Local & Community
Palm Springs ShortFest Returns Next Week with Star-Studded Jury, Forums on AI and the Film Industry
The Palm Springs International ShortFest is one week away, and organizers are already rolling out the names behind the scenes. The Palm Springs International Film Society, the nonprofit that brings the beloved Palm Springs International Film Festival to the desert every January, announced today the jury lineup and full Forum schedule for the festival's 32nd edition.
ShortFest runs June 23 through 29, screening more than 300 films from over 60 countries at Festival Theaters in Palm Springs. The festival is Academy Award, BAFTA, and Goya qualifying, meaning a win here can put a filmmaker on a direct path to awards season.
Heading up the Best of the Festival jury is a group that includes "Moana 2" writer, director, and producer Dana Ledoux Miller, acclaimed director Gus Van Sant, director and actress Julia Aks, and producer Kayla Foster. Separate juries will also judge categories including Best Animated Short, Best Documentary Short, Best LGBTQ+ Short, Best Student Short, and several others, pulling in programmers, agents, editors, and producers from across the industry.
Beyond the screenings, the ShortFest Forum, held at the Hilton Palm Springs, is where much of the professional programming happens. This year's panels cover the nuts and bolts of building a career in film, and one session in particular reflects a conversation the entire industry is having. A panel called "You, Me and the AI We Know" on Friday, June 26 will bring together filmmakers and industry insiders to talk through what artificial intelligence actually means for short filmmakers working with small crews and tight budgets, where the line between efficiency and creativity sits, and what guardrails the industry should be thinking about.
There are other Forum programs as well, designated for filmmakers specifically, including "Pitch Perfect," an interactive masterclass on Friday, June 26, where attendees can submit their ideas ahead of time for a chance to pitch live in front of a panel of seasoned executives. Those will require prior registration.
The festival's screenings are open to everyone though. Programs run around 90 minutes, with Q&As after each block giving audiences a direct look at the creative process behind the films.
Tickets and more information on the full lineup of screenings and panels are available here.
By: NBC Palm Springs
June 16, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews
Two new Girl Scout cookies are coming in 2027 🍪 Meet Sparkables: a crunchy oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, developed with Partake in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens. And for the pups: Patch Pals 🐾 Soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies in four adorable designs. Both will be available online beginning in January. Which one are you most excited to try? #GirlScouts #GirlScoutCookies #NewCookies #DogTreats #FoodAllergyFriendly #CookieSeason
It’s more than just dancing — it’s fitness, confidence and community. A Coachella Valley dance studio is helping adults move their bodies, have fun and step into their power, one class at a time. And during Beyoncé’s birthday week, the energy was turned all the way up. “When in doubt, twerk it out.” See how VXN Worldwide Dance Company is getting the Valley moving — and building confidence along the way. Read more at NBCPalmSprings.com. #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Dance #Fitness #Community NBCPalmSprings
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What are you going to be for Halloween? 🎃
Labor Day traffic is picking up in Palm Springs. If you’re heading out, our Maria Noble Valdez has what you can expect on the roads here. Be sure to stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs and nbcpalmsprings.com for more Labor Day coverage #LaborDay #LaborDayTraffic #PalmSprings #TrafficUpdate #i10
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Cael Woody with the dot under pressure, 2) Tatum Webster with the pass breakup, 3) Ivan Garza with the rushing TD, 4) Sean Meza with the toe tap, or 5) Jesus. Valenzuela with the strong hands #fypage #fridaynightlights #top3 #hondaofthedesert
Me On A Plate is back! We head over to @tacquila_ps to talk to chef David Arreguin about his love of spice, being the seventh of nine children, and his drive to always follow his passion. Check it out now on our website nbcpalmsprings.com