Palm Springs, California – The 2025 Palm Springs International ShortFest has announced its dynamic programming lineup for this year’s 31st anniversary celebration. Set to take place from June 27 to 29 at the Renaissance Hotel, the festival will feature an array of panels, roundtable discussions, and interactive sessions that aim to bridge connections among filmmakers, directors, producers, and other industry professionals.
Among the notable names set to participate are Jesy Odio, producer of “Everyday in Kaimukī,” and directors such as Josh Margolin (“Thelma”) and Daniel Willis (“Matlock,” “The Rookie”). Meera Menon, known for her work on “Ms. Marvel” and “Westworld,” along with television writer Sarah Carbiener from “Rick and Morty,” are also on the roster. Additionally, Greta Fuentes, vice president of film at MACRO, and producer Andrew Carlberg, who worked on “Skin,” are participating.
Michael Schneider from Variety will moderate the “Breaking into Television” panel, while chief film critic Peter Debruge will lead the “Short to Feature” discussion, focusing on transitioning filmmakers into feature-length projects.
The festival programming includes exciting sessions such as “Pitch Like A Pro,” “Going Viral: Lessons from the Creator Economy,” and various one-on-one mentor opportunities. These interactive experiences aim to foster industry networking and knowledge exchange. Screenings will also take place at the Festival Theaters from June 24 to 30, showcasing a diverse collection of short films.
Winners of the juried awards will be revealed on June 29, featuring five Academy Award-qualifying categories and cash prizes totaling $25,000. This year’s awards will spotlight a range of categories, including student shorts and special jury awards, each judged by a dedicated panel.
In related news, the Jewish Story Partners (JSP) announced over $545,000 in new grants aimed at 26 feature documentary projects. These funds are designated for projects that delve into topics like American democracy, peacemaking after the Hamas attacks, and combating antisemitism. Notable films supported through this program include “The Day After,” “Hannah Arendt: Facing Tyranny,” and “White Rose.”
Roberta Grossman, the executive director of JSP, alongside Caroline Libresco, head of granting and programs, shared their commitment to using cinema as a tool for empathy and understanding. They emphasized the importance of supporting projects that stimulate vital conversations amidst a challenging funding landscape for the arts.
In a noteworthy development, director Jon M. Chu will be honored with the prestigious Prince Rainier III Award at the annual Princess Grace Awards Gala in New York City on October 29. This accolade includes a $25,000 grant to benefit a philanthropic cause of Chu’s choice, which he has selected to support the Princess Grace Foundation-USA.
The Princess Grace Foundation aims to nurture emerging talent in the arts, and this year marks the first time it will bestow the Prince Rainier III Award upon a past recipient of a Princess Grace Award. Chu expressed profound gratitude for the role the foundation played in his artistic journey.
As the American Cinematheque prepares to honor the Motion Picture Association with its Power of Cinema Award on November 20, it highlights the significance of organizations that support creative industries and foster artistic excellence. MPA Chairman and CEO Charles H. Rivkin will accept the award, celebrating the impact of cinema in diverse aspects of society.
Meanwhile, Tippett Studio announced Marc Morissette as its new visual effects supervisor. Morissette brings over 25 years of experience working on major film franchises and expressed excitement about joining a studio known for its pioneering visual effects.
On the distribution end, Vertical has acquired the North American rights to J.C. Doler’s horror film “The Twin,” set for release on July 1. The film features a cast that includes Logan Donovan, Robert Longstreet, and Aleksa Palladino.
In celebration of Bob Marley’s 80th birthday, Blue Fox Entertainment will re-release the documentary “Marley” in theaters nationwide, providing fans with an opportunity to experience the legendary musician’s life and legacy once again.
This article was automatically generated by Open AI, and the information may be inaccurate. If you wish to request removal, retraction, or correction, please contact contact@publiclawlibrary.org.