More than a dozen films and filmmakers were honored with cash prizes totaling $30,000 during the 32nd iteration of the Palm Springs International ShortFest, organizers said Monday.
The awards ceremony was held Sunday at the Hilton Palm Springs. Out of hundreds of short films, the following five short films may be eligible for submission to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Oscar consideration:
— “Fruit” (Singapore), directed by Jen Nee Lim, received $5,000 for Best of the Festival award;
— “FaCuk” (Croatio/Slovenia), directed by Maida Srabovic, received $1,000 for Best Animated Short;
— “Water Cooler” (USA), directed by Emma V.F., received $1,000 for Best Documentary Short;
— “Marga en el DF” (Mexico/USA/Dominican Republic), directed by Gabriela Ortega, received $1,000 for Best Live-Action Short Over 15 Minutes, and
— “We Were Here” (India), directed by Pranav Bhasin, received $1,000 for Best Live-Action Short 15 Minutes and Under.
This year’s festival jury included director Gus Van Sant; “Moana 2” writer, director and producer Dana Ledoux Miller; “Your Monster” producer Kayla Foster; and filmmaker Hayley Marie Norman.
Additional cash prizes were awarded in different categories, including student short, special jury, best comedy, best U.S. short, best LGBTQ+ short and kids’ choice.
The fest screened 329 films from 71 countries and territories, including 52 world premieres, 21 international premieres, 40 North American premieres, 30 U.S. premieres and 79 California premieres.
ShortFest took place from June 23-29 at Festival Theaters, 789 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way.