There is a small Town in the California Desert that hosts what may be one of the best film festivals in the circuit these days.
Yucca Valley is nested in the Mojave Desert, between Palm Springs and the Joshua Tree National Park. It’s a drive away from Los Angeles, and over 100 filmmakers, directors, producers and actors will be driving there this Friday, as the Yucca Valley Film Festival has become the place to be for filmmakers.
The “YVFF” is kicking off its 6th edition Nov. 8, and will run a marathon of 3 days of movies and events. Get ready, because this small Town is putting together a mighty film fest.
Rosanna Arquette and William Baldwin were there in previous years.This time, the organizers secured 11 times Telly Winner and 2 times Emmy Winner Shane Stanley, an indie director with many big action flicks credits, currently working with the only Mario Kassar. Stanley is also the best-selling author of “What You Don’t Learn In Film School”, and will be signing his book right after the Masterclass.
The Yucca Valley Film Festival is a powerhouse that displays hundreds of pictures of its events on facebook. As a result, the festival ranked 5 times in FilmFreeway’s Top 100 Best Reviewed Film festivals… In the world.
For the Town of Yucca Valley, the festival is their “signature event”, and plays as a platform for the community to meet with filmmakers.
This year, filmmakers and community residents will meet for one-on-ones during a Pitch Practice. There are also daily Meet & Greets for local clubs and charities to promote their local work. This edition will culminate with the visit of a western movie set in the desert… Where Lil Nas X filmed “Old Town Road”.
With such a packed, hi-level program, the festival pass must cost a fortune! Well, no… It’s all free. The Town of Yucca Valley wishes to attract the best talent and participation.
And it works. Festival directors shared that over 30% of its guests are returning filmmakers… with a movie they filmed in Yucca Valley, after they attended previous editions.
So if you want to meet the Mayor of Yucca Valley or shake the hand of Mario Kassar’s new protégé, the 6th Yucca Valley Film Festival runs Nov 8-10, at the Community Center of Yucca Valley, CA. Free admission to every screening and event. Oh, and there is free popcorn every evening.
Program details: https://yuccavalleyfilmfestival.com/detailed-program-yvff-2024/
