Move over, Hollywood, the Coachella Valley is ready for its closeup.
The upcoming Palm Springs International ShortFest, which runs June 23-29, will feature more than 300 short films from all around the world. Screenings will take place at Festival Theaters in Palm Springs, with the full lineup available at psfilmfest.org/shortfest.
The local area also has its own spotlight in the Valley Visions program, which features seven shorts that were filmed in the desert, tell stories about the community or feature works made by filmmakers who call the valley home. Films spotlight local myths from the Cahuilla Nation, personal discoveries people make in the middle of the desert and tell poignant stories from a long-standing establishment in Palm Springs.
All of these films with local connections, which comprise the Valley Visions program, will screen at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 23.
Here is a look at each film ahead of the festival’s opening day.
‘E.D.G.A.R. (Enhanced Data Gathering Analysis Robot)’
Directed and written by Virginia de Witt
In the near future, though the desert might look the same, interactions are a bit different. A young woman named Georgia (played by de Witt), who is suicidal, takes calls from men as a way to earn money. Standing in her closet is Edgar, or an Enhanced Data Gathering Analysis Robot (played by Robert Morgan), who resembles her estranged father and whose objective is to take in information about her and the world. As they spend more time together, the two discuss life, love and loss, all while her neighbor tap dances his heart out next door.
‘High Beam’
Directed by Kaila Gutierrez
There’s no room for error in this gymnastics gym, and no one knows it more than 9-year-old aspiring team gymnast Genna (Alani Guzman). Her mother, who is also the coach, spends most of her time working with and praising the top athletes, while her daughter is struggling to master a handstand on the high beam. As this youngster prepares for her big performance exam, she realizes some hard truths about herself and her future.
‘Playtime with Daisy’
Directed by Amir Aftab and Justin Aftab
This is one playtime you’ll want to miss. We meet Daisy (Ansley Hutchinson) in her room as she’s combing her doll’s hair. It seems innocent enough, until her mother walks in, telling her to get dressed and not embarrass her at an important dinner later that day. Then we see Daisy start talking to her doll, and things start to get a little strange. Who knows what’s in store for the evening gathering, but one thing we know for sure is don’t look in her closet.
‘SH(OUT)’
Directed by Santiago B. Musacchio
After 20 years of marriage, a 43-year-old mother is ready to do things her own way. As she takes to the open road, she explores her identity, sexuality and her needs, leading her to confront a life that’s so different than the one she normally lives. Her adventure eventually leads her to a diner waitress who excites her in a number of ways while also making her question everything.
‘Squash Casserole’
Directed by Tobin Sanson
Out in the middle of the desert, two sisters finally have time to get into their lifelong dynamic. As they dive into their strained past, with one sister seemingly holding a grudge against the other, all emotions come to the surface in just a few minutes. Right as they make progress, they’re interrupted by a surprise twist in their story.
‘The Tahquitz Myth’
Directed and written by Harrison Pierce
The canyons and mountains in the Coachella Valley are sacred to the Cahuilla Nation and have been for generations. Mukat, the supreme creator, created Tahquitz Canyon as an oasis for his people. But the canyon takes it name from a powerful, evil shaman, who is said to still haunt the area today. A Palm Springs college student isn’t convinced, so she sets out to disprove the ancient Coachella Valley myth, only to discover a terrifying truth.
‘Welcome to Tool Shed’
Directed by Daniel Talbott and Andrew Klaus-Vineyard
The long-standing Palm Springs gay bar Tool Shed is getting its spotlight. In this documentary, viewers dive into the leather dive bar’s history, the people who bring it to life on a daily basis and their stories of courage through time. It also traces decades of oppression and hateful acts that the LGBTQ+ community has faced through the HIV/AIDS epidemic and recent upticks in targeted violence.
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: These Palm Springs ShortFest films spotlight Coachella Valley stories
Reporting by Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun | USA TODAY Network
