Indio High School Welcomes Filmmaker Daniel Willis for Exclusive Film Screening and Q&A

It was a day of hands-on learning for some Indio High School students today. They had the opportunity to learn from an experienced film director as part of the Palm Springs International Film Society’s Filmmaker in the Classroom series. This program brings filmmakers to classrooms across the Coachella Valley to inspire and mentor students.

Indio High School’s production and digital media class was thrilled to welcome Daniel Willis, a Shortfest alumni and TV show director, who shared his expertise with over 30 students. Willis screened his award-winning short film to the class and followed it with a Q&A session, giving students a rare chance to ask questions about his work, process, and career journey.

"I think it's incredibly inspiring to see a director come and speak to these students," said Alex Jackson, an educator at Indio High School. "It allows them to see themselves in the work and realize that they, too, can break into the industry."

The event proved to be motivational for the students, many of whom left the session excited about pursuing careers in filmmaking. "Having the opportunity to talk to someone with real-world experience in the field gave me the advice I needed to believe that I can make it too," one student shared.

Willis, who directed the short film that was screened, emphasized the importance of inspiring the next generation of filmmakers. "These kids represent the future of storytelling," he said. "I'm here to encourage them and show them that a career in television and film is possible."

After the film, students eagerly approached Willis with questions about specific scenes and his choices as a director, showcasing their deep interest in the craft. The event left a lasting impression, with many students excited to explore their own creative ideas and potentially pursue filmmaking as a career.

The collaboration between Indio High School and the Palm Springs International Film Society is helping spark a passion for filmmaking in the Coachella Valley, showing students that the dream of creating movies and television is within reach.