Kim Waltrip

Kim Waltrip

Kim Waltrip is an accomplished film producer and director with a dynamic portfolio that includes the critically acclaimed trilogy The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby—Him, Her, and Them—starring Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Viola Davis, and William Hurt. Him and Her premiered to acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival, while Them was selected for the prestigious Un Certain Regard category at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.

Her diverse body of work spans genres and styles, with credits including the action-comedy Hit & Run (Dax Shepard, Kristen Bell, Bradley Cooper, Kristin Chenoweth, Beau Bridges, Jason Bateman), Back in the Day (Michael Rosenbaum, Morena Baccarin), A Very Mary Christmas (Elliott Gould, Cloris Leachman, Linda Gray, Gene Simmons), Adopt a Sailor(Bebe Neuwirth, Peter Coyote, Ethan Peck), 7 Days to Vegas, An Evergreen Christmas, I Didn't Come Here to Die, A Thousand Cuts, and the PBS special Diahann Carroll: The Lady, The Music, The Legend, among many others.
She is currently in pre-production on a powerful political drama based on the true story chronicled in the book Disinformation, with several additional projects in soft prep. Kim continues to develop compelling new work across film and television, bringing passion, vision, and authenticity to every story she tells.

Beyond filmmaking, Kim has been a powerful force in the industry, serving as President and a long-time board member of Palm Springs Women in Film and Television (PSWIFT). She founded the Kim Waltrip Filmmakers Lab, a hands-on program that empowers members to learn the art of filmmaking by actively creating films. Under her leadership, the program has produced five short films—three of which she directed—along with six episodes of the series PS After Dark with Tristan Rogers. In addition to her work with PSWIFT, Kim serves as an advisor for the College of the Desert's Film School and sits on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars nominating board. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to film, philanthropy, and the Palm Springs community, Kim will be honored with her own star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars in April 2026.

Kim's passion for community engagement extends far beyond the entertainment world. She has produced major events across the Coachella Valley, from golf tournaments to charity galas, and has been a juror for film festivals including Palm Springs International ShortFest, California Independent Film Festival, and Red Rock Film Festival. She was co-founder of the Palm Springs, Feartastic Film Festival, she has also moderated panels at Palm Springs Comic Con. In 2019, she was honored with the Most Valuable Patron award by the Garden State Film Festival.

Her career began in New York City as a model with Wilhelmina Agency, before taking her to Europe when she continued her career. In 1998, after the passing of her friend Sonny Bono, Kim transitioned to public service, working as District Director for Congresswoman Mary Bono. She played a pivotal role in organizing events such as the Mary Bono Walk for Children's Charities, the Congressional Art Competition, and military appreciation programs like Again They Serve, which received top honors across all branches of the U.S. military. Kim played a pivotal role in creating the Congressional Service to the Community certificates, recognizing individuals for their outstanding contributions and dedication to serving their communities.

Kim has received numerous accolades, including the Aide de Camp Award from the Semper Fi Memorial Honor Detail, Woman of Distinction in the Arts by American Pen Women, Congressional Recognition for Service to the Community, the Desert Visionary Award by the Women’s Leaders Forum, Entrepreneur of the Year by Palm Springs Life Magazine, and the Angel of the Year Award from Olive Crest Homes for Abused and Neglected Children.

Dedicated to philanthropy, she has served on the boards of organizations such as CBS Local 2, the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, Tour de Palm Springs, and Indian Wells Rotary. She has spearheaded fundraising efforts for disaster relief with the Concert for Katrina and the Hurricane Sandy Relief convert, golf tournaments and galas for cancer research, and domestic abuse survivors, including co-chairing Shelter From the Storm Gala and chairing the American Cancer Society’s Desert Spirit Gala.

Kim Waltrip continues to be a visionary leader in both the entertainment industry and the community, bringing passion, creativity, and impact to every project she undertakes.