Last year, the Yucca Valley Film Festival organized a breakfast with all filmmakers and artists officially selected in competition in the festival.

This year, we are doing a Mixer, and for the first time in this format, we will welcome an Industry Speaker.

♦️ This event is reserved to participating filmmakers and artists with a badge. It is not a public event, it is not open to mainstream audience.♦️

Speaker will be producer and actress Desiree Staples. Her upcoming feature film, “My Divorce Party“, Directed/Written by Heidi Weitzer and starring Rumer Willis, filmed several scenes in Joshua Tree and in our wonderful Morongo Basin. 

The discussion will revolve around independent filmmaking, creating your own opportunities and picking natural locations that will bring production value to your project.

The Mixer will take place Sunday, Nov 12, from 10am to 12pm, at the local Bowling Alley, the Yucca Bowl.

There will be complimentary coffee & tea on location. 2 Bowling games + shoes will be discounted at $10 to purchase directly with the Bowling Alley staff.

♦️ This event is reserved to participating filmmakers and artists with a badge. It is not a public event, it is not open to mainstream audience.♦️

The Bowing Alley is opening early especially for the Film Festival. Filmmakers are asked to confirm their participation for logistic purposes and coffee quantity.

I’m a filmmaker, I want to participate.

INDUSTRY SPEAKER * SPECIAL GUEST

Desiree Staples is a filmmaker, actress, and producer. Circus Person, produced by Staples, and Severance’s Britt Lower’s directorial debut, was a Tribeca NOW 2020 showcase selection, and the Winner of Best of Festival Top achievement at Catalyst Content.

Staples’ dramedy pilot It’s What She Would Have Wanted was a prestigious selection in the 2021 Tribeca Creators Market and winner of “Best Ensemble Cast” at the Catalyst Film Festival. 

It’s What She Would Have Wanted was released on Omeleto in 2023. Staples Produced Take Me To Tarzana, distributed by Gravitas Ventures, starring Jonathan Bennett and Samantha Robinson. Her comedy pilot, The Influencers (dir. Katie Burris), which she co-created and produced, has screened at over 25 festivals around the world.

Most recently, Staples served as executive producer and lead actress (opposite Rumer Willis) of the upcoming comedy feature film, My Divorce Party, directed/written by Heidi Weitzer. Staples also produced Sam Fox’s upcoming surreal horror comedy film Fck’n Nuts which Premiered at Fantastic Fest 2023. You can also see Staples appear in multiple television shows and films, including Everyone Is Doing Great on HULU and In The Cut on BOUNCE TV.

Desiree is the Co-President of Northwestern University’s Entertainment Alliance – NUEA West. Go Cats!