The Palm Springs International Film Society (PSIFS) today announced the launch of two awards to recognize the legacy of philanthropist, business leader and former festival chairman Harold Matzner, whose transformational leadership of the Palm Springs International Film Society elevated the Film Awards and Film Festival into one of the most respected cultural and awards-season platforms in the world.
The first is the Harold Matzner Impact Award, a new annual finishing grant of $25,000 created to support emerging filmmakers whose work demonstrates the power of storytelling to inspire change, challenge perspectives, and drive a meaningful impact in their community. In keeping with Harold Matzner’s deep commitment to championing future generations, the award provides financial support at a critical stage of post-production while helping amplify stories that have the potential to foster dialogue and increase awareness. The award serves as a catalyst for the next generation of cinematic voices, bridging exceptional promise with transformative opportunity.
In addition, the PSIFS will introduce the Harold Matzner Distinguished Achievement Award, which will recognize extraordinary individuals whose careers have profoundly influenced the global film industry through artistic excellence, visionary leadership, and enduring philanthropic impact. This honor will be presented to those whose influence transcends the screen and leaves a lasting imprint on both the entertainment industry and society at large. Both awards will be selected by an internal committee and presented at the Palm Springs Honors event on October 19 in Los Angeles. Together, these honors create a powerful continuum—recognizing legacy at the highest level while actively supporting the next generation who will shape the future of the industry.
“The Film Society is honored to partner with the Ebbets Field Foundation in creating these two awards in Harold Matzner’s name,” said Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi. “Together, they capture the full breadth of Harold’s passion, celebrating both the masters who have shaped the entertainment industry and the emerging storytellers poised to shape its future. The Harold Matzner Impact Award particularly meets these filmmakers at a pivotal moment, giving them the support to finish their films and get vital stories in front of the audiences who need them most — a fitting extension of our mission to champion voices that might otherwise go unheard.”
Emerging filmmakers working on projects that explore the issues shaping our world who are in the final stretch of post-production are eligible to submit for the Harold Matzner Impact Award. Projects should explore significant social issues, including but not limited to: civil and human rights, health and mental health, education, environmental sustainability, criminal justice, immigration, economic inequality, disability and accessibility, gender equity, LGBTQ+ communities, Indigenous communities, or housing and food insecurity. Grant funds may be used for color correction, sound design and mix, original score, deliverables, accessibility materials, marketing and publicity, festival submission fees and travel, impact campaign development, community screenings, and audience engagement or distribution preparation.
The recipient of the Harold Matzner Impact Award will receive a cash award of $25,000, transportation to attend the Harold Matzner Impact Award Ceremony on October 19, 2026, recognition during the Palm Springs International Film Awards on January 7, 2027, and priority programming consideration for the completed film at either the Palm Springs International Film Festival or Palm Springs International ShortFest. Funding for the award will be supported through the generosity of the Ebbets Field Foundation, a foundation established by Harold Matzner. Full eligibility requirements and the application can be found on Film Freeway at https://filmfreeway.com/HaroldMatznerImpactAward
