The Town of Yucca Valley will once again host one of the most anticipated independent film festivals in Southern California. The Town’s signature event, the Yucca Valley Film Festival (YVFF) will celebrate its 7th edition from November 7–9, 2025, transforming the Yucca Valley Community Center into a 3-day hub for independent cinema, red carpets, meet & greets, industry events and community celebrations.
Founded in 2019, the festival has quickly become a cultural landmark in the High Desert, drawing both filmmakers and audiences eager for a unique blend of artistry, recognition, and local charm. In just the past three years, YVFF has been named nine times among the Top 100 Best-Reviewed Film Festivals in the world on FilmFreeway, where more than 14,000 festivals are listed.
“Being consistently ranked among the Top 100 festivals worldwide is an incredible recognition that shows the dedication we all bring to YVFF, and how much the filmmaker community values our work,” said Auregan, one of the festival’s organizers.
The festival has also earned honors closer to home, including being recognized as a “Cultural Contributor” by the Basin Wide Foundation and receiving acknowledgments from the California Senate, U.S. Congress, and San Bernardino County. Entirely sponsored by the Town of Yucca Valley, the event has become a cornerstone of the community’s cultural identity, helping the desert town earn spots in multiple “Best Desert Town” travel rankings.
2025 Highlights
James Morrison Headlines the Festival
Award wining actor and director James Morrison, best known for his work on 24 and Twin Peaks, will be the festival’s guest of honor. Morrison will headline the yearly Masterclass on Saturday, November 8 (3–4:30 p.m.) where he will reflect on his decades-spanning career across film, TV, and stage. Fans, filmmakers and festival goers will all have a chance to meet him during a signing session afterward.
“Having James Morrison as our headliner is a real honor. His artistry and generosity are real—he’s the perfect guest to share time and incredible stories with filmmakers,” said Matt Beurois, Festival Director.
$2,500 in Cash Prizes
This year, the Town of Yucca Valley is once again putting meaningful support behind emerging talent by awarding $2,500 in prize money across multiple categories. Winners will also receive certificates and the final, coveted Yucca Valley Award, a laser-engraved glass trophy will be awarded to a local artist or to a movie made in the area.
A Local Success Story: “Koroneburg”
The YVFF has a growing track record of helping filmmakers reach wider audiences. A prime example is “Koroneburg,”a documentary screened at last year’s festival. On September 19, 2025, the film secured distribution on Amazon, Tubi, Xumo, and Google Play, a leap its director credits in part to the exposure and community support gained at the small but mighty YVFF.
Festival Program Announced – Movies revealed soon!
The three-day schedule blends screenings, Q&As, red carpets, networking, discussions with community clubs and organizations, and even some industry events reserved to filmmakers with an official badge. This year’s program include:
- Friday, November 7: Opening night with red carpet, meet & greet, and premiere screenings.
- Saturday, November 8: Morning screenings, a special kids’ animated program, and the James Morrison Masterclass, followed by an evening red carpet and screenings.
- Sunday, November 9: A roundtable with scriptwriters and composers, screenings, and the Awards Ceremony to close out the weekend.
Throughout the festival, audiences can enjoy free popcorn, self-service photo booths, and opportunities to connect directly with filmmakers after every screening block.
More Than a Festival
At its heart, The Yucca Valley Film Festival returns for its 7th edition is more than a showcase of independent cinema: it is built on a reciprocal celebration of moviemaking with a rural community infatuated with arts and culture. The reputation of the YVFF was built on the fact that artists and audiences meet on equal ground. For three days each November, the desert town transforms into a hub of creativity, recognition, and excitement, welcoming both Hollywood names and rising voices in film.
The countdown is on to get your popcorn in the desert: the red carpets roll out on Friday, November 7, 2025.
