A different look for ShortFest 2020
The Palm Springs Film Society announced today that ShortFest 2020 will still be happening in June as planned, but with a different look. Due to coronavirus and the current guidelines set by the CDC, and state and local government, there will be no in-person festival this year.
"So much of the ShortFest experience is rooted in physically coming together and it is painful that we will not have a chance to do so this year. But that doesn’t mean we can’t come together to recognize the amazing film submissions we received for the festival. We firmly believe that the world needs art, and that we can and should provide a space to stay connected," Artistic Director Lili Rodriguez and Managing Director Rhea Lewis-Woodson said in a letter.
The Palm Springs Film Society provided plans for what this year's festival will look like.
In early June, an Official Selection will be announced from the more than 6,000 submissions received this season. A selection of those films will be available for screening on the ShortFest website for free, from June 16-22, 2020, the original festival dates.
Also during that timeframe, virtual classes and panels with industry guests will be available as part of the ShortFest Forum.
In late June, winners from the curated line-up will be announced, and presented with awards and cash prizes worth $25,000, including five Academy Award® qualifying awards.
All submission fees will be returned to FilmFreeway, who will then issue full refunds or credit to filmmakers.
Over the past 25 years, ShortFest has celebrated the the world of short films, the filmmakers who work in the form, and the industry and audience who support them.
"While it may look different, ShortFest remains dedicated to providing a space to facilitate connections between creators, industry, and our amazing audience. We look forward to engaging with you more in June," wrote Rodriguez and Lewis-Woodson.
