The Palm Springs International ShortFest has revealed its programming lineup, with projects involving talent including Francesca Scorsese, Bella Thorne, Emma D’Arcy, Rory Culkin and Benedict Cumberbatch. This year’s 30th-anniversary ShortFest will be presented at the Regal Palm Springs from June 18-24.
Short films to be screened include “Unsettled” directed by Bella Thorne, “The Talent” starring “House of the Dragon” breakout D’Arcy, “Fish Out of Water” directed by Martin Scorsese’s daughter Francesca Scorsese (pictured), “Agonist” starring Peyton List, “ALOK” directed by Alex Hedison and executive produced by Jodie Foster, “Mog’s Christmas” voiced by Cumberbatch and Claire Foy, “Speed Queen 51” starring Culkin and more. Additional films include “Holiday House”starring AnnaSophia Robb, “ILY, BYE”starring Meg Stalter, Kanoa Goo and Rainn Wilson, “Loser”starring Angourie Rice, “Paper”starring Josh Brener, “Tea”starring Michael Gandolfini and “The One Note Man”starring Ian McKellen.
“Year after year, short filmmaking continues to gain recognition, reaching broader audiences and offering filmmakers a striking canvas from which to experiment, innovate, and explore the stories which make them dream,” said Lili Rodriguez, Artistic Director of the Palm Springs International Film Society. “Celebrating our 30th anniversary, we have both the unique gift of looking back toward the creativity which has sprouted at ShortFest across its significant tenure, as well as the still rich environment from which to see emerging creatives grow. We are honored to share these captivating works with our loyal Palm Springs audience, and cannot wait to welcome these artists from around the globe once again to the Coachella Valley.”
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The festival will screen 52 curated programs showcasing 310 films from 63 countries and territories, including 49 world premieres, 15 international premieres, 28 North American premieres, nine U.S. premieres and 106 California premieres. In all, over 6300 short films from 130 countries and territories were submitted. As reported by the filmmakers who submitted to the festival, 153 of 310 films were directed by women.
Juried award winners will be announced June 23, from the official selection, which includes five Academy Award-qualifying awards and cash prizes totaling $25,000. The Best of the Fest shorts will be screened on the final day, June 24, and will also be available virtually from July 10-14. This year’s categories, which each have their own group of jury members, include Oscar-qualifying awards, student short awards and special jury awards .
The full schedule and tickets for the fest will be available on Wednesday at the organization’s website.
