The Palm Springs International ShortFest is a mecca for young, first-time filmmakers, but every so often alumni who have gone on to success return to inspire the next generation.
Director Hanelle M. Culpepper is one such creative who attended ShortFest in 2003 with her films “A Single Rose” and “Six and the City.” That was only the start of her career, as she went on to direct feature-length films and hone her craft in television. Some of Culpepper’s episodic directing credits include “90210,” “Hawaii Five-0,” “Criminal Minds,” “Star Trek: Picard” and “Westworld.”
In addition to a diverse lineup of short films, ShortFest will be spotlighting the Hulu sci-fi political drama”Paradise,”created by Dan Fogelman and starring Emmy Award winner Sterling K. Brown, and screening episode six, “You Asked for Miracles,” which Culpepper directed. The screening is free and open to the public, and will be followed by a conversation with the director.
“Paradise” will screen at 5:15 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at Festival Theaters, located at 789 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. ShortFest will run through Monday, June 30.
Culpepper’s time at ShortFest: ‘I just felt supported there’
As Culpepper reflected on her first time at ShortFest, she was flooded with positive memories.
“I had a great time. It was really nice because it was a good venue and I remember my cast came out as well and it was such a celebration of what we’d done,” she said. “I remember feeling very welcomed as a filmmaker, and I just felt supported there.”
Returning to the festival was a no brainer for Culpepper, who said it offers her a chance to encourage filmmakers who may be wondering where to take their careers. Even though it’s been two decades, she said she still remembers what it’s like to be in their shoes.
“It’s so exciting to have your film screened at a festival for an audience. But you are always wondering, ‘What’s next for me?'” she said. “It’s just hopefully all leading up to the ultimate goal to be a professional paid director.”
From films to television
A love of filmmaking was nurtured in Culpepper from a young age when she and her father would go to the movies almost every weekend. She said she gained an appreciation for action and sci-fi movies from him, while she developed a love of epic romance stories through her mother.
After her two short films screened at ShortFest, Culpepper debated whether to go into TV or pursue her own feature films. She went with the latter, which led to the indie films “Within” and “Murder on the 13th Floor,” in order to open the doors for television work down the line, she said.
“Television is so cinematic these days. You’re working with such a great caliber of actors, so it is as creatively satisfying to work in television,” Culpepper said. “By choosing to do the independent feature route, it allowed me to work with visual effects and work with certain level stars and work with stunts and work with children so I could develop all the skills I needed, so that when I went into those meetings with the gatekeepers, they couldn’t say, ‘Oh, but you haven’t ever done this.’ Oh, but actually I have.”
It paid off, as seen with the varied and hefty number of shows she’s worked on over the years. The love of sci-fi, action and adventure films she gained from her father has stuck with her as evidence by her work on “NCIS: Origins,” “Star Trek: Picard” and “Star Trek: Discovery,” among others.
Television was once considered a “less than” medium compared to films, but today, the biggest names in Hollywood are often flocking for a role on acclaimed series such as “The White Lotus” and “The Bear.” That shift started before Culpepper began her television work, but she noted that audiences expect so much these days and studios and networks have to keep up with the demand.
“It’s the storytelling itself, it’s just so good. That’s why it’s attracting the level of stars to these projects,” she continued. “It’s not just that it’s cinematic, but it’s also very satisfying as a story and as a journey for the actor, for this character, to have eight to 10 episodes to really give their character a full-on arc. You have such great roles for women in these TV shows and great roles for people of color.”
Just another day in paradise
The Hulu series “Paradise” fits the bill of great television: It has a cast of accomplished actors, it tells a twisty and thrilling story from the start and it keeps viewers guessing until the very end.
In the series, Brown plays Secret Service agent Xavier Collins who discovers that the former president, played by James Marsden, has been killed. As he attempts to put all the puzzle pieces together, while also coming under suspicion himself, he discovers shocking truths about those he thought he could trust and the seemingly idyllic community they all live in. “Paradise” also stars Emmy Award winner Julianne Nicholson.
Culpepper and Brown had been developing another project together for some time, but they hadn’t had an opportunity to work together on set. When he was cast on “Paradise,” she believes Brown was a big reason why she was later brought on board to direct two episodes (episodes five and six). It was an easy sell for Culpepper, she said, because she “loved the twist” that is revealed in the first episode, and she was “dying for the chance to actually shoot that story.”
Taking the helms of two midseason episodes is no easy task, but Culpepper said she spoke with Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, the pilot directors, about their style and the visual influences they were referencing, as well as watching daily footage and seeing edits of the show. After that, it was up to her to tell her own story and infuse her ideas.
It’s most seen in episode six, where, she explained, there was originally a lot of night shooting in the script due to an emergency in the town. Instead, Culpepper thought it made more sense to start the episode in the daytime and then drastically shift to night, which she believed would provide a more dramatic effect for viewers. Others on the show agreed.
“What’s great about the team here is that they’re still a collaborator, and, with the script, they were always open to suggestions and changes,” she said.
Reflecting on her “Paradise” work, Culpepper said her experience on season one was “absolutely great.” She said Marsden is “such a nice guy” who was “willing to do whatever,” including eat a lot of pasta (those who watch the series will understand). Nicholson is “so incredibly talented,” she added, and Brown “gives it all.” She most enjoyed seeing him “be a badass” in episode six.
Fans of “Paradise” have good news to celebrate: The series has been renewed for a season second, and Culpepper will also return to direct. She’s already in heavy prep for the season, and though she was tightlipped about details, she shared that she’s “super excited to be here again.”
If you go
What: “Paradise” episode screening at the Palm Springs International ShortFest
When/where: 5:15 p.m. Saturday, June 28 at Festival Theaters, 789 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs
Cost: Free general admission
More information: www.psfilmfest.org/shortfest-2025/film-finder/paradise-x18045
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: ShortFest 2025: Fest alumna Hanelle M. Culpepper returns for special ‘Paradise’ screening
Reporting by Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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