Palm Springs ShortFest Boost For Local Economy

The Palm Springs International ShortFest has provided steady cash flow for businesses struggling in the early days of summer.

Hundreds were expected to pack the Camelot Theater over the weekend for the final half of the festival.

Despite the down economy, organizers said that they may sell more tickets this year than last.

Dramas, comedies, romance and documentaries: the film festival showcased every genre, and most of the films are less than 15 minutes long

“It seems like it’s getting bigger and bigger,” said Martin Magana, a foreign film buff.

The exposure for filmmakers is priceless, which makes all of the hardwork they put into their short-films worth it.

“We just screened and it was great,” said Seth Fisher, writer and director of ‘Pretty Happy.’

We did everything in two days and, so everythings just much shorter when you’re in a crunch,” said Ryan Young, producer of ‘Pretty Happy.’

Ivana Todorovic, director of ‘A Harlem Mother’ said the best part about making movies is “helping people. That’s the best thing.”

One of the added bonuses of film festivals is that the audience gets to chat with the filmmakers about their short immediately after it’s screened.

“It’s always a mixed bag,” said Carolyn Velez, a member of the Desert Film Society. “You like some better than others. I would say this was a good selection.”

Palm Springs businesses are also seeing a boost in sales.

“Pretty much it seems that if somebody’s coming in from the film festival, we can count on them to buy something,” said Joy Meredith, owner of Crystal Fantasy.

“This is traditionally a slow times,” Said Tony Marchese, with Trio Restaurant. “But, we’re getting — we’re a littler busier than what we’re told we should be.”

Both the audience and filmmakers are getting younger at the film festival, organizers said.

Some directors used the stage to launch their careers, and others were just there to have the time of their life.

“Are you kidding me? You can’t shut them up,” saifd Darryl MacDonald. [The Filmmakers are] up in everyone’s face – they’re having such a great time.”

The festival featured 314 movies, which were chosen out of a pool of more than 3,000 submissions.

Tickets are still available. For more information, please visit www.psfilmfest.org.