Palm Springs International ShortFest Curator Fellowship
The Palm Springs International Film Society is proud to announce the inaugural cohort of fellows selected for the 2026 ShortFest Curator Fellowship Program, an immersive initiative designed to introduce young adults ages 18–25 to the world of film festival programming.
The fellowship provides participants with hands-on experience working alongside the Palm Springs International ShortFest Programming Team, offering behind-the-scenes insight into how films are curated, evaluated, and presented at one of North America’s premier short film festivals.
The 2026 ShortFest Curator Fellows are:
Keys Dunbar
2026 ShortFest Curator Fellow
Keys Dunbar is a queer Black writer and filmmaker originally from Los Angeles, CA. Dunbar most recently worked at The Walt Disney Company (FX Networks) supporting talent relations, events, awards, and publicity for award-winning shows such as The Bear and Shōgun. Dunbar is an alum of the NBCUniversal Page Program (‘23), Academy Gold Rising Program (‘21), and holds a B.A. with Interdisciplinary Honors in the Arts in Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Stanford University (‘22). Dunbar is interested in work that explores the complexity of queer relationships and celebrates the imperfections of the human condition.
Jessica Lam
2026 ShortFest Curator Fellow
Jessica Lam is a recent graduate from UC Riverside with a B.A. in Theatre, Film, and Digital Production. Inspired by the styles of Wong Kar-Wai and Park Chan Wook, she is drawn to stories exploring the Asian diaspora in America, identity, and relationships. On set, she works in the camera department as a 2nd Assistant Camera across various film productions. Lam aspires to become a traveling cinematographer creating visually intimate stories that center underrepresented voices. Outside of filmmaking, she enjoys film photography, playing electric guitar, arranging flower bouquets for friends and family, and walking along the beach!
Lupita Quelix
2026 ShortFest Curator Fellow
Lupita Quelix is a first-generation Mexican-American college student aspiring to pursue a career in the entertainment industry through both film and music. Passionate about storytelling across different mediums, she enjoys exploring the ways creatives connect with audiences through their work. A 2024 graduate of Coachella Valley High School, Lupita is currently enrolled at College of the Desert and plans to transfer to a four-year university in 2027. She prides herself on being the person her friends and family rely on for thoughtful and entertaining film recommendations.
Julian Vargas
2026 ShortFest Curator Fellow
Julian Vargas is a cinematographer, digital storyteller, and UC Berkeley graduate. He currently serves as the Lead Video Producer and Editor for the Institute of Governmental Studies, where he focuses on translating complex cultural and institutional legacies into high-impact visual media. Driven by a passion for grassroots histories and preserving community-led narratives, Vargas is drawn to film curation as a powerful medium for mutual aid and artistic advocacy. His future aspirations center on expanding his impact within the independent film and commercial landscape.
To learn more about the Curator Fellowship please email Natali Hopkins, Educational Program Manager
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