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The Palm Springs International ShortFest, one of the world’s premiere festivals dedicated to short form film, has announced a 2025 lineup boasting an exceptional array of acting talent: Ian McKellen, John C. Reilly, Chris Pine, Alicia Silverstone, Domhnall Gleason, Rosie O’Donnell, Alan Cumming, Archie Panjabi, Haley Joel Osment, Finn Wittrock, Emma D’Arcy, Simon Rex, Jane Levy, and Roger Guenveur Smith, among many others.

Documentary shorts in the program include films directed by Geeta Gandbhir and Christalyn Hampton, Ömer Sami, and Glenn Kaino, among more than a dozen others.

The 31st edition of the festival, running June 24-30 in the famed Sonoran Desert town in California, will showcase 311 films hailing from 64 countries and territories. Of those, 45 are world premieres, 10 international premieres, and 36 North American premieres. Palm Springs International ShortFest is an Oscar-qualifying festival in five categories: Best of the Festival Award, Best Animated Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Live-Action Short Over...

Studio Ghibli’s ‘Ponyo,’ the films of Laika and a celebration of Marilyn Monroe are among the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures new exhibitions that will open in 2026.

Studio Ghibli’s “Ponyo” will focus on the animation process and highlight a donation of original production materials that Ghibli made to the Academy Collection. The second exhibition, titled “Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon,” will be a centennial celebration of the actress that will examine her public image through original screen-used costumes, photographs, personal items and more.

There will also be a traveling exhibition, “Hidden Worlds: The Films of Laika,” which will explore the technology and artistry of stop motion animation through its filmography, including “Coraline” (2009), “ParaNorman” (2012) and “Kubo and the Two Strings” (2016).

Amy Homma, Academy Museum Director and President, said in a statement, “This incredible array of exhibitions demonstrates how the Academy Museum collaborates with filmmakers, studios and collectors to bring to...

Following years of delays and pandemic restrictions, and now celebrating a post-strike awards season, what better way to kick off the 35th annual Palm Springs Intl. Film Festival than with a “fun and naughty film,” says festival director Lili Rodriguez.

Thea Sharrock’s “Wicked Little Letters” will enjoy its U.S. premiere Jan. 5 at the desert fest, followed by 179 films from 74 countries including 47 premieres, while showcasing a lineup of 40 international feature film Oscar submissions.

“The real excitement is that we’re back to a full-on festival with all pre-pandemic offerings, and 100% venue capacity. The moment we saw ‘Wicked Little Letters,’ we knew we needed it as our opener,” says Rodriguez.

Among films earning attention at Psiff include the world premieres of “A Look Through His Lens,” which details the life of Oscar-winning cinematographer Philippe Rousselot, and “All About the Levkoviches,” from debuting director Adam Breier. The event closes with “Ex-Husbands,...

Palm Springs International Film Festival programmers have set this year’s lineup.

The desert festival, which runs Jan. 4 to 15, will open with the U.S. premiere of Thea Sharrock’s Wicked Little Letters on Jan. 5. Based on a 1920s English scandal, the film follows neighbors Edith Swan and Rose Gooding in the seaside town of Littlehampton. One day, a series of obscene letters begin to target Edith and others as suspicions fall on Rose. As the situation escalates, Rose risks losing her freedom and custody of her daughter. Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Anjana Vasan, Malachi Kirby, Eileen Atkins and Timothy Spall star in the film.

Though the opening screening happens on Jan. 5, the festival really kicks off the night before with the Film Awards, a starry ceremony that will shine a spotlight on Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, Poor Things star Emma Stone, Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy,...

Editor’s note: On Friday, December 9, IndieWire is co-hosting a special screening of 2023 Oscar-qualified short films as part of LA3C in partnership with National Geographic Documentary Films and ShortsTV. Apply to the attend the event in Los Angeles at this link.

Almost 40 years ago, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences issued a rule change that would send a ripple effect throughout the film community. Years before the expansion of Best Picture to 10 categories or the introduction of a Best Animated Feature category, the Academy made a small adjustment to its bylaws that would inject a powerful new variable to the film festival circuit in the years to come.

In 1983, the Academy ruled that in order for a short film to be eligible for one of its three categories — Live Action, Documentary, and Animated — it would either have to receive a theatrical release or participate in a “recognized” film festival.

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The Kyle Marvin-directed 80 for Brady — a Paramount Pictures comedy starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Rita Moreno and Sally Field and produced by NFL superstar Tom Brady — will touch down in Palm Springs on Jan. 6.

The film has been selected to open the 34th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival by making its world premiere at the Richards Center for the Arts. The film’s stars and director are expected to attend the opening night festivities. Inspired by a true story, it follows four best friends who take a wild trip to the 2017 Super Bowl Li to see their hero, Brady, play in the big game. In addition to making his producing debut, Brady appears in the film, which is scheduled to hit theaters Feb. 3.

The fest will close with The Lost King on Jan. 15. The Warner Bros. Pictures film stars Sally Hawkins,...

Rita Moreno, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Sally Field star in ’80 For Brady’ from Paramount Pictures.

The world premiere of 80 for Brady starring Jane Fonda, Sally Field, Rita Moreno, and Lily Tomlin will open the 34th Annual Palm Springs International Festival on Friday, January 6, 2023, and The Lost King from director Stephen Frears will close the festival on Sunday, January 15th. In between, Psiff will screen 132 films including the world premiere of the documentary Shot in the Arm.

“We are beyond excited to welcome back our beloved audience and filmmakers in Palm Springs. We’re especially thrilled to be joined by all four leads of 80 For Brady. The film is brimming with joy and heart, and it’s a perfect film to kick off our 34th edition,” said Artistic Director Lili Rodriguez. “Our programmers have dedicated almost a year to scouting the world for the films that make up this edition.

The Palm Springs Film Festival has unveiled the lineup for its 34th annual edition, announcing that Paramount Pictures’ 80 for Brady will world premiere as its opening night film on January 6, with IFC Films’ The Lost King closing it out on January 15.

Directed by Kyle Marvin, 80 for Brady is inspired by the true story of four best friends living life to the fullest when they take a wild trip to the 2017 Super Bowl Li to see their hero Tom Brady play. Cast members including Academy Award nominee Lily Tomlin, Academy Award winner Jane Fonda, Academy Award winner Rita Moreno and Academy Award winner Sally Field are expected to be among those in attendance at the fest to rep the film slated for release in theaters on February 3, 2023.

Related Story Palm Springs Film Festival Awards: Austin Butler Latest Honoree For January Gala Related Story '80 For Brady' Trailer: Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda,...

The Palm Springs International Film Festival has canceled its 2021 edition due to coronavirus concerns, with plans to return for 2022, organizers have confirmed. But the film awards will move forward on Feb. 25, with details still to be discussed.

A letter announcing the decision went out Monday to the festival’s board members, signed by board chair Harold Matzner, managing director Rhea Lewis-Woodson, and artistic director Lili Rodriguez . Palm Springs’ ABC affiliate Kesq first reported the news Monday morning.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all of our lives in profound ways but we have not stopped believing that cinema has the power to change our hearts and minds,” the letter reads. “We stand by that truth and commit to continue our efforts in bringing film to our community.”

Organizers had announced in July that the 32nd edition of the event would push back from its original Jan. 7 opening date “to ensure the...

Updated 1:35 p.m. Et: The Palm Springs International Film Society confirmed that it will not hold a 2021 festival. However, the festival will still host a Film Awards presentation on February 25 and the Palm Springs ShortFest is still scheduled for June 22-28.

The 2021 Palm Springs International Film Festival has reportedly been canceled due to the pandemic.

Palm Springs-based ABC Affiliate Kesq reported that organizer Palm Springs International Film Society is skipping the 2021 edition, set for February 25-March 8, citing an email sent to board members by board chair Harold Matzner, managing director Rhea Lewis-Woodson, and artistic director Lili Rodriguez.

“As we reach the end of the year, it is clear that it will not be possible to mount the film festival the way we envisioned it. This has not been an easy choice but we have made the decision to skip the 2021 edition. Rest assured that we plan to be back...

The Palm Springs Film Festival’s 2020 ShortFest has been moved from an in-person event to a virtual one, the Palm Springs International Film Society announced on Thursday.

In a letter to the ShortFest Community, artistic director Lili Rodriguez and managing director Rhea Lewis-Woodson wrote that the festival was “fully committed to doing our part in flattening the curve by following the law and guidelines set by the Cdc, State of California, Riverside County and the City of Palm Springs.” As a result, it will not hold the annual short-film festival at its usual theaters and facilities in the desert resort town east of Los Angeles.

In its place, the ShortFest will announce its official selection in early June. Some of those films, which are being selected from more than 6,000 submissions, will screen on the festival website free of charge from June 16 to June 22, the original dates of the festival. Virtual...

With a focus on Italian films accompanying a large selection of international features, most of which are competing for Oscars, the 31st annual Palm Springs Intl. Film Festival will run Jan. 3-12.

“An Almost Ordinary Summer,” directed by Simone Godano, will kick off the festival on Jan. 3. Other Italian films to unspool are “The Champion,” “Simple Women,” “The Disappearance of My Mother,” “A Soul Journey,” “Martin Eden,” “Sole” and “The Traitor.”

The festival will close Jan. 12 with “Military Wives,” directed by Peter Cattaneo.

Last year, Psiff attracted more than 136,000 attendees and festival organizers anticipate just as many in 2020.

“Some of our guests get a chance to see 40 movies in 10 days,” says festival chairman Harold Matzner. “I don’t know how they do it, but they do, and it’s an incredible cultural experience.”

For her inaugural year, artistic director Lili Rodriguez added big awards season contenders including “Pain and Glory,...

The Palm Springs International Film Society has promoted Lili Rodriguez to artistic director, a role that will see her take on oversight of programming, developing and operating the Palm Springs Film Festival and Palm Springs ShortFest.

The one-time film projectionist was hired as year-round program manager at the society in 2016, programming films for Psiff and ShortFest. In 2017, she transitioned to director of programming at Psiff and festival director of ShortFest.

“The Festival needed a full-time employee that exclusively programmed, developed and operated

Palm Springs International Film Society programs,” festival chairman Harold Matzner said in announcing the promotion Thursday. “Lili lives for film. The improved performance of ShortFest under her direction has been nothing short of remarkable. She is extremely intelligent and talented and going to be a superstar in the festival world.”

Rodriguez takes on the role ahead of the upcoming ShortFest, which is set this year for June 18-...

The Palm Springs International Film Society has announced artistic director Michael Lerman is stepping down from the position now that his three-year contract has expired. Lerman is being replaced by Lili Rodriguez, who in the role will oversee the artistic direction of a handful of upcoming Palm Spring events, including ShortFest (June 18-24) and next year’s Psiff. Rodriguez will also oversee the Palm Spring Film Society’s membership and community outreach programs throughout the year.

Lerman told the Desert Sun his exit was the result of the Film Society wanting a full-time employee to serve as artistic director. Lerman is also a filmmaker, producer, and serves as a programmer for the Toronto International Film Festival. Lerman will continue to assist Tiff and write a new screenplay.

“I’ve been a filmmaker a long time and every year I say I’m going to do it and then every year it’s like,...

Rodriguez previously served as Psiff director of programming, ShortFest festival director.

The Palm Springs International Film Society has promoted Lili Rodriguez to artistic director.

Rodriguez will oversee all artistic decisions for the upcoming Palm Springs International ShortFest taking place June 18-24, and the 31st annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (Psiff) that runs from January 2-13, 2020.

She also oversees the Film Society’s membership and community outreach programmes throughout the year.

“The Festival needed a full-time employee that exclusively programmed, developed and operated Palm Springs International Film Society programs,” said festival chairman Harold Matzner.

“Lili lives for film. The improved...

In its second shake-up in three years, the Palm Springs International Film Festival has named a new artistic director, Lili Rodriguez, who has been the fest’s director of programming since 2017. She succeeds Michael Lerman, who joined Psiff as its artistic director in the fall of 2016 and oversaw the past three editions of the event.

In her new role, Rodriguez will oversee all artistic decisions for the upcoming Palm Springs International ShortFest, which is set to take place June 18-24, and the 31st annual Palm Springs Film Festival, which is set to run Jan. 2-13, as well as the Film ...

In its second shake-up in three years, the Palm Springs International Film Festival has named a new artistic director, Lili Rodriguez, who has been the fest’s director of programming since 2017. She succeeds Michael Lerman, who joined Psiff as its artistic director in the fall of 2016 and oversaw the past three editions of the event.

In her new role, Rodriguez will oversee all artistic decisions for the upcoming Palm Springs International ShortFest, which is set to take place June 18-24, and the 31st annual Palm Springs Film Festival, which is set to run Jan. 2-13, as well as the Film ...

The 2018 Palm Springs International Shortfest winners were announced Sunday, with Jérémy Comte’s “Fauve” taking the top prize.

333 short films screened throughout the Festival along with more than 5,300 of the 5,400 filmmaker submissions available in the film market. More than $87,500 in prizes, including $27,000 in cash awards were awarded in 21 categories.

“The award winners truly capture the amazing pool of talent and the incredible range of films found at the festival,” said festival director Lili Rodriguez. “We’re honored to witness and share such a skilled level of filmmaking and can’t wait to do it again next year.”...

Coyote, Caroline receive top jury awards.

Updated: Top brass at the 2018 Palm Springs International Shortfest announced the audience awards on Sunday evening (June 24) after revealing juried and non-competition winners earlier in the day.

The Best Live Action - Crystal Award went to Red Light (Bulgaria-Croatia) by Toma Waszarow, while the Best Animation - Crystal Award winner was Coin Operated (USA) by Nicholas Arioli.

Kayayo (Norway) by Mari Bakke Riise won the Best Documentary - Crystal Award, and the ShortFest On-line Audience Award - Crystal Award winner was Lost Face (Australia-Canada) by Sean Meehan.

Turning to the juried prizes unveiled in the afternoon,...

Coyote, Caroline receive top jury awards.

Jérémy Comte’s Canadian selection Fauve was named Best of the Festival as the 2018 Palm Springs International Shortfest announced winners on Sunday (June 24).

Fauve (pictured) becomes eligible for Oscar consideration and takes place in a surface mine as two boys sink into a seemingly innocent power game.

In the two other jury awards, Lorenz Wunderle’s Coyote from Switzerland about a coyote that loses its family after a wolf attack won Best International Short, while Best North American Short went to Caroline by Celine Held and Logan George, about a six-year-old faced with a...