‘Retirement Plan’ crowned best of fest at Palm Springs International ShortFest

CaspianEntertainment2025-06-3083512
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The Palm Springs International ShortFest, one of the largest short film festivals and the first stop on the campaign trail for Oscar-qualifying shorts, announced its winners today, including director John Kelly's "Retirement Plan," which was named "best of the festival" and received a $5,000 cash prize.

Awards were also given for best animated short, best documentary short, and best live-action short, as well as student shorts.

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Over 300 films were part of the official selection at the festival, which ran from June 24-30. The winners of the five Oscar-qualifying awards are eligible to submit their shorts for Academy Award consideration.

The complete list of winners includes:

Best of the Festival AwardWinner:"Retirement Plan," directed by John KellySpecial Mention for Best Director: "Passarinho," directed by Natalia García AgrazSpecial Mention for Best Acting:"Beyond Silence," directed by Marnie BlokBest Animated ShortWinner:"Budō"(Sweden), directed by Amanda Aagard and Alexander TomaSpecial Mention:"The Little Ancestor"(Canada), directed by Alexa Tremblay-FrancoeurBest Documentary ShortWinner:"Shanti Rides Shotgun(USA), directed by Charles FrankSpecial Mention:"One Day I Will Hug You"(Palestine/Sweden/Qatar), directed by Mohammed Fares Al MajdalawiBest Live-Action Short Over 15 MinutesWinner:"Susana"(Mexico/USA), directed by Amandine Thomas and Gerardo Coello EscalanteSpecial Mention:"Nervous Energy"(USA), directed by Eve LiuBest Live-Action Short 15 Minutes and UnderWinner:"Medusa"(USA), directed by Sarah MeyohasSpecial Mention:"Made From Leakproof Plastic"(Canada/United Kingdom), directed by Anastasiya MykhaylovaStudent Short AwardsStudent Animated ShortWinner:"Dragfox"(United Kingdom), directed by Lisa OttSpecial Mention:"Ma Mao"(Canada), directed by Thanh NgoStudent International ShortWinner:"Cura Sana"(Spain), directed by Lucía G. RomeroSpecial Mention:"Crazy for You"(Spain/USA), directed by Greta Díaz MoreauStudent U.S. ShortWinner:"Nervous Energy"(USA), directed by Eve Liu, and"Breastmilk"(USA/Nigeria), directed by Ifeyinwa ArinzeSpecial Mention:"Kisses and Bullets"(USA/Iran), directed by Faranak SahafianStudent Documentary ShortWinner:"You Can’t See It From Here"(USA/Colombia), directed by Enrique Pedráza-BoteroSpecial Mention:"Dancing in Tomorrowland"(USA), directed by Jakob RostonSpecial Jury AwardsVimeo Staff Pick AwardWinner:"You Know You Wanna Stay" (USA), directed by Alex HellerBest International ShortWinners:"Beyond Silence"(The Netherlands), directed by Marnie Blok, and"Kuchar (The Itch)"(India), directed by Vaidaangi SharmaSpecial Mention:"Goodbye Sun"(France), directed by Hakim AtouiBest U.S. ShortWinner:"Szypliszki"(USA), directed by Jordan AxelrodSpecial Mention:"Ragamuffin"(USA), directed by Kaitlyn MikaylaBest Comedy ShortWinners:"How Was Your Weekend"(USA), directed by Cam Banfield, and"Your Own Flavor"(USA), directed by Alisha KetrySpecial Mention:"Blood Ties"(France/Belgium), directed by Hakim AtouiBest LGBTQ+ ShortWinners:"Chico"(France/Belgium), directed by Théo Abadie, and"Hold Me Close"(USA), directed by Aurora Brachman and LaTajh Simmons-WeaverSpecial Mention:"It Will Always End in the End"(Canada), directed by Nancy PettinicchioBest Midnight ShortWinner:"Mango"(United Kingdom/France), directed by Joan IyiolaSpecial Mention:"Real"(France), directed by Rodrigue HartLocal Jury AwardsDesert Views Local Jury AwardWinner: "Big Bass"(USA), directed by Drew DicklerSpecial Mention:"The Devil Is Busy"(USA), directed by Geeta Gandbhir and Christalyn HamptonYoung Cineastes AwardWinner:"Énouement"(USA), directed by Angel LuSpecial Mention:"Dandelion"(USA), directed by Fiona ObertincaKids’ Choice AwardWinner:"Wednesdays With Gramps" (USA), directed by Chris Copeland and Justin CopelandSpecial Mention:"Forevergreen"(USA), directed by Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears

Audience AwardsBest Animated ShortWinner:Wednesdays with Gramps(USA), directed by Chris Copeland and Justin CopelandBest Documentary ShortWinner:The Devil Is Busy (USA), directed by Geeta Gandbhir and Christalyn HamptonBest Live-Action ShortWinner:Beatrix Is Invisible(USA), directed by Alex FariasBest Student ShortWinner:Dandelion(USA), directed by Fiona Obertinca

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Dior

The short film 'Retirement Plan' emerged triumphant as the best of Palm Springs International ShortFest, captivating audiences with its emotionally-resonate narrative and poignantly crafted performances.

2025-07-01 11:59:36 reply
Ella

The powerful and poignant 'Retirement Plan' emerges as the winner of Palm Springs International ShortFest, capturing hearts with its insightful narrative on ageing dignity.

2025-07-01 11:59:50 reply
Oakley

The Palm Springs International ShortFest's crowning achievement belies the titular retirement plan: Retirement Plan triumphantly stands as not just a celebration of senior years, but one that challenges age stereotypes and inspires future filmmaking excellence.

2025-07-01 12:00:05 reply
Leonel

The Palm Springs International ShortFest has crowned Retirement Plan as the best film in this year's festival lineup, highlighting its exceptional storytelling and touching portrayal of human resilience through aging.

2025-07-02 15:12:36 reply
Elias

The striking short film, ‘Retirement Plan,’ was crowned the winner at Palm Springs International ShortFest for its masterful blend of emotional depth and creative expression that left audiences in awe.

2025-07-02 15:12:51 reply
Delyla

The film ‘Retirement Plan’ has been unanimously crowned the best of this year's festival at Palm Springs International ShortFest, delighting audiences with its heartwarmingly humorous and deeply emotional portrayal.

2025-07-03 13:02:14 reply
Finn

The Retirement Plan, dazzling with its insightful narrative on aging and companionship, has been Best of Fest at Palm Springs International ShortFest for extraordinary storytelling excellence.

2025-07-03 13:02:29 reply
Kanoa

The poignant and thought-provoking film 'Retirement Plan' emerged as the clear winner among an impressive lineup at Palm Springs International ShortFest, capturing hearts with its sharp commentary on longevity in society.

2025-07-03 13:02:44 reply
Titus

The brainchild of director Mark Christopher Canty, Retirement Plan has been crowned the best film at Palm Springs International ShortFest for its poignant exploration and comic wit in portraying ordinary lives amidst extraordinary change.

2025-07-13 03:57:25 reply
Anara

The Palm Springs International ShortFest has crowned the 'Retirement Plan' as best of fest, highlighting its remarkable impact on storytelling and timeless appeal to inspire audiences.

2025-07-13 07:12:31 reply
Albert

‘Retirement Plan’ at Palm Springs International ShortFest triumphantly took home the top honors, admirably showcasing its deep narrative and unconventional charm among n的不断短片 that dazzled audiences.

2025-07-13 07:12:46 reply
Cillian

The short film 'Retirement Plan' has been hailed as the best of this year’s Palm Springs International ShortFest, captivating audiences and critics alike with its nuanced storytelling.

2025-07-13 07:13:01 reply

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