Palm Springs International Film Festival chairman Harold Matzner passes away at 88

Harold Matzner has passed away at the age of 88. He served as the chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, which takes place annually in Palm Springs, California. Matzner was also a businessman and philanthropist. He served as the chairman of the festival for around 20 years and was a catalyst in revitalizing it.

Several people from the community started pouring their last tribute to him right after the tragic news of his demise surfaced. Let us find out more about the cause of his death, Matzner's life and career, and all the last messages people have shared for him.

Harold Matzner passes away at 88

Expand Tweet

Harold Matzner passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the age of 88 in Eisenhower Health Hospital, Rancho Mirage, California. A publicist revealed that he was unwell for some time. However, the exact cause of death is yet to be known.

Matzner is survived by his wife, Shellie, and their two children: Laura and Devin. He also has grandchildren named Emily and Elizabeth. He had joined the Palm Springs International Film Festival in 2000 as its chairman and provided around $12 million to the event from his own funds to make it a must-go event for cinemalovers. He stepped down from the role in 2023, after which Nachhattar Chandi took over.

Besides his involvement in the festival, Matzner was also an active philanthropist and kept donating large sums in the fields of healthcare, arts, and education. He gave away more than $85 million to several nonprofit organizations. Matzner went on to turn the Palm Springs tennis club into a restaurant now called Spencers. For his contribution to the city, Matzner was bestowed with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars in the year 2006.

Harold Matzner was born on July 4, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey. He served as the chairman of CBA Industries, which was a company in the field of branding, advertising as well and marketing. Till recently, he was the company's CEO.

Ron deHarte, the mayor of Palm Springs, issued a statement on the news.

"Harold Matzner's vision and generosity have permanently enriched the community he called home. His legacy lives on in the thriving cultural institutions, revitalized downtown, and countless lives touched by his compassion and commitment to making Palm Springs a better place for all. He exemplified the profound impact one person can make when business success is paired with genuine care for community and an unwavering dedication to the greater good. He knew how to get it done."

In addition, the city’s councilmember, several businesspeople, and other mourners offered their last respects. Rest in peace, Harold Matzner.