January 15, 2025

Borrego Springs Film Festival: Celebrate the Art of Cinema

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The Borrego Springs Film Festival (BSFF) is more than just a film festival—it's a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and community. And YES locals are encouraged to attend.


Held annually at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center, the festival brings together filmmakers, film enthusiasts, and locals for a truly unique experience in the heart of our desert town.


Official Statement From The BSFF


The 2025 12th ANNUAL BORREGO SPRINGS FILM FESTIVAL opens it’s online box office on December 15th.  PASSES are available to purchase between 12/15 and 01/15.  PASSES will also be available at the BSPAC box office during the event.


Our FULL FESTIVAL PASS $175.00 gets you access to all screenings plus attendance to all the Film Festival events and parties we host. Lots of fun, food and music! Also, the FULL FESTIVAL PASS helps us underwrite the event.


Individual BLOCK PASS $10.00 are available online as well.  A BLOCK PASS purchase buys you a seat to any one of our BLOCK screenings that typically lasts between 80 minutes to 120 minutes.  During the festival event a BLOCK PASS only is available for purchase 15 minutes before a screening.


ALL LIBRARY EVENTS ARE FREE

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What to Expect

The BSFF offers something for everyone, whether you're a filmmaker, movie lover, or just looking for an exciting local event:


Single-Venue Screenings: Watch an eclectic mix of independent films from talented creators around the world.


Special Events: Enjoy a catered opening gala, filmmaker networking events, panel discussions, and a grand award ceremony.


Local Focus: This year's lineup includes films of local interest, like a short featuring a local story captured by a Rams Hill team member.


Free Events:  Participate in community-focused events and screenings without spending a dime!


Homemade Cookies: Yes, Pam's famous cookies are a highlight—come see what all the buzz is about.


Why You Should Attend

The BSFF is a chance to connect with the cinematic arts while supporting local culture. From the red carpet to workshops, this event has a vibrant, friendly atmosphere that invites locals to dive in. With awards like the Laureen and Joyce Callo Foundation’s $1,000 Prize for Best Female Director and the Laara Award for Most Inspirational Film, the festival also highlights underrepresented voices in the industry.


Get Involved

Whether you're attending your first screening or your twentieth, the BSFF is a welcoming space to celebrate the art of film. Grab your tickets, join the fun, and support local and global filmmakers as they share their stories with our community.



Venue:

Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center

590 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA


For tickets and updates, visit the official website or follow BSFF on social media.

 




Learn More About Borrego Springs

January 21, 2026
The 13th Borrego Springs Film Festival wrapped January 18, 2026, with sold-out screenings, red carpet moments, awards, and strong community turnout. The 13th Annual Borrego Springs Film Festival wrapped up January 18, 2026, closing five days of independent cinema, conversation, and community energy. Events were held throughout Borrego Springs, including free screenings at the Borrego Springs Library and ticketed block screenings and awards ceremonies at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. Presented by the Borrego Springs Film Institute, the festival continued its traditional, theater-first format that brings people together to watch films in shared spaces and talk about them afterward. Several screening blocks sold out during the week, reflecting strong local interest and visiting attendance. That connection was clear during the live-streamed red carpet. Host Brianna Pinto described one of the festival’s defining qualities by saying, “Filmmakers get to interact directly with the audience,” noting that Borrego Springs draws viewers who truly watch and engage with the films. Filmmakers echoed that experience in different ways. A King’s Curtain director Grannan Johnson said it was especially meaningful to hear audience members tell him, “Oh yes, I saw your film,” calling Borrego Springs “a fun place to be” with “really nice, great people.” Documentary filmmaker Mitch Yapko (Watching Walter) described a moment when a full theater reacted together, saying the shared gasp from the audience made it clear they were fully engaged. The setting itself also left an impression. Actress Laura Bolin (Rage, Rhonda) called the enthusiasm of Borrego Springs audiences “contagious” and encouraged visitors to explore the landscape, describing the area as a place to “just wander” and take in the desert views.
January 20, 2026
Event Overview The Doobie Doubles present The Ultimate Doobie Brothers Tribute, a live concert celebrating the music of the legendary rock band The Doobie Brothers . The performance recreates the sound, harmonies, and stage energy associated with decades of Doobie Brothers hits. The Band The Doobie Doubles is a professional tribute band known for faithfully performing classic Doobie Brothers material. Band members include Rick Erbe, Mike Leffler, Sheldon Bonada, Ray Bergstrom, Pete Hopkins, and Daniel Osterstock. Date, Time, and Venue Date: January 25, 2026 Time: 3:00 PM Venue: Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center Address: 590 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, California The Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center hosts a range of concerts, theater productions, and community performances throughout the season. Tickets Tickets: Available online Website: bspac.org Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Tribute concerts like this one offer audiences the opportunity to experience iconic music performed live in an intimate setting. With a focus on musical accuracy and stage presence, The Doobie Doubles deliver a performance designed for longtime fans and new listeners alike. 
January 20, 2026
Event Overview The Denim & Diamonds Gala is a hoedown-style fundraising event celebrating three decades of community care by the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF) . Proceeds from the gala support programs that strengthen the well-being of Borrego Valley residents, including healthcare, education, arts, environmental initiatives, and community development. Live Music and Entertainment Live music will be provided by Sean Oliu and the Coastline Cowboys. The program also includes cowboy poetry by Carey Peck, along with line dancing, auctions, and interactive activities throughout the afternoon. Date, Time, and Location Date: February 21, 2026 Time: 2:00–5:00 PM Location: The Center 590 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs, California Tickets and Food Tickets: $100 per person Pre-order: give@bvefund.org Availability: Limited tickets available at the event  Food will be served by Pablito’s, with a cash bar available.
January 20, 2026
First day of mural work at Christmas Circle: Gabriel Wisdom with mural artist Anne-Sophie Gaudet and assistant Romain on site at 730 Christmas Circle.
January 18, 2026
Supervisor candidate Rebecca Jones met Borrego Springs residents at a BBQ luncheon at Rams Hill to discuss housing, education, busing, healthcare, and quality of life.
January 18, 2026
The 27th Annual Borrego Springs Golf Classic takes place on Friday, February 20, 2026, at de Anza Desert Country Club. Hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego , this annual event brings golfers, supporters, and community members together for a day of golf and giving in Borrego Springs. All proceeds from the tournament directly benefit the Borrego Springs Branch , supporting programs that help local youth succeed academically, build good character, and develop healthy lifestyles. The event features a scramble-style round of golf , on-course activities, auctions, and a hosted lunch. It’s designed to be both competitive and social, welcoming participants looking to enjoy a meaningful day on the course while supporting youth programs in the Borrego Valley. Sponsorship & Participation A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals interested in supporting the event and the Borrego Springs Branch. Sponsorships provide visibility throughout the tournament and help fund essential youth services. Event Details Date: Friday, February 20, 2026 Location: de Anza Desert Country Club 509 Catarina Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Registration and additional event details are available through the event website.  Learn More About Borrego Springs
January 17, 2026
NBC 7 San Diego
January 16, 2026
Circle of Art: March 14–15, 2026
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