After announcing that award-winning actor and director James Morrison will headline the 2025 event, the Yucca Valley Film Festival and the Town of Yucca Valley just rolled out the pre-program for the 7th edition festivities.

Since its founding, YVFF has grown into a true cultural landmark in the High Desert. It stands out not only for championing independent filmmakers and offering career-building opportunities, but also for its consistent recognition and impact. Over the past three years (2023-2025), YVFF has been ranked nine times among the Top 100 Best-Reviewed Film Festivals in the world on FilmFreeway, a platform hosting over 14,000 festivals.

 “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 filmmakers community values our work.” — Auregan, festival organizer.

2025 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE & BLOCKS PROGRAM

Friday, November 7

  • – 5:30 p.m: Red Carpet
  • 6 p.m: Meet & Greet
  • 6:45 p.m: Opening Movies, followed by Q&A and Picture Signing

Saturday, November 8

  • 9 a.m.–12 p.m: Screenings, Q&A and Picture Signing
  • 1–2 p.m:Kids Program: Animated Films
  • 3–5:30 p.m: Masterclass & Picture Signing with James Morrison
  • 5:30 pm: Red Carpet
  • 6 p.m: Meet & Greet
  • 6:45 p.m: Evening Screenings, followed by Q&A and Picture Signing

Sunday, November 9

  • 1:15 p.m: Roundtable: Scriptwriters & Composers
  • 3–4:30 p.m: Screenings, Q&A and Picture Signing
  • 5:30 p.m: Red Carpet
  • 6–7 p.m: Awards Ceremony

The full program of movies will be published on this page once the call for entries closes.

Entirely sponsored by the Town of Yucca Valley, the community festival today serves as a centerpiece of the town’s identity, helping the desert town place in various “Best Desert Town” rankings by travel outlets.

More than a film showcase, the festival is a vibrant meeting place where cinema and community converge: where filmmakers are truly appreciated and elevated and where local audiences gain access to the artists and their movies, directly.

Widely regarded as the signature cultural event of the Town of Yucca Valley, the festival brings together filmmakers, the local community and high-level industry guests.

The event includes three days of screenings, red carpet events, meet & greets gatherings, signatures and community celebrations, with free popcorn and self-service photobooths!

The festival has also been honored locally: recognized as a “Cultural Contributor” by The Basin Wide Foundation, the YVFF also received recognition from the California Senate, the US Congress and the County of San Bernardino.

The Yucca Valley Film Festival (YVFF) returns for its 7th edition from November 7–9, hosted at the Yucca Valley Community Center. Official Town of Yucca Valley Press Release.