Short Films, Animation & More! Palm Springs ShortFest Returns with Awards and Premieres

The Palm Springs International ShortFest will celebrate its 32nd edition from June 23-29, presenting a wide selection of short films. The festival, known for its support of short-form cinema, has programmed Oscar-winning and nominated films in previous editions. This year, an equally impressive program is expected, including a variety of genres and cinematic styles.

ShortFest is a key platform for emerging and established filmmakers, providing a showcase for talent in the industry. In addition to screenings, the festival offers workshops, panels, and networking events, creating an environment conducive to growth and collaboration. The event will culminate with the awards ceremony and the screening of the winning short films.

Whoopi Goldberg joins the production team of 'Captain Zero: The Movie', an upcoming animated film from Cutting Edge Animation. Goldberg will work as executive producer alongside her longtime collaborator, Tom Leonardis, under their One Ho Productions banner. The film, a 2D animated action-drama, follows Xerxes Hughes, a Haitian-American teenager who faces challenges as a student, son, and friend while secretly living as a superhero.

The voice cast includes Keith David, Zolee Griggs, Gary LeRoi Gray, Angelica Ross, and Z Cher-Aimé, with more announcements to come. The film expands on the universe presented in the animated short 'Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II', released in June 2025. Goldberg expressed her enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the theme of overcoming sadness and isolation.

Global sales have been launched for 'The Hammer', a documentary about the life and career of legendary auctioneer Simon de Pury. The film, directed by Simon Wallon, will offer an intimate look at de Pury's journey, from managing private collections to leading auction houses like Sotheby's. The documentary will feature contemporary artists such as Marina Abramović and Jeff Koons.

Catherine Quantschnigg, executive producer, commented on the importance of the film in the current context. The film is co-financed and co-produced by various collaborators, including Aleksey Ageyev, Simon Wallon, Julia and Victoria Zayceva, among others. 'The Hammer' promises to be a fascinating exploration of the art world and its market.

Film Independent has selected seven fellows for its 2026 Screenwriting Lab, with the annual program starting on April 6. The selected writers will participate in an intensive lab that focuses on the development of fiction feature film screenplays through individualized mentorship and workshops.

In addition, Alissa Torvinen has been awarded the second annual Climate Entertainment Development Grant, a $25,000 prize awarded in partnership with Plot Shift Media. The grant supports Torvinen's project, 'Extinction of the Badger Duck', focused on the rediscovery of a mythical bird. The Screenwriting Lab has been a launching pad for notable projects, including recent festival titles and award-winning feature films.

The festival will announce the awards and cash prizes worth $25,000, including five awards that qualify for the Academy Awards, on June 28. The Best of the Fest program will be screened on the last day, June 29. The festival has been a showcase for Oscar-nominated and winning short films in previous years, including 'The Singers', 'Jane Austen’s Period Drama', 'The Devil Is Busy', 'Forevergreen' and 'Retirement Plan'.

ShortFest is a key event in the film calendar, attracting filmmakers, industry professionals, and film lovers from around the world. The combination of screenings, workshops, and awards creates a comprehensive experience for all participants.