2026 PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AND VARIETY ANNOUNCE 10 DIRECTORS TO WATCH HONOREES

2026 PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AND VARIETY ANNOUNCE 
10 DIRECTORS TO WATCH HONOREES 

 

Palm Springs, CA (December 4, 2025)—The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) will host 
Variety’s 2026 “10 Directors to Watch,” celebrating this year’s honorees with a brunch event on January 
4 during the festival, which runs January 2–12. The annual list spotlights emerging filmmakers across a 
range of genres and backgrounds. Variety’s “10 Directors to Watch” has historically highlighted directors 
who go on to receive major awards recognition. 

 

This year’s class features a mix of American and international filmmakers, including two directors with 
films submitted to the Oscar international feature category (My Father’s Shadow and Happy Birthday), 
several festival-bound independent features premiering in 2026, and three standout debuts from the 
Cannes Film Festival—including Kristen Stewart’s first feature, The Chronology of Water. 

 

The 10 Directors to Watch honorees are: 

 

? Akinola Davies Jr. (My Father’s Shadow) 
? Beth de Araujo (Josephine) 
? Jan-Ole Gerster (Islands) 
? Sarah Goher (Happy Birthday) 
? Dave Green (Coyote vs. Acme) 
? Chandler Levack (Mile End Kicks) 
? Harry Lighton (Pillion) 
? NB Mager (Run Amok) 
? Kristen Stewart (The Chronology of Water) 
? Walter Thompson Hernandez (If I Go Will They Miss Me) 

 

“Discovery is such an important part of what we do at film festivals, and partnering with Variety on 10 
Directors to Watch is an especially exciting part of PSIFF,” said Lili Rodriguez, Artistic Director of the Palm 
Springs International Film Festival. “It’s always a thrill to encounter the filmmakers that make the list, 
which has an incredible track record, and we’re glad to be the stage to celebrate these artists.” 

 

The 37th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) will screen 169 films from 72 countries 
and territories, including 53 premieres (3 World, 6 International, 10 North American, 12 U.S., and 22 
California) from January 2-12, 2026. The lineup includes 44 of the International Feature Film Oscar® 
Submissions along with a plethora of returning and brand-new programs.  

 

The complete lineup and tickets are available at psfilmfest.org. The Festival’s box office can also be 
reached at (760) 778-8979. 

 

About the Palm Springs International Film Society 
The Palm Springs International Film Society is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization whose 
mission is to cultivate and promote the art and science of film through education and cross-cultural 

 


 

awareness. The Film Society produces the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) and Film 
Awards every January and Palm Springs ShortFest in June. In addition to curating the best in 
international cinema, PSIFF’s Film Awards has come to be known as the first stop on the campaign trail 
for the Academy Awards®, and our Oscar®-qualifying ShortFest is the largest short film festival and 
market in North America. Our festivals, year-round member screenings and educational programs 
manifest our organization’s mission by nurturing and encouraging new filmmaking talent, honoring the 
great masters of world cinema, and expanding audience horizons. The City of Palm Springs is the title 
sponsor of both festivals. The Film Awards are presented by Kering and sponsored by Entertainment 
Tonight. 

 

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Press Contacts: 
Scenario Communications 
PSIFF@scenariopr.com