The organizers of the Palm Springs International Film Festival have confirmed earlier this week that the 32nd annual film festival of the organization which was scheduled to commence February 25, 2021, would no longer hold. This decision was made following the organizer’s lingering concerns about the coronavirus pandemic and whether or not it was worth the risk. The organizers did confirm that its annual film awards gala date would still hold.
The decision was first reported by KESQ after a letter was forwarded to the festival’s board members. The letter which reads “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.” was signed by the Festival’s board of directors.
This new change is the second time this year the organizers have decided to push back the 32nd edition of their annual event due to health and safety concerns of their guests and staff.
Other Palm Spring events scheduled for 2021 remains unchanged with the Palm Springs ShortFest still scheduled to hold from June 22-28, 2021.
Although the film festival would not hold, the organizers confirmed in the letter that the awards ceremony will take place. While details on the Award gala are still not fixed, the gala is confirmed to hold at the Palm Springs Convention center. Also, as of the time of this writing, no honorees for the award have been announced.
The cancellation of the 2021 Palm Springs Film Festival is the latest change to the annual awards season schedule forced by the coronavirus pandemic. The 2021 Oscars award ceremony was also recently shifted to April 25, 2021.
