Entertainment Report
Palm Springs ShortFest Kicks Off with Magic, Mystery, and a Cat That Turns Human
ShortFest is officially underway in Palm Springs, drawing filmmakers and fans from across the globe for a week of screenings, panels, and red carpet premieres. NBC Palm Springs' Manny the Movie Guy was live from the action, where he spoke with filmmaker Lindsay Carpenter, whose short film Little One is making its Palm Springs premiere Thursday under the Power Plays banner.
Carpenter describes the film as a blend of magical realism and horror, centering on a bizarre and imaginative premise: a house cat transforms into a human and becomes the target of her owner’s obsessive fixation.
“It’s strange and fun,” said Carpenter. “It all started with the question—what happens if your cat has thumbs?”
The film is produced by Secret Beach Productions and has already screened at a dozen festivals across the country. Carpenter says Palm Springs is particularly special.
“It’s such an honor to be here. This festival has incredible programming and amazing opportunities to learn and connect,” she said.
Carpenter, who is visiting Palm Springs for the first time, will be attending screenings and participating in a mentorship one-on-one session with other filmmakers during the festival.
Little One screens Thursday at 5:30 p.m., and ShortFest continues through the weekend with more films, panels, and appearances by rising talent.
Manny will be speaking with ShortFest Artistic Director Lili Rodriguez at 6 p.m. to preview what audiences can expect from this year’s lineup.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
June 24, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
🚨 FINAL SCORE: FIREBIRDS WIN! 🔥🏒 A big night for the Coachella Valley Firebirds! The Birds take care of business with a convincing 5-1 victory! Five goals, a strong performance, and two points in the standings! That’s how you get it done! 🐦🔥 #CVFirebirds #FirebirdsWin #CoachellaValley #AHL #HockeyNigh
🥊 THE ONLY FIGHT OF THE NIGHT… SO FAR! 🔥 With just over four minutes remaining in the third period, the gloves finally came off! The Firebirds are leading 5-1, but there’s still time for more fireworks before the final horn! 🏒💥 #CVFirebirds #AHL #HockeyFights #CoachellaValley #HockeyNight
💀🏒 ¡Feliz Día de los Muertos! Adding a little sabor to tonight’s Firebirds vs. Henderson matchup! Our own Pablo Alsina is here bringing some Spanish flair to this special Día de los Muertos night in the desert. Hockey, culture, and a whole lot of celebration! 🔥🐦 #FirebirdsHockey #DiaDeLosMuertos #CoachellaValley #CVFirebirds #HockeyNight DíaDeLosMuertos
🏒 GAME NIGHT IN THE DESERT! 🔥 Tim O’Brien gets us ready for tonight’s matchup as your Coachella Valley Firebirds take on the Henderson Silver Knights! The energy is building, the puck is about to drop, and we’re ready for another night of Firebirds hockey! Let’s go, Firebirds! 🐦🔥 #FirebirdsHockey #CVFirebirds #CoachellaValley #HockeyNight #AHL LetsGoFirebirds
Your In-Arena hosts tonight!!! Tim O’Brien and Pablo Alsina!!
Remembering and honoring the loved ones we’ve lost. ❤️ Dia de los Muertos is about more than mourning — it’s a time to celebrate the lives, memories and traditions of those who will always remain in our hearts. We spoke with Mateo Gomez of Forest Lawn about the importance of keeping those memories alive and creating healthier conversations around grief and loss, including the stigma surrounding suicide. Join Forest Lawn for a special Día de los Muertos celebration this Monday in Cathedral City, from 5 to 8 p.m. Families are invited to come together, remember loved ones and celebrate their lives. #DiaDeLosMuertos #DayOfTheDead #ForestLawn #CathedralCity #RememberingLovedOnes #GriefSupport #NBCPalmSprings
Whatever you do after surgery... rule 1: do NOT post it on social media! #therogginreport #menshealth #viralreels #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
🥪 Halloween flavors are on the menu at The Sandwich Spot! Dana stopped by NBC Palm Springs to show us two seasonal favorites: “Rosemary’s Baby,” a spooky twist on chicken parmesan, and “Cornucopia,” bringing a taste of the season to every bite. 🎃 Rosemary’s Baby is available for a limited time through Halloween, while Cornucopia will stick around through New Year’s Day! Whether you're craving a hot specialty sandwich or planning a party, The Sandwich Spot also has catering platters ready to go. #TheSandwichSpot #CoachellaValleyEats #PalmSpringsFood #LocalRestaurants #HalloweenEats #SeasonalSpecials #NBCPalmSprings
🗳️ ELECTION DAY IS ALMOST HERE! Coachella voters are preparing to choose their next mayor, and the race features four candidates with very different visions for the city's future. From leadership and transparency to better streets, parks, schools and economic development, what's at stake in this election? NBC Palm Springs' Alondra Campos sat down with all four candidates to hear directly from them about why they want your vote and what they hope to accomplish. Watch the interviews and get informed before heading to the polls. Make your voice heard on November 3! #ElectionDay #Coachella #CoachellaMayor #Election2026 #LocalElections #AlondraCampos #NBCPalmSprings #CoachellaValley
CNN 'Engagement Party’s' Ari Shapiro breaks down what the popular meme blanketing social feeds this time of year.