Gus Van Sant honored at Palm Springs ShortFest
Director and screenwriter Gus Van Sant will be honored today at the Palm Springs International ShortFest.
Van Sant will receive the ShortFest Spirit of Short Film Award, as part of a presentation about his work, at Palm Springs’ Camelot Theatres. Some of his shorts will be screened and festival director Darryl Macdonald will moderate a discussion.
Van Sant, a two-time Academy Award nominee for directing “Good Will Hunting” and “Milk,” has also helmed some short films. He received the Sonny Bono Visionary Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in 2009, according to festival organizers.
“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,” Macdonald said. “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.”
Also today, Robert Elswit, an Oscar-winning cinematographer, will give a master class on cinematography. His work includes “There Will Be Blood,” Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol” and “Michael Clayton.” His most recent film, “The Bourne Legacy,” will be released in August.
The festival, now in its 18th year, started Tuesday and ends Sunday. The festival will showcase more than 320 films, chosen from more than 3,000 worldwide entries. A total of $118,800 in prizes, including $16,000 in cash, will be given out in 19 categories.
First-place winners in four categories will be automatically eligible for consideration by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for a possible Academy Award nomination. Winners will be announced on June 24 at a closing night screening and reception. For information and tickets, go to www.psfilmfest.org or call (800) 898-7256.
