Author: KESQ

Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs International Airport is working on a master plan to upgrade the airport and enhance its offerings for travelers.

PSP officials said they have a plan to drastically improve the airport over 20 years, including expanding the terminals and changing the concourses. While the expansion is a long-term goal, officials said they have short-term goals to improve the airport in the meantime.

Part of those enhancements include adding new restaurants, like Trio and Vino Volo. Trio’s Owner, Kevin Marchese, said it was a long process to reach the concourse, but it was worth the wait.

“10 years ago, we said to our city manager; ‘Look we need to have local restaurants, they have them in other airports, Arizona, [and] just everyone does,” Marchese said. “And so we finally do because it’s a part of us.”

Marchese said conversations of adding Trio to the airport started nearly six years ago, but the COVID-19 Pandemic paused the progress. The project wasn’t picked back up until September 2023, but he said it’s vital for Trio and other local businesses to join the traveler community.

“It’s important for all of us,” Marchese said. “We’re in hard times now, so the more we can support each other the more we can support local businesses, the better we’re all going to be as a community.”

“Do you mean hard times, like the summer months?” News Channel 3’s Kendall Flynn asked.

“Summer months. Seasons are not as long as they used to be,” Marchese said. “Travelers are not as much as they used to be. So we just need the support.”

For other projects at the Palm Springs International Airport visit https://flypsp.com/progress/#allprojects

Stay with News Channel 3 for an exclusive look at the new restaurants, and to hear from Marchese on the importance of upgrading PSP with local businesses. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs International ShortFest announced its programmed lineup.

Sponsored by the City of Palm Springs, this 31st edition is set to welcome audiences at the Festival Theaters at 789 E Tahquitz Canyon Way from June 24-30. 

In all, the festival will screen 51 curated programs showcasing 311 films from 64 countries and territories, including 45 World Premieres, 10 International Premieres, 36 North American Premieres, 19 U.S. Premieres., and 94 California Premieres. More than 6,200 short films from 141 countries and territories were submitted.

Tickets will be available on Thursday, June 5 at psfilmfest.org. The complete lineup is included at the bottom of the article.

“Brimming with inspired storytellers and experimentation, this year’s ShortFest once again promises short films which push boundaries, spark conversations, and entertain audiences,” said Lili Rodriguez, Artistic Director of the Palm Springs International Film Society. “As we mark our 31st year, we embrace the fresh voices shaping the future of this industry, the short form which continues to elevate the medium of moviemaking to new heights. We’re thrilled to bring these stories to our passionate Palm Springs community and to welcome filmmakers from across the world to the Coachella Valley.”

Short films featuring celebrated film and television actors include Aria starring Pauline Chalamet; BDAY Private Dick starring John C. Reilly and Nick Thune; Blood Boysstarring Booboo Stewart; Cattywampus starring Hamish Linklater and John Carroll Lynch; Dragfox starring Ian McKellen and Divina De Campo; Dust to Dust starring Tess Goldwyn; Fireline starring Bobby Soto and Fabian Alomar; Good Boy Banjo starring Albert Birney and Shirley Chen; Hatchlings starring Demi Singelton; Heaven is Nobody’s starring Roger Guenveur Smith; How Was Your Weekend? starring James Morosini and Rachael Harris; I Want To Feel Fun starring Esther Povitsky and Simon Rex; Interloper starring Chloe East and Ryan Simpkins; Little One starring Lucy Walters; Learning How to Drive with Alicia Silverstone; Main Man starring Haley Joel Osment, Finn Wittrock, and Jenny Yang; Matilda and the Brave Escape starring Bella Ramsey; Max Distance starring John Daly; Melody of Love starring Jane Levy and John Reynolds; Moon Lake directed by Jeannie Sui Wonders and starring Chase Sui Wonders; No Experience Necessary starring Michael Graceffa; Petra and the Sun starring Fernando Solís Lara; Retirement Plan starring Domhnall Gleeson; Rhoda starring Emma D’Arcy; She Raised Me starring Rosie O’Donnell; Sleazy Tiger starring Alan Cumming; Tape Worm starring CJ Beckford and Antonia Campbell-Hughes; Tanning Zone directed by Chloe East; Thanks for Having Me starring Caleb Hearon, Johnny Berchtold and Ryan Simpkins; The Errand directed by Hayley Marie Norman and starring Vanessa Chester; The Last Cinnamon Roll starring Reggie Watts; The Yellow starring Haley Joel Osmont and Marin Hinkle; Three Keenings starring Seamus O’Hara; What Freedom starring Ashley Park; What’s the Deal with Birds? starring Chris Pine and Kimia Behpoornia; Where We Came From starring Archie Panjabi; and You Know You Wanna Stay starring Elsie Fisher.

In addition to short films, ShortFest will be spotlighting the Hulu drama Paradise, created by Dan Fogelman and starring Sterling K. Brown. Award-winning writer, director, and ShortFest alum Hanelle M. Culpepper will attend the screening of episode “You Asked for Miracles,” which she directed. Culpepper attended ShortFest in 2003 with her shorts A Single Rose and Six and the City. Her diverse work as a director in television includes the pilot for Star Trek: Picard as well as episodes of Star Wars: The Acolyte, Westworld, True Story, The Last Days of Ptolemy Gray, Anansi Boys, Kung Fu and more.

A proven launchpad for awards contention, ShortFest has seen over 100 of its past-presented films going on to receive Academy Award® nominations. Juried award winners will be announced on Sunday, June 29, from the official selection, which includes five Academy Award-qualifying awards and cash prizes totaling $30,000. The Best of the Fest shorts will be screened on the final day, Monday, June 30. This year’s award categories, which each have their own group of jury members, include: 

Oscar®Qualifying Awards: Best of the Festival Award, Best Animated Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Live-Action Short Over 15 Minutes and Best Live-Action Short 15 Minutes and Under. 

Student Short Awards: Best Student Animated Short, Best Student Documentary Short, Best Student International Short, and Best Student U.S. Short. 

Special Jury Awards: Best International Short, Best U.S. Short, Best Comedy Short, Best LGBTQ+ Short, Best Midnight Short, Desert Views Award, Young Cineastes Award, Kids’ Choice Award.

Vimeo Staff Pick Award: Honoring one outstanding short film with a cash prize, a guaranteed Vimeo Staff Pick, and featured promotion across Vimeo’s platform and channels.

Audience Awards Awards: Best Animated Short, Best Live-Action Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Student Short

In addition to 158 U.S. shorts, ShortFest 2025 reflects the global pulse of filmmaking, highlighting international works from France (32), the United Kingdom (22), Canada (22), Spain (8), Brazil (7), Germany (7) Belgium (5), China (5), India (5), Ireland (6), Mexico (5), Portugal (5), Sweden (5), Switzerland (5), The Netherlands (5), Australia (4), Croatia (4), Estonia (3), Finland (3), Iran (3), Italy (3), Norway (3), Poland (3), Slovenia (3), Taiwan (3), Turkey (3), and Ukraine (3) alongside films from Argentina, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Georgia, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mauritius, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Reunion, Rwanda, Scotland, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Tunisia, Uruguary, Vietnam, and beyond. As a barometer of filmmaking writ large, 134 of the 311 films (43%) are directed by women, as reported by the filmmakers. The 2025 Palm Springs International ShortFest will screen the following films: 

Animation

A Blue Summer (France), directed by Juliette Ragot

As If Swallowed By Earth/Como Si la tierra se las hubiera tragado (France), directed by Natalia León

Autophagy (United Kingdom), directed by Edie Lawrence (California Premiere)

Black Tide (Reunion/Mauritius), directed by Kim Yip Tong (California Premiere)

Budō (Sweden), directed by Amanda Aagard and Alexander Toma

Can You Hear Me? (Poland), directed by Anastazja Naumenko (North American Premiere)

Caries (Switzerland), directed by Aline Höchli (California Premiere)

Cartagene (France), directed by Léa Berbach, Fabien Bernard, Lou Buisson, Paola Couturier, Marine La Villa, Théo Nouare, Marie Pacreau, and Abla Saigh (California Premiere)

Chico (France/Belgium), directed by Théo Abadie (California Premiere)

Christopher & The Bug (Canada), directed by Vanessa Esteves and Kevin Micallef (California Premiere)

Curly Joe Two Kittens Four Boxes and the Scent of Fire (USA), directed by Apo W. Bazidi and Anna Benner (World Premiere)

Cycle of Violence: Puppy Please! (Germany), directed by Felicia Bergström (International Premiere)

Dormilón (USA), directed by Olivia Marie Valdez

Dragfox (United Kingdom), directed by Lisa Ott

Forever (France), directed by Théo Djekou, Pierre Ferrari, Cyrine Jouini, Pauline Philippart, and Anissa Terrier

Forevergreen (USA), directed by Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears (U.S. Premiere)

Fountain (Iran), directed by Hazhir As’adi (International Premiere)

Headrest (Finland), directed by Heta Okkonen (North American Premiere)

Hermano Hermana (USA), directed by Rodrigo Cuartas, Jonathan Cuartas, and Michael Cuartas

Hoofs on Skates (Lithuania), directed by Ignas Meilūnas

Humantis (USA), directed by Paris Baillie 

Hun Tun (Czech Republic/France), directed by Magdalena Hejzlarová (North American Premiere)

Hurikán (Czech Republic/France/Slovakia/Bosnia and Herzegovina), directed by Jan Saska

Kaminhu (France), directed by Marie Vieillevie (North American Premiere)

La Voix des Sirènes (Italy/France), directed by Gianluigi Toccafondo

Le Charade (USA), directed by Erika Totoro 

Le Petit et le Géant (France/Brazil), directed by Isabela Costa (North American Premiere)

Luz Diabla (Argentina/Canada), directed by Gervasio Canda, Patricio Plaza, and Paula Boffo

Ma Mao (Canada), directed by Thanh Ngo

Mambo No.2 (Germany), directed by Anne Feldmeier (California Premiere)

Matilda and the Brave Escape (United Kingdom), directed by Ash Reed (International Premiere)

Mont Noir (France/Portugal), directed by Erika Haglund and Jean-Baptiste Peltier (California Premiere)

Mother of Dawn (Brazil/Portugal/Belgium/Finland), directed by Clara Trevisan (North American Premiere)

Mother’s Child (The Netherlands), directed by Naomi Noir (California Premiere)

My Teenage Blackout (France), directed by Basile Khatir (California Premiere)

No Room (Croatia), directed by Jelena Oroz (California Premiere)

On Weary Wings Go By (Estonia/Lithuania), directed by Anu-Laura Tuttelberg

Ostrich (Switzerland), directed by Marie Kenov (California Premiere)

Paradise Buffet (Spain/France), directed by Héctor Zafra and Santi Amézqueta (California Premiere)

Paradise Man (II) (USA), directed by Jordan Michael Blake (California Premiere)

Pear Garden (Germany), directed by Shadab Shayegan (U.S. Premiere)

Petra and the Sun (Chile), directed by Malu Furche and Stefania Malacchini (California Premiere)

Playing God (Italy/France), directed by Matteo Burani (California Premiere)

POW! (USA), directed by Joey Clift

Radix (Germany), directed by Anne Breymann (North American Premiere)

Red Buckets (USA), directed by Patrick Moser

Retirement Plan (Ireland), directed by John Kelly

Tapeworm Alexis & The Opera Diva (Switzerland), directed by Thaïs Odermatt (North American Premiere)

The Little Ancestor (Canada), directed by Alexa Tremblay-Francoeur

Voiceless (Switzerland), directed by Samuel Patthey

Void Spaces (Poland), directed by Marta Koch (North American Premiere)

Volcelest (France), directed by Éric Briche

Wandering Horse (USA), directed by Emily Ann Hoffman (California Premiere)

Wednesdays with Gramps (USA), directed by Chris Coopland and Justin Copeland (California Premiere)

Where Do Birds Die? (Chile), directed by Nadiela (Daniela Estay Castillo) (North American Premiere)

Whose Woods Are These (USA), directed by Kate Nartker

Words of Her (USA/China), directed by Charlene Xu 

Documentary

A Color I Named Blue (Japan), directed by Sybilla Patrizia (California Premiere)

Big Bass (USA), directed by Drew Dickler (California Premiere)

Camp Widow (USA), directed by Laura Green and Anna Moot-Levin

Campolivar (Spain), directed by Alicia Moncholí (North American Premiere)

Clear Sky (Ukraine), directed by Marcin Kundera (North American Premiere)

Common Pear (Slovenia/United Kingdom), directed by Gregor Božič (California Premiere)

Dancing in Tomorrowland (USA), directed by Jakob Roston (California Premiere)

Dears in the Headlights (South Africa), directed by Julia Jansch (California Premiere)

Everything Twice (USA), directed by Cy Kuckenbaker

Everywhere I Look (USA), directed by November Nolan

Four Feet Away (USA), directed by Natalie Faye

Georgie (USA), directed by Jennie Butler

Hasami (Scissors) (USA/Japan), directed by Toyoko Matsuo Saindon

Hello Beautiful Please Follow Back (USA), directed by Amandine Thomas

Here Come the Dykes! (USA), directed by Devon Blackwell and Paul Moakley (California Premiere)

Hold Me Close (USA), directed by Aurora Brachman and LaTajh Simmons-Weaver (California Premiere)

Hoops, Hopes & Dreams (USA), directed by Glenn Kaino (California Premiere)

In My Day (Poland), directed by Iga Lis (U.S. Premiere)

Inside, the Valley Sings (Ireland), directed by Nathan Fagan (California Premiere)

It Will Always End in the End (Canada), directed by Nancy Pettinicchio (International Premiere)

Lanawaru (Colombia/Mexico/USA), directed by Angello Faccini Rueda (California Premiere)

Love Immortal (Denmark/United Kingdom), directed by Ömer Sami (North American Premiere)

My Neighbor’s Yard (USA), directed by Kara Grace Miller (World Premiere)

One Day I Will Hug You (Palestine/Sweden/Qatar), directed by Mohammed Fares Al Majdalawi (North American Premiere)

Out Here (USA), directed by Lisa Klein

Psychedelic in the Sky (USA), directed by Matthew Salton (California Premiere)

Rat Rod (USA), directed by Jared Jakins and Carly Jakins

Replay (USA), directed by Phil Mazo

Retroperspectiv (USA), directed by Stacey Lee (World Premiere)

Richard Neutra’s Maslon House (USA), directed by Scott Goldstein, Dave Yakir

Roll Down the Window (United Kingdom), directed by Lipa Hussain

Shanti Rides Shotgun (USA), directed by Charles Frank

Sheepdogs (USA), directed by Brian Knappmiller (World Premiere)

Teddy (USA), directed by Lauren Santucci (California Premiere)

Tessitura (USA), directed by Lydia Cornett, Brit Fryer

The Building and Burning of a Refugee Camp (Sweden/Ireland), directed by Dennis Harvey (California Premiere)

The Devil Is Busy (USA), directed by Geeta Gandbhir, Christalyn Hampton

The Things We Don’t Say (United Kingdom/Rwanda), directed by Ornella Mutoni (California Premiere)

Tiger (USA), directed by Loren Waters

Time Crisis (USA), directed by Brooke Palmieri, Zac Weathers

We Beg to Differ (Ireland/United Kingdom), directed by Ruairi Bradley (California Premiere)

We Were the Scenery (USA), directed by Christopher Radcliff

While We Still Have Time (Australia), directed by Ava Grimshaw-Hall (U.S. Premiere)

Who Loves the Sun (Canada), directed by Arshia Shakiba

Wrecked a Bunch of Cars, Had a Good Time (USA), directed by James P. Gannon and Matt Ferrin

You Can’t See It From Here (USA/Colombia), directed by Enrique Pedráza-Botero

Your Opinion, Please (USA), directed by Marshall Granger

Live Action

1:10 (Switzerland/Turkey), directed by Sinan Taner (California Premiere)

A Bear in the Woods (USA), directed by Andrew Laurich (California Premiere)

A Big Hug (USA), directed by Yael Grunseit (California Premiere)

A Brighter Summer Day for the Lady Avengers (Taiwan/USA), directed by Birdy Wei-Ting Hung 

A Loud Piece of Armour (United Kingdom), directed by Molly Burdett (World Premiere)

A Reconciliation at the Donut Shop (USA), directed by Zach Tavel (World Premiere)

After Alma (USA), directed by Lorena Durán  

After the Very End (France), directed by Miriam Furniss-Yacoubi (North American Premiere)

After What Happened at the Library (USA), directed by Syra McCarthy  

Against One Another (France), directed by Badroudine Said Abdallah and Mehdi Meklat (World Premiere)

Agoge (Australia), directed by Veniamin Gialouris (International Premiere)

Almost Certainly False (Turkey), directed by Cansu Baydar (California Premiere)

Amarela (Brazil), directed by André Hayato Saito  

An Almost Successful Dating App Love Story (USA), directed by Winter Coleman (California Premiere)

An Ongoing List of Things Found in the Library Book Drop, Usually Being Used as Bookmarks (USA), directed by Kayla Abuda Galang (California Premiere)

Ana y la Distancia (USA), directed by Hansel Porras Garcia  

Apocalypse Besties (USA), directed by Kristen Buckels Cantrell (California Premiere)

Arctic Diva (United Kingdom), directed by Federico Barni (U.S. Premiere)

Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! (USA), directed by Zen Pace (California Premiere)

Aria (USA), directed by Federica Belletti (North American Premiere)

Automagic (India/France), directed by Ashok Vish (North American Premiere)

Baa-Baa! (Estonia), directed by Teresa Juksaar (World Premiere)

Baba I’m Fine (USA), directed by Karina Dandashi (California Premiere)

Bad for a Moment (Portugal), directed by Daniel Soares  

BDAY Private Dick (USA), directed by Dante Ariola (U.S. Premiere)

Beatrix is Invisible (USA), directed by Alex Farias (World Premiere)

Belly Belly (USA), directed by Gabriel Carnick  

Beograd (Serbia/USA), directed by David Milan Kelly (World Premiere)

¡Beso de Lengua! (Mexico), directed by José Luis Zorrero 

Between the Lines (Austria), directed by Niklas Pollmann (North American Premiere)

Beyond Silence (The Netherlands), directed by Marnie Blok (California Premiere)

Blackout (Egypt), directed by Ahmed ElZogbhy (U.S. Premiere)

Blood Boys (USA), directed by Jordan M. Hahn (California Premiere)

Blood Ties (France/Belgium), directed by Hakim Atoui (California Premiere)

Breastmilk (USA/Nigeria), directed by Ifeyinwa Arinze (California Premiere)

Brief Somebodies (Canada), directed by Andy Reid (California Premiere)

Burning Inside (Brazil), directed by Enock Carvalho and Matheus Farias (North American Premiere)

Call Gloria! (Argentina), directed by Malena Filmus (California Premiere)

Cattywampus (USA), directed by Jono Chanin (California Premiere)

Century Egg (Taiwan/USA), directed by Charles Barratt (North American Premiere)

Channelvue (USA), directed by Brandon Tauszik  

Chasing the Party (USA), directed by Jessie Komitor (California Premiere)

Check Please (USA), directed by Shane Chung 

Chronic (USA), directed by Taylor Landesman (World Premiere)

Chrysanthemum (New Zealand), directed by Jolin Lee (World Premiere)

Clean Slate (USA), directed by Emily May Jampel (California Premiere)

Crazy for You (Spain/USA), directed by Greta Díaz Moreau (World Premiere)

Cub (USA), directed by Sofia Rubin (World Premiere)

Cura Sana (Spain), directed by Lucía G. Romero  

Dad Doll (USA), directed by Kyle Kenyon (World Premiere)

Dandelion (USA), directed by Fiona Obertinca  

Deck 5B (Sweden), directed by Malin Ingrid Johansson (California Premiere)

Don’t Try This in the Woods (Greece), directed by Emma Doxiadi (World Premiere)

Dreams, Hopes and Rotating Dolphins (Turkey), directed by Adil Burak Aydin (California Premiere)

Driving Lessons (Ukraine), directed by Anastasiya Gruba (U.S. Premiere)

Dust to Dust (USA), directed by Annika Chavez (World Premiere)

Duty Free (Germany/Sweden/Denmark), directed by Hilke Rönnfeldt (U.S. Premiere)

Emigré (USA), directed by Usman Ally   

Enouement (USA), directed by Angel Lu

Fantas (Canada), directed by Halima Elkhatabi  

Fireline (USA), directed by Robin Takao D’Oench  

Follow Me Wherever I Go (USA), directed by Max DeFalco (World Premiere) 

Full Month (USA/Singapore), directed by Ash Goh Hua (California Premiere) 

Gaslit (Canada), directed by Anna MacLean (California Premiere) 

Gioia (France), directed by Nixon Singa (North American Premiere) 

Girlfriend Experience (Norway), directed by Ingvild Dahlgren (International Premiere)

Good Boy Banjo (USA), directed by Jackie! Zhou  

Goodbye Sun (France), directed by Hakim Atoui (North American Premiere) 

Grandma Nai Who Played Favorites (Cambodia/France/USA), directed by Chheangkea  

Grave Error (United Kingdom/USA), directed by Andrew Jonathan Smith  

Gurgling (Taiwan), directed by Christine Margaret Wu  

/HAAW/ (USA), directed by Joey Scoma

Happy Snaps (United Kingdom), directed by Tyro Heath (California Premiere) 

Hatchlings (USA), directed by Jahmil Eady (World Premiere)

Heaven Is Nobody’s (Spain/USA), directed by Hector Prats

Hide-and-Seek (Brazil), directed by Vitória Vasconcellos (North American Premiere) 

Himalia (Canada), directed by Clara Milo and Juliette Lossky (U.S. Premiere) 

Hippopotami (China/Hong Kong), directed by Lin Jianjie (JJ) 

Holy Curse (India/USA), directed by Snigdha Kapoor  

Homework (United Kingdom), directed by Jamie Di Spirito (International Premiere) 

Houston, We Have a Crush (USA), directed by Omer Ben Shachar (World Premiere) 

How Was Your Weekend? (USA), directed by Cam Banfield  

I Want to Feel Fun (USA), directed by Jessica Sanders (California Premiere) 

I’m Really Scared I’m Dying TBH (USA), directed by Lindsay Calleran (California Premiere) 

Inflatable Bear, Hourly (Germany), directed by Elisabeth Werchosin (North American Premiere) 

Interloper (USA), directed by Kerry O’Neill (World Premiere) 

Jester (United Kingdom), directed by Harry Sherriff (World Premiere)

Kisses and Bullets (USA/Iran), directed by Faranak Sahafian

Kismet (Slovenia/Croatia), directed by Žiga Virc (North American Premiere) 

Kotowari (France), directed by Coralie Watanabe Prosper (International Premiere) 

Kuchar (The Itch) (India), directed by Vaidaangi Sharma (World Premiere) 

L’Avance (France), directed by Djiby Kebe  

Leading Man (USA), directed by Amanda Michaels and Whitney Houser (California Premiere) 

Learning How to Drive (USA), directed by Tyler Cunningham (World Premiere) 

Light Can’t Escape (Australia), directed by Tim Sharp (California Premiere) 

Little Goodbyes (Canada), directed by Justine Martin (International Premiere) 

Little One (USA), directed by Lindsay Carpenter  

Little Rebels Cinema Club (Indonesia), directed by Khozy Rizal (North American Premiere) 

Little Victories (Canada), directed by Rafaël Beauchamp (North American Premiere) 

Madawa (USA), directed by Musila Munuve (World Premiere)

Made From Leakproof Plastic (Canada/United Kingdom), directed by Anastasiya Mykhaylova (World Premiere) 

Main Man (USA), directed by John de Menil (World Premiere) 

Majonezë (Italy), directed by Giulia Grandinetti (California Premiere) 

Mango (United Kingdom/France), directed by Joan Iyiola  

Masterpiece Mommy (United Kingdom/China), directed by Dorothy Sing Zhang (California Premiere) 

Max Distance (USA), directed by Marissa Goldman (California Premiere) 

Meal Ticket (USA), directed by Wes Andre Goodrich

Mean Ends (Canada), directed by Emile Lavoie  

Medusa (USA), directed by Sarah Meyohas  

Melanochaita (Greece), directed by Niko Avgoustidi (U.S. Premiere)

Melody of Love (USA), directed by Guy Kozak (California Premiere)

Mercenaire (Canada), directed by Pier-Philippe Chevigny (California Premiere)

Min’s Day Off (Brazil/China), directed by João Londres (North American Premiere)

Moon & Back (Canada), directed by Pony Nicole Herauf  

Moon Lake (USA), directed by Jeannie Sui Wonders  

More Than the Sea (Uruguay), directed by Marindia (North American Premiere)

Munchies (USA), directed by Brittany Alexia Young  

My Mother is a Cow (Brazil), directed by Moara Passoni  

Myself When I Am Real (USA), directed by Angeline Gragasin  

Nena (USA), directed by Joyzel Acevedo (World Premiere)

Nervous Energy (USA), directed by Eve Liu (California Premiere)

No Experience Necessary (USA), directed by Emily Everhard (California Premiere)

Not Today (USA), directed by Christian Meola  

Now, Hear Me Good (USA), directed by Dwayne LeBlanc (California Premiere)

On a Sunday at Eleven (Canada), directed by Alicia K. Harris  

One Day This Kid (Canada), directed by Alexander Farah  

One Night in Brooklyn (USA), directed by CJ Taglione (World Premiere)

Overcomer (United Kingdom), directed by Wale Adetula (California Premiere)

Passarinho (Mexico), directed by Natalia García Agraz (California Premiere)

Pakka (The Netherlands), directed by Iniyavan Elumalai (World Premiere)

Pedigree (USA), directed by Kai Wen Hu (California Premiere)

Pig (Netherlands), directed by Rutger Veenstra (U.S. Premiere)

Plague Season (Ecuador/Spain/USA), directed by Gabriela Calvache (World Premiere)

Play Hard (USA), directed by Winter Dunn  

Potato Potato (USA), directed by Josh Locy (World Premiere)

Premiere (USA/Israel), directed by Omer Ben-David (North American Premiere)

Public Freakout (USA), directed by Julia Bales  

Purebred (Northern Ireland), directed by Caleb J. Roberts (World Premiere)

Queen of Hearts (USA), directed by Joey Ally (World Premiere)

Ragamuffin (USA), directed by Kaitlyn Mikayla 

Rage (Spain), directed by Fran Moreno Blanco, Santi Pujol Amat (U.S. Premiere) 

Rata (USA), directed by Giselle Bonilla (U.S. Premiere)

Real (France), directed by Rodrigue Hart (California Premiere)

Rent Boy (USA), directed by Trey Chapman (World Premiere)

Rhoda (United Kingdom), directed by Alex Lawther (California Premiere)

Ruse (India), directed by Rhea Shukla (North American Premiere)

Salem on the Road (Canada), directed by Étienne Galloy (California Premiere)

Samra’s Dollhouse (Tunisia/USA/Germany), directed by Maissa Lihedheb (World Premiere)

Sauna Day (Estonia), directed by Anna Hints and Tushar Prakash (California Premiere)

She Devil (USA), directed by Allie Perison  

She Raised Me (USA/Canada), directed by Ben Lewis  

Sheep (Iran), directed by Hadi Babaeifar (California Premiere)

Shutterspeed (Belgium), directed by Jasper De Maeseneer (World Premiere)

Silver Needle (China/USA), directed by J Wang (California Premiere)

Sleazy Tiger (Scotland/United Kingdom), directed by James Ley (World Premiere)

Soap Box (Canada), directed by Jimmy G. Pettigrew (California Premiere)

Soeder (Austria), directed by Raoul Bruck (North American Premiere)

Sola (Croatia), directed by Lana Barić  

Spaghetti (USA), directed by Charissa Kroeger (North American Premiere)

Stomach Bug (United Kingdom), directed by Matty Crawford  

Stranger, Brother. (Australia), directed by Annelise Hickey (California Premiere)

Stronger (Iceland/USA), directed by Natalia Pacheco 

Sunday in August (USA), directed by Troy Charbonnet (California Premiere)

Susana (Mexico/USA), directed by Amandine Thomas and Gerardo Coello Escalante  

Synthesize Me (USA/Mexico/The Netherlands), directed by Bear Damen (California Premiere)

Szypliszki (USA), directed by Jordan Axelrod (World Premiere)

Take Care (USA), directed by Brittany Ashley  

Tanning Zone (USA), directed by Chloe East

Tapeworm (United Kingdom), directed by Daniel Rands (U.S. Premiere)  

Thanks for Having Me (USA), directed by Wylie Anderson (World Premiere)

The Beguiling (USA), directed by ishkwaazhe Shane McSauby (California Premiere)

The Blood (Spain), directed by Joaquín León (North American Premiere)

The Bride’s Curse (USA), directed by Alex Kavutskiy and Jerzy Rose (California Premiere)

The Crumbs (Norway), directed by Michael Mellemløkken Renjo (World Premiere)

The Errand (USA), directed by Hayley Marie Norman  

The Eternity of Grief (USA), directed by Adriana Ducassi (World Premiere)

The Hunters (Portugal/France), directed by David Pinheiro Vicente (U.S. Premiere)

The Last Cinnamon Roll (USA), directed by Michael Langan (World Premiere)

The Man of Shit (France), directed by Sorel França (U.S. Premiere)

The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent (Croatia/France/Bulgaria/Slovenia), directed by Nebojša Slijepčević  

The Sentry (Cambodia/USA/Norway), directed by Jake Wachtel  

The Singers (USA), directed by Sam Davis (California Premiere)

The Sunny (Ukraine), directed by Sergiy Kulybyshev (North American Premiere)

The Traveler & the Troll (USA), directed by Adam Murray (California Premiere)

The Yellow (USA), directed by Simone Faoro and Maika Monroe  

Three Keenings (United Kingdom/Ireland/USA), directed by Oliver McGoldrick (U.S. Premiere)

Three Screaming Vaginas (Canada), directed by Alexia Roc (California Premiere)

Unholy (USA), directed by Daisy Friedman (California Premiere)

Upper (Belgium), directed by Lennert Madou (California Premiere)

Visa (USA/Vietnam), directed by Chi Tran (California Premiere)

Vox Humana (Philippines/USA/Singapore), directed by Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan  

Wassupkaylee (France/USA), directed by Pepi Ginsberg  

Water Hazard (Portugal/France), directed by Alexander David (California Premiere)

We Had Fun (France), directed by Linda Lô (North American Premiere)

What Freedom (USA), directed by Paul James (California Premiere)

What If They Bomb Here Tonight? (Lebanon), directed by Samir Syriani (U.S. Premiere)

What the Heck Is Going On. (USA), directed by Greg Rubner  

What’s the Deal with Birds? (USA), directed by Taylor Bakken (California Premiere)

Where Time Stood Still (Georgia/USA), directed by Nino Benashvili 

Where We Came From (United Kingdom), directed by Nick Virk (California Premiere)

Whitch (USA), directed by Hoku Uchiyama  

White Trash (Finland), directed by Teppo Airaksinen (International Premiere)

Woof. (USA), directed by Edward Hoke (World Premiere)

You Know You Wanna Stay (USA), directed by Alex Heller (World Premiere)

Your Own Flavor (USA), directed by Alisha Ketry (California Premiere)

Yú Ci (Fish Bones) (USA), directed by Kevin Xian Ming Yu  

Zari (USA/India), directed by Shruti Parekh  

The ShortFest Forum, held from June 27-29, 2025, will offer a dynamic lineup of thought-provoking panels, intimate roundtable discussions, and immersive interactive sessions, bringing together industry luminaries, emerging filmmakers, and esteemed guests. Details on the distinguished 2025 ShortFest Jury and the full Forum program will be announced on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

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Allie Anthony

The California Highway Patrol is recruiting for officers, dispatchers and inspection specialists.

The California Highway Patrol office in Indio primarily serves the Coachella Valley, but their reach extends beyond—patrolling Interstate 10, State Routes 62, 86, and 177, along with unincorporated areas in between.

Right now, the CHP is actively looking for individuals between the ages of 20 and 35 who meet the qualifications to join the team.

As a CHP officer, you’ll receive competitive pay, full medical benefits, and a defined benefits retirement plan. More than just a job, it’s a career committed to public safety, law enforcement, and making a real impact on California’s roadways.

The department stays ahead with up-to-date training and modern technology, ensuring officers are always prepared to serve.

If you’re driven, community-focused, and ready to take on a meaningful role, you can explore the many career opportunities CHP has to offer here.

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Cynthia White

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The achievements of 22 local students were celebrated by the Desert Hot Springs Women’s Club Monday evening at their 2025-26 Scholarship Awards Night.

The Desert Hot Springs Women’s Club provides thousands of dollars in scholarships each year to support students in the DHS area. This year, the scholarships totaled more than $26,000, with each student being awarded between $500 and $2,000 to help them in their academic pursuits.

Local student Stephanie Cesena, who is currently a student at UC San Diego, said, “I feel like the importance of this award is more than I can even express. “It has impacted my academic role in so many ways, and I’m so grateful that I can come back to the desert. I go to UC San Diego and I just feel such a a joy knowing that I come from the valley when I’m in such a big city.” 

In addition to ice cream sundaes, the scholarship recipients also received certificates recognizing their success from area elected officials. 

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John White

Sky-high power bills are on the way with the warm summer months ahead in the desert. 

Some people prepare for those increased expenses by going on a level-pay or “budget billing plan.” 

Palm Springs resident Ross von Metzke went on the plan last year, hoping it would take some of the shock out of those bills. 

“We were expecting big power bills, and for the first year, we got them during the summer,” von Metzke says. 

They conserve the home to save electricity by pulling the blinds, making sure the TV is off when they’re not using it and keeping their condominium at 76 or 77 degrees. 

He explains what he expected from the budget billing plan, “They take a look at a year’s worth of your energy usage and then use that to find a base rate that they can apply across, they say, eleven months.” 

It worked as far as he knew with SCE giving him a monthly bill lower than he thought it would be. 

It started at $116.00. 

It was adjusted three months later to $259.00. 

Then it went up to $317.00. 

Then in May, it was $960.66. 

“Definitely not expecting to get that,” he says. 

We took his concerns to SCE Senior Advisor, Jeff Monford. 

“Now we know not everybody gets out their magnifying glass and studies every detail in the bill, but at the same time that information is presented there on where to look.” Monford says. 

Von Metzke was keeping a close eye on the biggest number on his bill, the amount due each month. 

Below that shows a running tab of sorts and whether the amount he’s been paying is keeping up with his actual balance. 

He was running a tab without realizing it. 

“We summarize what is currently being billed, and we show what is piling up for reconciliation later,” Monford explains. 

The lesson, von Metzke says, is to pay close attention to that “actual balance” number, so you don’t have any surprises. 

Imperial Irrigation District also has a similar program. 

It’ll also show a credit or a balance at the top of the bill, while showing the budget billing plan amount due, much like the SCE bill. 

It’s important to look at both, so you know whether you’ll face a big balance at the end of your billing year. 

Resources:

For information on SCE Budget Billing Plan and how to apply, visit here.

For information on Imperial Irrigation District Budget Billing Plan, visit here.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – Following a violent antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, Jewish communities across the country are processing the pain.

In Palm Springs, leaders said they are choosing to respond with resilience.

Rabbi David Lazar of Congregation Or Hamidbar in Palm Springs said he personally knows victims injured in the attack.

“They’re going to be all right, but they’re suffering right now,” Lazar said. “Those people are the same Jews that are urging the Israeli government to stop the slaughter in Gaza. That’s the irony here — the bitter irony of it.”

He said the Boulder demonstration was not a pro-Israel rally, but a weekly gathering to raise awareness for the remaining hostages in Gaza.

He emphasized that political slogans like “From the river to the sea” are sometimes interpreted as “permission granted for murder,” especially by emotionally unstable individuals.

“All they need is a little push and a feeling that it’s legitimate for them to show their hatred in actions,” Lazar said.

He said the rise in politically motivated violence is disturbing — but his congregation refuses to live in fear.

“We’re not afraid to do good,” Lazar said. “We won’t succumb to the fear.”

This latest attack comes just weeks after two Israeli embassy staff members were fatally shot outside the Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.—and a little more than two weeks since the targeted attack on a Palm Springs fertility clinic in Palm Springs.

Carolina Vasquez, executive director and clinical therapist at Desert Insight, said emotional awareness is the first step to understanding how to move forward from traumatic events.

“The first thing is to notice it,” Vasquez said. “Sometimes we’re on autopilot.”

Stay with News Channel 3 at 10 and 11 p.m. to learn how some members of the Jewish community are reacting after the attack in Boulder.

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Garrett Hottle

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) As of May 7, 2025, a real id or other acceptable form of identification is required to fly domestically within the United States.

But in the Coachella Valley, News Channel 3 has heard some people are showing up unprepared, and walking out empty-handed. 

So what are they missing? And how can you avoid the same headache?

News Channel 3’s Garrett Hottle spoke with the California Department of Motor Vehicles and breaks it down. 

To find out more information about what you documents you need to obtain a real ID visit this link.

For more information about obtaining your real ID visit this link.

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Jesus Reyes

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Desert Hot Springs has a new city manager, and it is a familiar face for residents.

On Tuesday, the city council voted to appoint Doria Wilms as the new city manager of Desert Hot Springs.

Wilms was unanimously appointed the acting city manager in February, following the retirement of Frank Luckino. The city council will vote on Tuesday on whether Wilms will fill the position permanently.

Wilms first joined the city’s government in 2016. She started as a city clerk before filling a variety of positions in the city manager’s office, including assistant city manager and deputy city manager.

She previously served as an interim city manager in 2023 following the resignation of Luke Rainey.

According to city documents, Wilms’ salary will start at $242,000 and rise the next year to $253,000. The city council will conduct performance reviews in or around January 2026, June 2026, and yearly thereafter.

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City News Service

NORTH SHORE, Calif. (KESQ) – An $8.5 million project to upgrade roads throughout North Shore will get underway in the next couple of weeks, with the goal of making travel safer and smoother in the eastern Coachella Valley community.

“This is a significant investment that Riverside County is making. I am glad these roads will be taken care of, which improves the community and makes a difference for our residents,” Fourth District Supervisor Manuel Perez said in a statement.

Vance Corporation of Beaumont will repave and resurface about 5.4 miles of road, which includes Avenue 70, Vander Veer Road and Sea View Way, Avenue 68, Avenue 72, Commerce Street and Compass Drive and “at the entry to the community from the train tracks on Bay Drive,” county officials said.

The road work will commence later this month, and will possibly run throughout the summer. Residents can expect traffic delays along the aforementioned streets.

Funding for the project was provided by the county’s gas tax and transportation funds.

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KRDO

WASHINGTON (KRDO) — The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed federal charges against Mohammed Sabry Soliman, the 45-year-old man accused of setting people on fire in Boulder on Sunday.

The FBI called it a targeted terror attack, as he allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at people gathered for a demonstration in support of the Israeli hostages. Soliman’s criminal complaint alleges he yelled “Free Palestine” during the attack.

The DOJ is seeking federal hate crime charges, according to court records.

pic.twitter.com/GmmP5VddGr

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 2, 2025

“(Soliman) stated that he wanted to kill all Zionist people and wished they were all dead,” the criminal complaint read. “Soliman stated he would do it (conduct an attack) again.”

According to the complaint, Soliman had allegedly been planning the attack for a year and waited until his daughter graduated to carry it out.

“The Department of Justice has swiftly charged the illegal alien perpetrator of this heinous attack with a federal hate crime and will hold him accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Our prayers are with the victims and our Jewish community across the world,” read a statement from Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This vile anti-Semitic violence comes just weeks after the horrific murder of two young Jewish Americans in Washington DC. We will never tolerate this kind of hatred. We refuse to accept a world in which Jewish Americans are targeted for who they are and what they believe.” 

He reportedly traveled from his Colorado Springs home, where he lived with his wife and five kids, to Boulder.

Editor’s note: Previous information from the FBI spelled the suspect’s name as “Mohamed.” The criminal complaint spells his name “Mohammed.” Because a criminal complaint is a legal document, KRDO13 is currently reporting that spelling unless other information comes to light.

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