The Palm Springs ShortFest will honor Gus Van Sant with its “ShortFest Spirit of Short Award” at this year's festival, lauding the two-time Oscar nominee for his directing accomplishments.
The “Good Will Hunting” director will also take part in a Directing Master Class session, moderating a discussion after a series of his shorts are screened.
“I’m thrilled that Gus Van Sant will be joining us to share his expertise and unique perspective with filmmakers and audiences attending the Festival,” ShortFest Programming and Executive Director Darryl Macdonald said in a statement. “Over the course of his distinguished career, Gus has been a groundbreaking force in his field, and he’s an incredibly gifted artist working at the peak of his craft.”
The festival, which runs June 19 to 25, awarded Van Sant with the Sonny Bono Visionary Award in 2009.
Oscar-winning cinematographer Robert Elswit will also conduct a master class.