Author: KESQ

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Firefighters were able to quickly contain a fire at a resort in Palm Springs Monday afternoon.

The fire was first reported at around 11:10 a.m. on the 2800 block of S Palm Canyon Drive.

“Palm Springs Firefighters responded to a 2 alarm structure fire contained to a single unit on the 3rd floor,” reads an email from the Palm Springs Fire Department. “Crews are currently conducting checks to determine whether any additional exposures occurred.”

No injuries were reported.

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Gavin Nguyen

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s been about a month since the Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) said mold remediation was complete at John Kelley Elementary School in Thermal.

The school district and several third-party companies they contracted to ensure safety after the mold was found said parents and students should no longer have concerns about the mold issue.

Servpro has been handling the remediation after the school was tested. They showed News Channel 3’s Gavin Nguyen around the school on Monday, and highlighted several spots where crews replaced drywall, insulation, flooring, and more – all areas that were marked for replacement after mold was found.

Jose Torres, Servpro’s Regional Manager who has been on-site for weeks, said 30 different spots throughout the school have been worked on.

Dr. Frances Esparza, superintendent of CVUSD, said confidently, “It’s extremely safe to be in those classrooms.”

Both the district and Servpro said proactive work has been taken in addition to the mold work. That included installing better drainage to reduce the chance of moisture collecting and leading to mold growth in the future. They are also in the process of removing paint that contained lead on exterior walls.

Safeguard Envirogroup was the company that has been testing the school throughout various stages of the remediation process. A representative with the company recounted what was originally found: “The very first visit for rooms 52 or 53. The air samples were a little bit elevated for Penicillium Aspergillus.”

Most strains of that kind of mold are not harmful, and Dr. Esparza said it was a relief for district staff to learn that no harmful mold was found.

“There’s different levels of mold. And we were so happy that we found out that it wasn’t anything harmful that they were breathing and that Servpro was able to take care of it immediately,” she recounted.

“I believe everything is past clearance, or on the way to passing clearance,” the representative, Kevin Hawisher, updated.

But concerns remain from parents.

Loretta Perez, who has several children who graduated from or are still enrolled in CVUSD schools, is one of the organizers of CVUSD Autism Parents United. That group advocates for children with special needs because they say they aren’t able to voice their concerns themselves.

“They are unable to tell us how much they’re hurting, how much they’re they’re itching, how much they’re coughing, if it hurts them to breathe,” Perez explained.

Perez argued that the furniture in classrooms were not properly cleaned or remediated after the mold was found.

“We’re talking about the furniture that our children touch every day,” she explained. “We’re talking about the fact that now that they brought mold spores right back in, it just started another round. That’s what we’re concerned about.”

Perez also said she doesn’t trust the results the district and third-party companies found during their inspections.

Torres, the official with Servpro, asked parents to trust both the work they completed and the testing company, who eliminate bias from their test results.

“People should trust that. I mean, that is through a third party company that they take it to the lab, they analyze it, and then they put out the results,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Perez will host a protest at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13th, about what she called “horrendous conditions” at district schools. She said she is demanding more transparency and action from CVUSD staff.

Also on Tuesday: a press conference will be held in the hour leading up to the protest as a lawyer representing several parents is expected to announce a lawsuit against the district.

According to a press release from the lawyer, Elan Zektser, of Oakwood Legal Group, the press conference will outline:

Evidence of black mold contamination at John Kelly Elementary

Allegations that the District had prior knowledge of the hazardous conditions

The unique and severe risks posed to autistic and special-needs children

The legal actions now being taken to protect affected students and families

Demands for accountability, transparency, and immediate corrective measures

Amid the planned protest, Dr. Esparza invited parents who have concerns to have a discussion with her.

“We welcome them to to talk to us about what some of the needs are, what are some of the things that they see,” she said.

“They’ve taken a a different way of communicating either through social media or like this, like the protest, but actually coming in and talking to us and not starting the conversation with ‘compensation.’ I don’t want to start the conversation with compensation. I want us to talk about the safety for our students and our staff.”

Stay with us for the latest.

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Daniella Lake

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – This past weekend, several community groups organized protests in response to the deadly shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a federal agent in Minnesota.

“It was horrifying,” says Yasmine Espinoza. She’s been protesting ICE activity in the Coachella Valley for months, and has also been keeping the community up to date on their whereabouts.

“We’re filming, we’re giving locations,” she says. Other community members like Erik, have also been keeping residents up to date. He livestreams his ICE monitoring on Tik Tok.

“My big goal is to keep my community safe as much as I can,” he says.

Espinoza also carries a “caution ICE in the area” sign in her car, so she can keep people alert. She says the raids have instilled fear in the community.

“People are asking for others to shop for them, pick up their kids for them,” Espinoza says.

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Athena Jreij

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A motorcyclist died in a traffic collision involving a car in Indio Sunday afternoon, according to the Indio Police Department.

The department said officers responded to the collision near Avenue 42 and Calhoun Street at 4:11 p.m.

The driver, a 20-year-old man driving a Honda sedan, collided with a 62-year-old man on a motorcycle, who was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center. The 62-year-old man, identified as Jerry Bradley of Indio, was pronounced dead in the hospital, according to the coroner’s office.

The driver of the Honda remained on scene and was cooperating with the investigation.

Officials say neither drugs nor alcohol was believed to be a factor.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Timothy Foster

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs International Film Festival wrapped up its 37th year with a closing night ceremony that brought filmmakers from around the world together at Palm Springs High School, marking the end of another standout season for the internationally recognized festival.

Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi reflected on the success of this year’s event, expressing gratitude for the strong response from audiences and industry professionals. He said feedback from attendees, particularly those visiting from abroad, highlighted the festival as one of the strongest in its history and an unforgettable experience.

Closing out the festival was the film Glenrothan, starring Alan Cumming. The film explores themes of family, identity, and forgiveness, focusing on how traditional family structures evolve and how personal authenticity can exist within them. The story underscores the idea that family, however it is defined, remains a powerful force that brings people back together.

The film also marked a milestone for legendary actor Brian Cox, who made his directorial debut with Glenrothan. Cox emphasized the importance of telling emotionally resonant stories, especially during a time of global uncertainty. He described the film as deeply sentimental and said that compassion and humanity in storytelling are more necessary now than ever.

As the curtain closed on this year’s festival, organizers were already looking ahead to the future. Chandi hinted at upcoming changes and announcements expected in early March, teasing what he described as one of the most glamorous nights yet for the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival.

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Athena Jreij

MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – Morongo is now accepting applications for the 5th Annual Community Outreach Awards Program.

The annual program awards grants of up to $5,000 to dozens of community organizations.

Since 2022, the program has given out more than $1.3 million to nearly 300 nonprofit groups.

Organizations must apply by January 16, 2026, and award recipients will be announced in the spring. Program requirements for eligibility and a one-page grant application can be found online at www.morongonation.org/donations/

Questions about the program may be directed to the Morongo Community Outreach Department by calling 951-755-5063 or by email at CommunityOutreach@morongo-nsn.gov

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Daniella Lake

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs International Film Festival is hosting “Family Day,” where local families can watch kid-friendly films and also enjoy fun activities, all for free.

Screenings of “Zootopia 2,” “Arco” and “Kpop Demon Hunters” will take place at the Mary Pickford Theater in Cathedral City. The Cathedral City Community Amphitheater will have activities, face painting, local food trucks and more.

The event runs from 12 to 4 p.m.

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Athena Jreij

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A 68-year-old undocumented migrant in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody died at John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Indio on January 6, federal officials say.

Luis Beltran Yanez-Cruz, an undocumented migrant from Honduras, was admitted to JFK Memorial for heart-related health issues.

According to ICE, Yanez was transferred to the medical unit for chest pain at the Imperial Regional Detention Facility and then transported to El Regional Medical Center on January 4. Yanez was then medically evacuated by helicopter to JFK Memorial for a higher level of care, where he was pronounced dead despite medical intervention.

Officials say Yanez was taken into ICE custody on November 16, 2025 during an operation in Newark, New Jersey, and was being held pending removal proceedings.

This is a developing story. Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Films, actors and directors honored at the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) are emerging as top contenders at the Golden Globes Awards.

Marty Supreme actor Timothée Chalamet, who received the Spotlight Actor of the Year Award, won best performance by a male actor in a motion picture – Musical or Comedy.

Rose Byrne, who earned the Breakthrough Performance Award for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, won the best performance by a female actor in a motion picture – Musical or Comedy.

Taking home one of the biggest awards of the night, Hamnet, for best motion picture: Drama.

The cast accepted the Vanguard Award in Palm Springs.

Sinners, the vampire drama featuring Michael B. Jordan that received the Icon Award, won the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award.

Some of this year’s film nominees, whose film, actors or directors were also honored at the PSIFF, include:

Sinners

Frankenstein

Hamnet

Sentimental Value

One Battle After Another

Marty Supreme

Blue Moon

Amanda Seyfried, Adam Sandler, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Hudson and Rose Byrne are among the actors nominated for Golden Globes who were also honored at the PSIFF.

In past years, PSIFF honorees have gone on to secure Golden Globes and Academy Awards wins.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage as the awards begin.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The 37th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) announced this year’s juried award winners.

Sirât Receives FIPRESCI Prize

Happy Birthday Receives FIPRESCI First Feature Film Prize

Nina Ye, Janel Tsai, Shi-yuan Ma and Milan Ondrík Receive FIPRESCI Acting Prizes

Sentimental Value Receives FIPRESCI Screenplay Prize

Natchez Receives Documentary Award

3670 Receives New Voices New Visions Award

Runa Simi Receives Ibero-American Award

Beloved Tropic Receives Desert Views Award

Remaining Native Receives Young Cineastes Award

The Festival took place from January 2-12, 2026, and screened 178 films from 72 countries and territories, including 53 premieres. The lineup includes 44 of the International Feature Film Oscar® Submissions along with Talking Pictures, New Voices New Visions, Modern Masters, Queer Cinema, True Stories, World Cinema Now, and more.

The jury award categories included the FIPRESCI Prize for films in the International Feature Film Oscar® Submissions program; New Voices New Visions Award for unique viewpoints from first- and second-time directors; Best Documentary Award for compelling non-fiction filmmaking; the Ibero-American Award for the best film from Latin America; the Desert View Award (Local Jury) for a film that promote understanding and acceptance between people; and Young Cineastes Award for a film chosen by the Youth Jury.

FIPRESCI PRIZEA special jury of international film critics reviewed 44 of the official submissions for the Academy Awards®International Feature Film category that were selected to screen at this year’s Festival. The films in competition were as follows:

● 100 Liters of Gold (Finland), dir. Teemu Nikki● 2000 Meters to Andriivka (Ukraine), dir. Mstyslav Chernov● A Poet (Colombia), dir. Simón Mesa Soto● A Sad Beautiful World (Lebanon), dir. Cyril Aris● A Useful Ghost (Thailand), dir. Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke● All That’s Left of You (Jordan), dir. Cherien Dabis● Belén (Argentina), dir. Dolores Fonzi● Beloved Tropic (Panama), dir. Ana Endara● Eagles of the Republic (Sweden), dir. Tarik Saleh● Familia (Italy), dir. Francesco Costabile● Father (Slovakia), dir. Tereza Nvotová● Franz (Poland), dir. Agnieszka Holland● Happy Birthday (Egypt), dir. Sarah Goher● Hijra (Saudi Arabia), dir. Shahad Ameen● Homebound (India), dir. Neeraj Ghaywan● It Was Just an Accident (France), dir. Jafar Panahi● Kokuhô (Japan), dir. Sang-il Lee● Late Shift (Switzerland), dir. Petra Volpe● Left Handed Girl (Taiwan), dir. Shih-Ching Tsou● Little Trouble Girls (Slovenia), dir. Urška Djukić● Magellan (Philippines), dir. Lav Diaz● Mr. Nobody Against Putin (Denmark), dirs. David Borenstein & Pavel Talankin● My Father’s Shadow (United Kingdom), dir. Akinola Davies● No Other Choice (South Korea), dir. Park Chan-wook● Orphan (Hungary), dir. László Nemes● Palestine 36 (Palestine), dir. Annemarie Jacir● Reedland (Netherlands), dir. Sven Bresser● Sentimental Value (Norway), dir. Joachim Trier● Sirât (Spain), dir. Oliver Laxe● Sound of Falling (Germany), dir. Mascha Schilinski● The Last Dance (Hong Kong), dir. Chan Mou Yin Anselm● The Love That Remains (Iceland), dir. Hlynur Pálmason● The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo (Chile), dir. Diego Cespedes● The President’s Cake (Iraq), dir. Hasan Hadi● The Sea (Israel), dir. Shai Carmeli-Pollak● The Secret Agent (Brazil), dir. Kleber Mendonça Filho● The Tale of Silyan (North Macedonia), dir. Tamara Kotevska● The Things You Kill (Canada), dir. Alireza Khatami● The Tower of Strength (Montenegro), dir. Nikola Vukčević● The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia), dir. Kaouther Ben Hania● Traffic (Romania), dir. Teodora Ana Mihai● Under the Flags, The Sun (Paraguay), dir. Juanjo Pereira● Young Mothers (Belgium), dirs. Jean-Pierre Dardenne & Luc Dardenne

FIPRESCI Prize for Best International Feature Film: Sirât (Spain), Director Oliver Laxe

Jury Statement: “At a year when the competition featured such a strong presence for stories about children and their parents, this film thrillingly captured our attention with its portrait of a father’s devotion to his son and daughter, as well as the chosen family they encounter along the way. The techno beats by Kangding Ray make their quest exhilarating and enlightening, while the singular vision of director Oliver Laxe conjures an electric sense of aliveness as the journey ultimately asks us to confront death and the hereafter. Since Palm Springs is the ultimate film buff’s party in the desert where the mountains meet the sky, we feel it’s only appropriate to award the FIPRESCI Prize to Sirāt.”

FIPRESCI Prize for Best International First Feature Film: Happy Birthday (Egypt), Director Sarah Goher

Jury Statement: “The FIPRESCI Award for Best First Feature goes to Happy Birthday by Sarah Goher, for its endearing portrayal of contemporary Egypt through the eyes of a child who embraces life with instinctive freedom, unaware of the social boundaries that will soon confront her. With a gentle yet assured directorial hand that draws out a truly exceptional performance from young star Doha Ramadan, Goher’s first feature reaches beyond sentimentality to reconnect us with our own inner child, moving the viewer while quietly prompting reflection on the arbitrary hierarchies that shape—and constrain—the world we inhabit.”

FIPRESCI Prize for Best International Screenplay: Sentimental Value (Norway), Director. Joachim Trier

Jury Statement: “The FIPRESCI Award for Best International Screenplay goes to Sentimental Value, written by Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt — a tale where love, family, art, and memory infuse new meanings and make us dig deep into our choices, regrets, and mistakes. The film shares the big and small tragedies of our existence, often lived within the family house, yet approaches them with a pinch of humour and levity. Trier and Vogt show us the healing power of art at its finest, delivering a film that is moving and relatable, from Scandinavia to the world.”

FIPRESCI Prize for the Best Actress in an International Feature Film: Nina Ye, Janel Tsai, Shi-yuan Ma – Left-Handed Girl (Taiwan), Director Shih-Ching Tsou

Jury Statement: “To the powerful ensemble of Left-Handed Girl, Nina-Ye (I-Jing) and Shih-Yuan Ma (I-Ann), both in their feature acting debuts, d Janel Tsai (Shu-Fen) complement each other to create a cohesive family unit. Portraying three generations of women migrating to Taiwan to reconstruct their lives from the ground, their performances stand with admirable naturalism, immersing themselves in the relationship dynamics of the characters, while at the same time captivating the audience with subtle comedy and tenderness. A touching view of three different perspectives of women that made the perfect ensemble cast for this jury.”

FIPRESCI Prize for Best Actor in an International Feature Film: Milan Ondrík – Father (Slovakia), Director Tereza Nvotová

Jury Statement: “His performance captured our attention from the very first frame as a devoted fatherwho begins an ordinary day simply by bringing his daughter to daycare. However, when the father makesa devastating discovery, this performance brings to life a palpable sense of grief. Ondrik poignantlycaptures the consequences of contemporary workaholic culture and questions of burnout and mentalhealth while sensitively drawing attention to the reality of Forgotten Baby Syndrome and the manyfamilies that are ripped apart by the tragic loss that Father powerfully conveys.”

The FIPRESCI jury members were Davide Abbatescianni (International Reporter, Cineuropa), Fran Romero (Director of Spanglish Cinema/Film Critic) & Patrick Mullen (Publisher).

BEST DOCUMENTARY AWARD The Documentary Award is presented to the director for the most compelling non-fiction filmmaking from among those selected to screen at the festival. The films in competition were as follows:

● 2000 Meters to Andriivka (Ukraine), dir. Mstyslav Chernov● ASCO: Without Permission (USA), dir. Travis Gutiérrez Senger● Cover-Up (USA), dir. Laura Poitras, Mark Obenhaus● The Golden Spurtle (United Kingdom), dir. Constantine Costi● Mr. Nobody Against Putin (Denmark), dirs. David Borenstein & Pavel Talankin● Natchez (USA), dir. Suzannah Herbert● Steal This Story, Please! (USA), dirs. Tia Lessin & Carl Deal● The Tale of Silyan (North Macedonia), dir. Tamara Kotevska● To the Victory! (Ukraine), dir. Valentyn Vasyanovych● Yanuni (Austria), dir. Richard Ladkani

Best Documentary Award: Natchez (USA), Director Suzannah Herbert

Jury Statement: “Many of the documentaries in this year’s competition show history as an ever-evolvingsite of contention. Natchez takes as its subject the bustling industry of Antebellum tourism on theMississippi, showing that the meaning of American history is anything but settled. Director SuzannahHerbert’s striking visual style and sharp eye for detail result in a film that is both formally and intellectually stimulating.”

Best Documentary Award Special Mention: Yanuni (Austria), Director Richard Ladkani

Jury Statement: “This atmospheric and often-thrilling portrait of Indigenous chief Juma Xipaia deftlybalances the personal story of a tireless activist with the turbulent political context in which she works.”The films were juried by Sky Sitney (Co-Founder and Festival Director, DC/DOX), Will Sloan (Writer andCritic), & James Woolley (Executive Director, Miami Film Festival).

NEW VOICES NEW VISIONS AWARDThe New Voices New Visions Award focuses on films that the festival programming team felt represent the most distinctive new directors who have emerged in the last year. Each of the following ten films in competition represents the filmmaker’s debut or second feature:

● 3670 (South Korea), dir. Joonho Park● Broken Voices (Czech Republic), dir. Ondřej Provazník● Deaf (Spain), dir. Eva Libertad● God Will Not Help (Croatia), dir. Hana Jušić● Lucky Lu (Canada), dir. Lloyd Lee Choi● Mad Bills to Pay (USA), dir. Joel Alfonso Vargas● On the Sea (United Kingdom), dir. Helen Walsh● Silent Rebellion (Switzerland), dir. Marie-Elsa Sgualdo● The Nature of Invisible Things (Brazil), dir. Rafaela Camelo● The Negotiator (Italy), dir. Alessandro Tonda

New Voices New Visions Award: 3670 (South Korea), Director Joonho Park

New Voices New Visions Special Mention: Deaf (Spain), Director Eva Libertad

The films were juried by Gabor Greiner (Head of Acquisitions, Films Boutique), Justin Decloux(Writer/Podcaster/Filmmaker) & Abbey White (Contributor, The Hollywood Reporter)

Jury Statement: “This year’s New Voices New Visions competition presented an exciting collection of newadditions to the cinematic canon, with refreshing narratives that lent themselves to new discoveries aboutthe human experience. But 3670’s subversive and culturally distinctive take on the familiar coming outnarrative through the experience of its gay North Korean defector offered an illuminating, sensitive, andrelatable new chapter for queer and global cinema. This deftly layered cultural exploration offers newglimpses into what it means to find ourselves, love, and self-acceptance in worlds full of danger anduncertainty.”

IBERO-AMERICAN AWARDThe Ibero-American Award is presented to the best film from Latin America, Spain or Portugal selected to screen at the festival. The award aims to highlight the creativity seen in modern Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American films. The films in competition were as follows:

Beloved Tropic (Panama), dir. Ana Endara

The Condor Daughter (Bolivia), dir. Álvaro Olmos Torrico

Deaf (Spain), dir. Eva Libertad

Drunken Noodles (USA/Argentina), dir. Lucio Castro

It Would Be Night in Caracas (Mexico/Venezuela), dirs. Mariana Rondón & Marité Ugás

Maspalomas (Spain), dirs. Jose Mari Goenaga & Aitor Arregi

A Poet (Colombia), dir. Simón Mesa Soto

Runa Simi (Peru), dir. Augusto Zegarra

Sundays (Spain), dir. Alauda Ruiz de Azúa

Under the Flags, The Sun (Paraguay), dir. Juanjo Pereira

Ibero-American Award: Runa Simi (Peru), Director Augusto Zegarra

Ibero-American Special Mention: It Would Be Night in Caracas (Mexico/Venezuela), Directors Mariana Rondón & Marité Ugás

The films were judged by Sabrina Aviles (Founder/Executive Director, CineFest Latino Boston), Mariana Mijares (Writer & Journalist) & Javier Fuentes-León (Filmmaker).

Jury Statement: “We chose Runa Simi because it reminds us of the importance of being seen, and ofpreserving language, identity, and community. In its center is a remarkable protagonist, one who inspiresnot only future generations, but also future leaders. The film speaks to the universal need to expressoneself and to claim a place on equal footing with the stories traditionally told by major Hollywoodstudios, in this case Disney. In the current state of the world, it is deeply moving to encounter a story thatdoes not sugarcoat struggle yet still offers hope—reminding us of the power to fight for the causes thattruly matter.”

DESERT VIEWS AWARDAwarded by the Desert Views Jury made up of locals to a film that, in the spirit of neighborliness, promotes understanding and acceptance among people. The films in competition were as follows:

Beloved Tropic (Panama), dir. Ana Endara

The Tale of Silyan (North Macedonia), dir. Tamara Kotevska

Tow (USA), dir. Stephanie Laing

Yanuni (Austria), dir. Richard Ladkani

Desert Views Award Winner: Beloved Tropic (Panama), Director Ana Endara

The films were judged by Anne Grey (Rancho Mirage), Margaret Merciera (Palm Desert), Ed Motznik (PalmSprings), Lucinda Perez (Indio), Peet Smith (Joshua Tree) and Kathryn Tomasino (Palm Springs).

Jury Statement: “As a jury, we were deeply moved by the film, Beloved Tropic. Set against a stunning, lush landscape, the film’s natural backdrop mirrors the richness of Mercedes’ inner life, illustrating both abundance and fragility as her world slowly starts to shift. Ultimately, Beloved Tropic honors the quiet strength required to love and care for someone through their memory’s unraveling. It affirms that even in fragmentation, connection endures, and that caring for one another is the truest expression of community.”

YOUNG CINEASTES AWARD The Young Cineastes jury is composed of high school students with a passion for cinema. The films in competition were as follows:

Remaining Native (USA), Director Paige Bethmann

She Dances (USA), dir. Rick Gomez

Speak. (USA), dir. Jennifer Tiexiera, Guy Mossman

The Condor Daughter (Bolivia), dir. Álvaro Olmos Torrico

Young Cineastes Award Winner: Remaining Native (USA), Director Paige Bethmann

The films were judged by Sophia Alejandre (Indio High School), Pauline Amariah Brack (Indio High School), Ryan Blayse C. Bromley (Palm Springs High School), Carolina Cruz-Herrera (Indio High School), Carolina Ava Hyatt (Shadow Hills High School), Lillian Lorraine Lynd (Palm Desert High School), Bethany Mikrut (Palm Desert High School), Ella Rauschenberg (Yucca Valley High School) and Luiz Valdez (Shadow Hills High School).

Jury Statement: “We, the young Cineastes jury members, selected Remaining Native as the winner because of the compelling storytelling and cinematography. This story had aspects that nearly every teen could relate to, from making and achieving goals to learning about your own heritage.”

Save the Date – Palm Springs ShortFest is scheduled to return June 23-29, 2026

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