🎬 The World Comes to Palm Springs—One Short Film at a Time

🎬 The World Comes to Palm Springs—One Short Film at a TimeThis June, Palm Springs once again transforms into a global stage for storytelling, creativity, and cinematic adventure. The 2025 Palm Springs International ShortFest returns for its 31st edition from June 24 to 30, delivering a powerful celebration of short-form cinema from around the world—all from our desert backyard 🌵.

🌍 A Record-Setting Lineup

This year’s festival features 311 short films from 64 countries and territories, showcasing a stunning range of perspectives and voices. Expect 45 world premieres, 10 international, 36 North American, 19 U.S., and 94 California premieres—a true global snapshot, distilled into bite-sized stories.

Audiences will see fresh work by emerging filmmakers alongside performances from beloved stars like Ian McKellen, John C. Reilly, Bella Ramsey, Chris Pine, and Pauline Chalamet ⭐🎥.

💡 The Forum: A Hub for Creative Exchange

Beyond the screen, ShortFest’s Forum offers four days of panels, roundtables, and networking events starting June 25. It’s a meeting ground for filmmakers, agents, producers, and curious creatives to dive into everything from story development to distribution strategies.

Industry heavy-hitters like A24, FX, Universal Pictures, CAA, and WME will all be represented. Whether you’re a director in the making or just film-curious, there’s something here for you 💬🤝.

🏆 A Launchpad to the Oscars—and Beyond

ShortFest is no ordinary festival. It’s Oscar®, BAFTA, and Goya-qualifying, making it a prestigious stepping stone for short films seeking global recognition 🏅. This year’s juried awards will be announced Saturday, June 29, with $30,000 in cash prizes up for grabs 💰.

Don’t miss the “Best of the Fest” showcase on Sunday, June 30, highlighting the week’s most celebrated entries 🥇.

🔥 A Summer Oasis of Independent Spirit

As the summer sun blazes across the Coachella Valley, ShortFest offers a cool escape—and an emotional jolt. With stories ranging from intense dramas to surreal comedies and bold political statements, every screening is a fresh surprise 🎭🌈.

In this season of Desert Independence, ShortFest is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of creative risk-takers, cinematic rebels, and storytelling with soul. Like the desert itself, it demands vision, grit, and a little magic 🌄✨.

🎟️ Explore the full lineup, buy tickets, and learn more:
👉 https://www.psfilmfest.org/shortfest-2025

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