Palm Springs ShortFest nets $20,000 Acad grant

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has awarded $20,000 to the Palm Springs International ShortFest to fund the 2012 ShortFest Forums, a series of panels and master classes for festivalgoers to enhance their industry knowhow. "We're hugely grateful to the Academy for their support of our efforts to provide student and emerging filmmakers with the kind of intensive practical and creative opportunities they need to further their knowledge, capabilities and career prospects in the film industry," ShortFest director Darryl Macdonald said. The grant was awarded through the Academy's film festival grants program and administered through its educational and outreach initiatives. Showcasing over 300 films from 40 countries, the 18th Palm Springs International ShortFest and Short Film Market will take place June 19-20. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com