The Yucca Valley Film Festival is bringing even more value to filmmakers. Starting with its 8th edition (Nov 5-8, 2026), a new prize will be a personalized distribution consultation with industry veteran Caroline Stern, Managing Director of Canoe Film.
Both the Feature Film and Feature Documentary category winners will gain direct access to Caroline’s expertise and benefit from a one-on-one, complimentary consultation.
Caroline Stern brings over 25 years of senior executive experience in international film and television sales.
She founded Canoe Film in 2017 to provide producers with in-house guidance on project development, financing strategy, and distribution.
“Caroline’s body of work speaks for itself” states YVFF director Matt Beurois. “Her experience with international sales spans over 250 titles, from Hideo Nakata’s The Ring to David Attenborough’s The Penguin King. She is an asset to any filmmaker’s project.”
“To me, the true test of a good festival, distributor, or sales agent is the filmmaker’s response,” says Caroline. “We are indeed in an ever-evolving business, but at the end of the day, we must serve the filmmakers and their films. This is what the YVFF does, and I’m happy to join the effort.”
Festival Director Matt Beurois adds, “Since Amazon quasi-shut down Amazon Video Direct, and with successive consolidations within the studios, there are fewer accessible pipelines for indie filmmakers to distribute their films. I had the chance to work with Caroline and know first-hand that she is filmmaker-oriented, respectful, and poised, with realistic expectations and actionable initiatives”
“Her offering of free consultations will be an incalculable benefit to filmmakers.”
For 2026, the YVFF has already confirmed the following benefits and amenities for filmmakers:
- $2,500 in prize money
- Longest red carpet in the Hi-Desert
- Industry events, panels, and roundtables
- Printed and framed award certificates
- Filmmakers’ Lounge / Green Room with catering
- Screenings and Q&As
- A multi-day free festival
This new addition underscores the YVFF’s commitment to supporting filmmakers not just with screenings and recognition, but with actionable guidance to ensure their work reaches its audience and achieves its potential, including commercial pipelines.