Palm Springs Short Film Fest to honor Gus Van Sant

Organizers for the Palm Springs International ShortFest will present director and screenwriter Gus Van Sant with the ShortFest Spirit of Short Film Award during the festival’s run from June 19-25.

The honor will come as part of a special directing master class presentation celebrating his work in film, which is scheduled for June 23 at 2:30 p.m., according to the film festival’s press representatives.

Van Sant is a two-time Best Director Oscar nominee for “Good Will Hunting” and “Milk,” both of which were also nominated for Best Picture.

“I’m thrilled that Gus Van Sant will be joining us to share his expertise and unique perspective with filmmakers and audiences attending the festival,” said ShortFest Programming and Executive Director Darryl Macdonald. “Over the course of his distinguished career, Gus has been a groundbreaking force in his field, and he’s an incredibly gifted artist working at the peak of his craft.”

In addition to his impressive body of feature film work, he has also directed several short films.

He was been previously honored at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in 2009, when he received the Sonny Bono Visionary Award.

Also attending the festival this year is Academy Award-winning cinematographer Robert Elswit, known for his work in “There Will Be Blood,” “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” “Good Night and Good Luck,” “Salt,” “Michael Clayton” and “Syriana.”

His most recent film is “The Bourne Legacy,” starring Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz and Edward Norton and set for release in August.

He will be there to conduct a master class on cinematography on June 23 at 12:30 p.m.