Toni Merrihew, David Ready. Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi and Lili Rodriguez. -photo by Pat Krause
Palm Springs International ShortFest
Story and Photos by Pat Krause
The Palm Springs International ShortFest is celebrating 32 years of showing short films. Filmmakers from 145 countries submitted 7,000 short films for consideration to enter this year’s ShortFest. Filmmakers from around the globe have worked to make a short film as a start to bigger and better films in the future. This was a special type of filming, as there were live actors, special effects, and cartoon characters. The event was held from June 23rd to 29th.
Or Ofri, Liron Topaz, and Lirit Rosenzweig - photo by Pat Krause
The films were shown at Festival Theatres in Palm Springs. Opening night’s films on Tuesday the 23rd were diverse in type and saw a lot of the filmmakers in attendance to support their films. This group showed the artists from all the different countries and cultures. They showed seven short films. One from Norway had the audience laughing. One was an animated film, and others were entertaining, as the audience showed their appreciation by clapping after each film. These films were to show what the ShortFest is all about. Subtitles in English were used for everyone to understand the film.
The films were about creativity, innovation, storytelling, inspiration, family, and humor. A total of 329 films were shown in 10 days. Many were world premieres, and they vied for awards at the end of the ShortFest. Some nightly showings had a special theme for the films shown. There were after-parties every night at various local businesses.
Sunday, the 28th, was the awards presentation. Awards were given in many categories, including Best of the Fest, Best Documentary, Animated Short, Live Action Short, International Short, and more. Monday the 29th was when the winning films were shown.
The Palm Springs International ShortFest continues to give filmmakers from around the world a place to share their stories, meet audiences, and take another step toward future success in film.
Pat Krause
