The organizers of the Palm Springs International ShortFest announced a line-up of almost 300 films that will be screened at the Camelot Theatres (Palm Springs Cultural Centre) from June 22-28, making it the first such event in California to hold all of its screenings in-theatre in 2021.
Theja Rio’s short film Angh has been selected for the festival and is in competition for the Best of the Festival Award and Best Live-Action Short Over 15 Minutes. The film is set in 1964 in rural Northeastern India, where a former headhunter and his son are the last in their village to withstand conversion efforts to Christianity. The film was recently screened at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles as well.
Speaking about the film’s selection, director Theja Rio said, “We are humbled that our small film from the foothills of the Northeast of India has been able to journey so far.”
In addition to the screenings, the festival will include virtual classes and panels featuring industry representatives, filmmakers and additional guests. Variety.com quoted the artistic director of the festival, Lili Rodriguez, as saying, “As we collectively move toward this next stage together, we feel a strong sense of gratitude to share the 2021 edition of ShortFest in person. At the centre of our plans has been a commitment to this great community of storytellers and moviegoers, and we’re excited to make our return to the silver screen a safe and enjoyable one.”