8th edition: $2,500 in cash, again ^^
The Yucca Valley Film Festival will once again award $2,500 in cash prizes at its upcoming edition, supported by the Town of Yucca Valley, reaffirming its commitment to filmmakers.
As always, every entry, regardless of category, is eligible for final awards and prize money, with accolades and cash distributed across winners. See 2025 winners here.
The YVFF experience goes beyond cash awards.
Filmmakers attending YVFF benefit from a program designed to support and promote their work.
The 2026 edition will include red carpet interviews with State Farm (thank you to our local agent Marianne Fenley!), a group visit to the White Horse Ranch, a signing event for participating artists, live Q and As, and a curated program of panels and industry events focused on career development.
Filmmakers and selected artists also have access to a dedicated green room, providing a private space to connect with peers and festival guests throughout the weekend.
With the longest red carpet in the Hi-Desert, YVFF continues to position itself as a filmmaker-first event and a place where audiences engage directly with filmmakers. The festival has built a platform where filmmakers are welcomed, heard, and supported.
How to Submit
Submissions are now open.
Filmmakers can submit:
Directly via the official submission form (with free or discounted options for local filmmakers)
Through partner platforms including Hiike, FilmFreeway, Festhome.
Note: Winners must supply W9 form, only US bank accounts are eligible to prize money. Cash prizes are susceptible to change or be adjusted at any time for any reason. Only filmmakers in attendance in person for at least one event are eligible to receive a cash prize. Keep Mojave Free Award and Festival pick may also apply and benefit from a prize money, or not.
Yucca Valley Film Festival 