For 31 years, the Palm Springs International Film Festival has been bringing together an international community of filmmakers and film lovers to celebrate the riches that cinema presented that year. We've rushed into packed screening rooms, shared food and conversation and made lifelong connections with people standing in lines. This festival has been about sharing our love for movies, but even more, it’s been about creating personal connections for our audiences.

As we reach the end of the year, it is clear that we will not be able to present the film festival the way we have over the past 31 years. This is not an easy choice but we have made the decision to skip the 2021 edition. Rest assured we plan to be back in 2022 when we can hopefully be together safely again in theaters. We are still planning to celebrate and honor the best in cinema with our Film Awards Presentation on February 25, 2021 and plans for our annual short film festival scheduled for June 22-28, 2021 remain intact. Details on those will be shared before the end of the year.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of our lives in profound ways but we have not stopped believing that cinema has the power to change our hearts and minds. We stand by that truth and commit to continue our efforts in bringing film to our community.

Sincerely,
Harold Matzner, Chairman of the Board
Rhea Lewis-Woodson, Managing Director
Lili Rodriguez, Artistic Director

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Launched in 1990, the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) is a premier presenter of world cinema located in the beautiful Coachella Valley at the base of Mt. San Jacinto in southern California. The Festival brings together a sophisticated and diverse audience, including industry, film aficionados from across the country and filmmakers from around the world.

The 32nd annual Palm Springs International Film Festival is scheduled to be held physically with a virtual component from February 25 - March 8, 2021. The annual star-studded Film Awards Gala, honoring the best and brightest performances of the year, is scheduled for February 25, 2021.

PSIFF is mounted by the Palm Springs International Film Society, a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization, whose mission is to cultivate and promote the art and science of film through education and cross-cultural awareness.

Rules & Terms

By submitting your project to the Palm Springs International Film Festival, you agree to follow its rules and guidelines.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Submitted films must be ≥70 minutes for either narrative features or documentary features. PSIFF does not accept short film submissions. Those wishing to submit a short film should contact programming@psfilmfest.org for information on our short film festival, ShortFest.
- Submitted films must have been completed in 2020 (exceptions are made for Academy Award Best International Feature Film submissions).
- The film must not have previously screened in the Coachella Valley (exceptions are made on a case by case basis and at the discretion of the Festival).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Do you accept work-in-progress submissions?
A: No, we do not accept work-in-progress submissions.

Q: Can I submit multiple projects?
A: Yes. Each film must be submitted and paid for separately.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Only complete submissions will be considered (fee paid and screener submitted). Please ensure you’ve paid the fee and attached a screener by the final deadline. We will not consider incomplete submissions.

The information contained in my online application is correct to the best of my knowledge. I give the Palm springs International Film Festival the authority to use the submitted publicity materials for the purpose of promoting the film and the Festival. I understand that I am duly authorized to give permission to allow the Palm Springs International Film Festival to screen this film.
I am the US Rights Holder of the film -or- I am authorized by the US Rights Holder of the film to submit the film and will include written verification from the Rights Holder with the submission copy.

COVID-19
The safety of filmmakers, audience and staff are at the center of our focus. We are closely monitoring and following the law and guidelines set by the CDC, State of California, Riverside County and the City of Palm Springs. In the event that the festival must cancel both physical and virtual events, PSIFF will consider submissions for the following PSIFF edition.

REFUND POLICY
Submission fees are not refundable.
1 Review
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  • Bruno Chatelin

    what an amazing festival, everything was top notch (except the weather !) Palm Springs is such an amazing experience thank you.
    we have promoted our participation to PSIFF and got huge social response.
    bruno chatelin festival agent for Rob

    April 2019
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