Yucca Valley Film Festival

09/16/2026

Well a whole bunch of filmmakers apparently needed a little more time to enter their film this year...

So we listened.

Based on popular demand, the Yucca Valley Film Festival is extending its call for entries for an additional 12 days. Originally scheduled to close on September 15, the submission process is excepti…

09/14/2026

Today is the final deadline to enter your project:

The Yucca Valley Film Festival has announced that all local Morongo Basin-based filmmakers can submit their work to the widely-recognized film fest for

09/14/2026

🏅YVFF 2026: On top of the two grants we announced earlier this month, YVFF is adding a new distribution prize to this year’s festival! ✨

Both the Feature Film and Feature Documentary category winners will receive a free one on one distribution consultation with industry veteran Caroline Stern, Managing Director of Canoe Film.
With more than 25 years of experience in international sales, she has worked on over 250 titles.

These are the final days to enter your film, your documentary, but also your script, short film, student film and more.

The YVFF is a member of FFA, and its work is recognized for its cultural impact by the U.S. Congress, the California State Senate, the California Secretary of State, San Bernardino County, the Chamber of Commerce, and, of course, the Town of Yucca Valley.

09/09/2026

“Over time, the festival has evolved while its structure remains familiar—a weekend event with a marathon of screenings and in-person activities. Now it also offers not only the longest red carpet in the Hi-Desert”.

Huge thanks to Lisa Schyck, Crystal Harrell-Schawacker and the entire Yucca Brevifolia magazine team ( Yucca Valley - Digital Media Services) for their thoughtful work in highlighting the diversity, beauty, and all the layers of the Hi-Desert culture. ✨🏜️

Grab your own printed copy: already available in Los Angeles, Yucca Valley and more!

09/08/2026

YVFF 2026: On top of the two grants we announced last week, we are adding a new distribution prize to this year’s festival!

Both the Feature Film and Feature Documentary category winners will receive a free one on one distribution consultation with industry veteran Caroline Stern, Managing Director of Canoe Film.

With more than 25 years of experience in international sales, her catalogue includes over 250 titles.

Submit to YVFF before the final deadline!

The Yucca Valley Film Festival is bringing even more value to filmmakers. Starting with its 8th edition (Nov 5-8, 2026), a new prize will be a personalized distribution consultation with industry v…

08/23/2026

Two YVFF alumni are giving us yet another success story. We say it every year: YVFF is about more than screenings and accolades.

Paul from Digital Wizards and Avery Rouda first met at the Yucca Valley Film Festival in 2023, when both were showcasing their animation work, and three years later, they have joined creative forces to create ROBO DAD: The Future Is Family, a trailer for a feature film project now competing in the co-presented by Google.

Two YVFF alumni are giving us yet another success story. We say it every year: YVFF is about more than screenings and accolades. Paul and Avery first met at the Yucca Valley Film Festival in 2023, …

08/07/2026

Submission deadline coming up on Hiike!

https://hiike.com/festivals/yucca-valley-film-festival

07/23/2026

The Yucca Valley Film Festival has announced that all local Morongo Basin-based filmmakers can submit their work to the widely-recognized film fest for

07/11/2026

🏆 Yucca Valley Film Festival ranks among the Top 100 Best Reviewed Film Festivals in the World for the 16th time!

For the 4th time already in 2026, YVFF has earned a spot on FilmFreeway's prestigious Best Reviewed Festivals list, placing us among the top 100 festivals worldwide.

This recognition is selected from more than 14,000 film festivals and events listed on FilmFreeway, the world’s leading platform for filmmakers and festivals.

Over the past four years, Yucca Valley Film Festival has consistently ranked among the top 1% of reviewed film festivals around the globe. We are honored to continue building a platform where independent filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences come together in the Hi Desert.

🎬 Submissions are now open for the 2026 Festival, taking place in person November 6–8, 2026 in Yucca Valley, California.

Submit your film and join filmmakers from around the world for the next edition of YVFF.

https://filmfreeway.com/YuccaValleyFilmFestival

05/04/2026

Each year, National Travel and Tourism Week by U.S. Travel Association highlights the role visitor travel plays in supporting local economies and increasing destination visibility.

Over the past several years, the YVFF has steadily evolved from a local, community-rooted program to a full-fledged cultural event, putting our local community on the map.

More about how local events can draw the right crowds.

Each year, National Travel and Tourism Week highlights the role visitor travel plays in supporting local economies and increasing destination visibility. In Yucca Valley, CA, the Town’s signature e…