Brian Neil Hoff’s idea took root in his own backyard. In 2008, the Palm Springs resident held the first Backyard Film Festival behind his house complete with pop-up screen and projector. “When I launched [the Backyard Film Festival] in November 2008, I initially received 10 submissions, most of which were from animation directors I had kept in contact with over
The 23rd annual Palm Springs International ShortFest and Film Market opened the week with eight feel-good films. More than 500 guests were able to screen Edmund the Magnificent, In a Nutshell, Park (Parque), Punchline, The Record – World’s Largest Family, Spice Sisters, Super Sex, and The Tables at Camelot Theatres and attend an after-party at Lulu California Bistro for food,
Kate Bosworth auditioned at an open casting call for her first movie at just 14 years old. She felt awkward and nervous because she had never read lines before. She didn’t have an 8 x 10 headshot, so she brought in the annual family Christmas photo instead. Bosworth believed she was a good match for the movie, which called for
Facing Mecca captured a pair of awards, including Best of Festival, at the 2017 Palm Springs International ShortFest during the June 25 closing ceremony at the Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs. Facing Mecca director Jan Eric-Mack was also awarded for Best Student Live Action Short Over 15 Minutes. VIDEO: View the acceptance speech of Facing Mecca director Jan-Eric Mack for
Watching movies as a kid were more than a form of escape for Lily Rodriguez. It turned out to shape her career path. Rodriguez, who grew up in Indio and graduated from Coachella High School, describes herself as an “indoor kid” who would watch movies from morning to bedtime. “So, my parents were kind of very protective parents,” Rodriguez says.
From immigrants to vampires and incarcerated parents, Palm Springs International ShortFest, June 20-26, draws a diversity of subjects as well as celebrities. Actress Kate Bosworth (Remember the Titans, Blue Crush, Young Americans) joins this year’s jury of media and critics at the Oscar and BAFTA qualifying event, which is the largest short film festival in North America, according to organizers.
The Palm Springs International ShortFest will showcase 338 films including 46 World Premieres, 12 International Premieres, 42 North American Premieres and 16 U.S. Premieres for its 23rd edition, June 20-26. The selection of films for screening and competition features star-studded casts and award-winning films from 60 countries around the world. There are 55 curated programs, which will screen June 20-26,
The American Documentary Film Festival will open with a Phil Keoghan documentary, Le Ride, March 31 at Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs. Keoghan, best known as the host of the popular television show, The Amazing Race, will attend the screening, which is also the West Coast Premiere of his film. Le Ride had its world premiere at the New Zealand International