The 29th annual Palm Springs International ShortFest, one of the largest showcases of short-form cinema in North America, is back, with screenings June 20-26. Kicking off on Tuesday, June 20, ShortFest will screen a full slate of films at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.
This year’s festival will screen 50 curated programs and showcase 299 films that include 53 World Premieres. If you miss one on your favorite list, don’t despair. Repeat screenings of the winners will be shown closing night on June 26. Additionally, a virtual Best of the Fest will run from July 7-13.
Prelude to the Oscars
See it here first! ShortFest, produced by the Palm Springs International Film Society, is a constant bellwether for Hollywood. Over the course of 29 years, the festival has presented over 100 films that have gone on to receive Academy Award nominations.
The Experience
The beauty of a ShortFest screening is that it isn’t just one long movie. In fact, if one of the movies you’re watching is not your favorite, don’t worry. You have a handful left to watch because you will be seeing a film ‘program’. Film programs consist of four to six short films programmed together in a theme, from love to humor to thrills—every program is a new set of adventures. And, the fun part doesn’t end with the shorts. The attending filmmakers appear on stage after each program to answer questions from the audience and talk about their experiences making the films.
A Selection of Films
From animated shorts to documentaries and student projects, there is something for everyone in 2023! Take a look at just a few starring celebrated film and television actors!
Catherine Curtin in Galapagos
Ken Marino and Kate Flannery in Help Me Understand
Whoopi Goldberg in Three Trees
The Inspirational Filmmakers
ShortFest is known world-wide for the community of filmmakers it attracts and is impressively ranked as the largest festival of its kind in America. The Palm Springs ShortFest stands as one of the few qualifying festivals for the Best Short Film Awards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Meet the filmmakers and feel their excitement.
If you go
Palm Springs International ShortFest
June 20-26, 2023
Palm Springs Cultural Center (Camelot Theatres)
2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Order Passes here
Photos courtesy of the Palm Springs International Film Society
