For the 12th time since its founding seven years ago, and for the 5th time in 2025 alone, the Yucca Valley Film Festival has secured a spot on FilmFreeway’s prestigious “Best 100” list, making it one of the very few festivals worldwide to earn this distinction.

Out of more than 14,000 competing events, YVFF consistently ranks in the top 1%, demonstrating the meaningful impact that smaller, community-focused, and human-scaled festivals can have on filmmakers navigating the festival circuit.

In addition to offering the longest red carpet in the desert and its signature Masterclass, YVFF has grown significantly and helped put Yucca Valley on the map.

“The YVFF’s reputation is built on a diverse and carefully curated program” explains director Matt Beurois. “Our Q&A sessions are engaging, we offer industry-focused roundtables and panels, and picture signing for all filmmakers in attendance regardless of how seasoned they might be”.

Filmmakers, producers, and distributors: entries for YVFF 2026 are now open, and mark your calendars for November 6–8, 2026, and submit your work to join us!