Harold Matzner Retires as Palm Springs Film Festival Chairman

After 20 years of service, Harold Matzner has announced his retirement as the Chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. He is handing over the reins to Nachhattar Singh Chandi who Matzner described as “a very successful and strong leader.” Matzner told The Desert…

Join us at the 29th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards

As a Major Sponsor, Harold would like to invite you to the 29th annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (“The Chase”) on March 25th. This is an event close to Harold’s heart–he has sponsored it for many years.  This year, the DAP Health Equity Award will…

Harold’s Six Favorite 2023 Palm Springs Film Festival Moments

The 2023 Film Festival and Awards Gala felt extra special this year. After 2 years on hiatus due to the pandemic, you could feel the excitement as Palm Springs residents and honored celebrities came together again. Harold Matzner picked his top six moments from this…

LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert’s Center Stage 2022

On October 21st, The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert (The Center) welcomed over 500 guests at their annual fundraiser, Center Stage 2022. Rob Wheeler, executive director and CEO of The Center addressed the crowd of 525, saying, “we are truly stronger together, and our…

Honoring our Veterans at the Matzner Tank Pavilion

This Veteran’s Day, Harold wants to honor all those who have served to protect our great country.  Our brave veterans are one of the many causes close to Harold’s heart.  On Veteran’s Day in 2017, the Matzner Tank Pavilion opened at the General Patton Museum,…

Worth a Read: 50 Moments That Shaped Greater Palm Springs

Palm Springs Life Magazine published a wonderful article this month: “50 Moments That Shaped Greater Palm Springs.”  As the list travels through history, you can see our community start to come together, from its pre-1900 foundations through the Rat Pack era. We see when landmarks…

Harold Matzner: An Oral History

If you’ve ever wondered about Harold’s childhood, what his home life is like (hint: dog-filled), or how amazingly busy his schedule is, this article Palm Springs Life Magazine will give you a window into being Harold Matzner as told by writer David Lansing, many of…

Happy Birthday Harold!

Happy Birthday, Harold! (Yes, he really was born on the 4th of July.) As we celebrate 85 wonderful years, it’s time to revisit (and laugh again at) the prank Desert Sun front page made just for your 75th. We truly will never forget your sold-out…

See the Best of ShortFest 2022!

Want a sneak peek of the short films that are being submitted to the Oscars? Then watch our Palm Springs International ShortFest winners! At Closing Night on Sunday, June 26, 2022, the Palm Springs International Film Society honored audience favorites and jury award-winning films, including…

In-Person Screenings Are Back at the 2022 ShortFest!

Palm Springs Film Festival Chairman Harold Matzner is pleased to announce that The Palm Springs International ShortFest plans to return with in-person screenings at the Camelot Theatres (Palm Springs Cultural Center) from June 21-27. In addition to screening on June 27, the Best of Fest…

Muses and Patronesses raise over $450,000 for the McCallum Theater

What a way to end our season!   At our fabulous Annual On-Stage Birthday Luncheon, the incredible Muse and Patroness Circle presented a check in the amount of $451,770 to support McCallum Theatre Education to McCallum Chairman Harold Matzner and McCallum President & Artistic Director Mitch…

Get Ready for The McCallum Theatre’s 2022-2023 Season!

Who’s excited for the next season at the McCallum Theater? This upcoming season’s lineup is stunning! As were the 300+ founders and benefactors at the recent 2022-2023 preview reception.  As the Chairman of the McCallum Theatre’s Board, Harold helped sponsor the event, which was held…

Spring Philanthropy Round-up

While many events took a 2-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Harold is happy to see the return of the desert’s many fundraisers that strengthen our community.  Here’s a roundup of three events that Harold helped sponsor in March.  On March 10th, Desert Arc hosted…