The 2023 Palm Springs International Shortfest concluded on Sunday, with “The Old Young Crow” taking home the top prize. This Japanese-United States short film tells the story of an elderly Persian man reflecting on the lessons he learned from an elderly Japanese woman. The film captivated audiences with its touching narrative and powerful performances.
Another standout at the festival was “Way Better” from Lithuania, which won the best animated short award. The film follows a man anxiously waiting for the results of a medical test. As he spends a week in limbo, his fears and hopes collide in a unique and thought-provoking way.
In addition to these award-winning films, other notable winners included China’s “Will You Look At Me” for best documentary short, France’s “Sét Lam” for best live-action short over 15 minutes, and Spain’s “Mystic Tiger” for best live-action short 15 minutes and under. These films, along with the top five winners, are now eligible to submit their shorts for Oscar consideration to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The festival also recognized the talent of student filmmakers, with awards presented to outstanding student projects. “The Rainbow Dung Beetle” from the United States won best student animated short, while “A Dead Marriage” from Poland took home the award for best student international short. “SULAM (Ladder)” from the United States received the award for best student U.S. short, and “Kaamoksen Valossa” from Finland won best student documentary short.
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The festival jury also awarded special commendations to several films in different categories. “Soleil de nuit” from Canada was named the best international short, “Closing Dynasty” from the United States won best U.S. short, and “Flail” from the United States was recognized as the best comedy short. “Blond Night” from Canada received the award for best LGBT+ short, and “Nian” from the United States was honored as the best midnight short. Other notable winners included “Fata Morgana” from Germany/Syria for the Mozaik Bridging the Borders Award, “Under G-d” from the United States for the Local Jury Award, and “We Were Meant To” from the United States for the Young Cineastes Award. The Kids’ Choice Award went to “Canary” from Canada.
In addition to the recognition and accolades, all winners received cash prizes totaling $25,000. This generous prize pool served as a testament to the festival’s commitment to supporting and celebrating short films from around the world.
Throughout the week-long festival, a total of 299 short films competed for awards, showcasing the incredible talent and diversity of storytelling in the short film format. From heartwarming narratives to thought-provoking documentaries, the Palm Springs International Shortfest presented a wide range of films that captivated audiences and left a lasting impression.
The festival, held from June 20-26, provided a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals. With its prestigious awards and opportunities for Oscar consideration, the Palm Springs International Shortfest continues to be a significant event in the world of short film.
Overall, the 2023 Palm Springs International Shortfest celebrated the art of short filmmaking and recognized the outstanding talent behind these films. The winners represent a diverse range of voices and stories from around the world, each deserving of their recognition and acclaim. As the festival continues to grow, it will undoubtedly attract even more exceptional shorts in the years to come.
