2:00 PM
Eight films in 96 minutes – Camelot 1
Future Shock
Thursday, June 19, 4:00 PM
Eight films in 90 minutes – Camelot 3
Power Play
Thursday, June 19, 4:30 PM
Six films in 94 minutes – Camelot 2
The Secret Lives of Others
Thursday, June 19, 5:00 PM
Seven films in 90 minutes – Camelot 1
Missing Parts
Thursday, June 19, 7:00 PM
Six films in 91 minutes – Camelot 3
The Gay-La! Hers: Lesbianation
Thursday, June 19, 7:30 PM
Nine films in 90 minutes – Camelot 2
The Gay-La! His: We’re Here We’re Queer
Thursday, June 19, 8:00 PM
Eight films in 81 minutes – Camelot 1
Changing Lanes
Friday, June 20, 10:00 AM
Seven films in 92 minutes – Camelot 3
Same Planet, Different World
Friday, June 20, 11:30 AM
Five films in 93 minutes – Camelot 1
The Other Side
Friday, June 20, 1:00 PM
Five films in 87 minutes – Camelot 3
Cons & Consequences
Friday, June 20, 1:30 PM
Five films in 88 minutes – Camelot 2
Sticks And Stones
Friday, June 20, 2:30 PM
Six films in 88 minutes – Camelot 1
Night Moves
Friday, June 20, 4:00 PM
Five films in 93 minutes – Camelot 3
Musicality
Friday, June 20, 4:30 PM
Four films in 86 minutes – Camelot 2
The Things We Do For Love
Friday, June 20, 5:00 PM
Nine films in 92 minutes – Camelot 1
Horrors! Thrillers! Mysteries!
Friday, June 20, 7:00 PM
Seven films in 92 minutes – Camelot 3
Ooh La La Palm Springs
Friday, June 20 7:30 PM
Six films in 89 minutes – Camelot 2
Altered States
Friday, June 20, 8:00 PM
Five films in 92 minutes – Camelot 1
Films 4 Families
Saturday, June 21, 10:00 AM
Seven films in 85 minutes – Camelot 3
History of US: Part 1
Saturday, June 21, 10:30 AM
Six films in 84 minutes – Camelot 2
Daytripping
Saturday, June 21, 12:00 PM
Five films in 92 minutes – Camelot 1
Dreamscapes
Saturday, June 21, 1:00 PM
Seven films in 88 minutes – Camelot 3
(Sur)real Life
Saturday, June 21, 1:30 PM
Seven films in 88 minutes – Camelot 2
Amazing Animation
Saturday, June 21, 2:30 PM
Nine films in 87 minutes – Camelot 1
Animal Instincts
Saturday, June 21, 4:00 PM
Seven films in 90 minutes – Camelot 3
Crime And Punishment
Saturday, June 21, 4:30 PM
Five films in 83 minutes – Camelot 2
Australia’s Got Talent
Saturday, June 21, 5:30 PM
Six films in 86 minutes – Camelot 1
Space Od(d)yssey
Saturday, June 21 7:00 PM
Five films in 85 minutes – Camelot 3
Seven Deadly Sins
Saturday, June 21, 7:30 PM
Seven films in 87 minutes – Camelot 2
Shooting Stars
Saturday, June 21, 8:30 PM
Four films in 86 minutes – Camelot 1
It’s All About Me
Sunday, June 22, 10:00 AM
Six films in 86 minutes – Camelot 3
Performance Of A Lifetime
Sunday, June 22, 10:30 AM
Four films in 85 minutes – Camelot 2
Gaydentity
Sunday, June 22, 11:30 AM
Five films in 83 minutes – Camelot 1
Modern Family
Sunday, June 22, 12:30 PM
Seven films in 91 minutes – Camelot 3
On The Road Again
Sunday, June 22, 1:00 PM
Eight films in 96 minutes – Camelot 2
All In The Family
Sunday, June 22, 2:30 PM
Six films in 89 minutes – Camelot 1
When Strangers Meet
Sunday, June 22, 3:00 PM
Six films in 90 minutes – Camelot 3
Coupling And Uncoupling
Sunday, June 22 3:30 PM
Six films in 86 minutes – Camelot 2
Best Of Fest Monday, June 23.
Digicom: Best of Fest
11:00 AM, Camelot 1
Audience Favorites – Documentaries
12:30 PM, Camelot 2
Audience Favorites – Live Action & Comedies 1
3:00 PM, Camelot 1
Jury Award Winners
3:30 PM, Camelot 2
Audience Favorites – Live Action & Comedies 2
6:00 PM, Camelot 1
Audience Favorites – LGBT Films
6:30 PM, Camelot 2
