Fred Jee • April 18, 2024

Film History in Borrego

Share

Borrego Springs Film History

Tracing Borrego Springs' Storied Legacy as a Filmmaker's Desert Paradise

Borrego Springs and the Anza Borrego Desert have caught the eye of many film makers over the years. As far back as 1920, Nell Shipman (1893-1970), filmed the first commercial film using our Badlands in the eastern part of the Borrego Valley and the mountains east of the Borrego Valley. It was called SOMETHING NEW (120)


Since those early beginnings, the major studios have come to make many iconic war, drama, romantic and comedic films. The television studios came to do many episodes of their series like X-FILES (2000, 2002) who came and stayed many weeks filming their iconic stories. FROM EARTH TO THE MOON (1998) filmed their only episode outside of Florida of their Emmy Winning series, here in the Borrego area.


Even silent era films like BEGGERS OF LIFE (1928) with Wallace Beery and Louise Brooks on the Carrizo Railroad line. Comedy teams like Wheeler & Wooster who filmed THE RAINMAKERS (1935) using scenes of the Carrizo Railroad in their chase sequences.


Only one western was filmed here, CATARACT GOLD (2017) filmed near Salton City east of the Borrego Valley, the Palm Canyon Resort located in Borrego Springs and outside scenes from Green River Utah.


Independent film makers have been using our locations for their short films. They have been submitted for competition in the Borrego Springs Film Festival over the last 8 years. 


Overall, filming movies, television, independent films have been and continues to be a viable part of the artistic environment that is Borrego Springs and its environs.



Mentioned Films




  • Something New (1920) - A classic film featuring Borrego Springs' landscape, available on Internet Archive. Watch Something New


  • X-Files Episodes Filmed in Borrego Springs (2000, 2002) - Blog post detailing the filming of "X-Files" episodes in Borrego Springs, hosted on the Borrego Springs Film Festival website. Read about X-Files in Borrego Springs







Fred Jee Bio

Learn More About Borrego Springs Film Festival

May 7: BSFI’s Free Movie Night

May 7: BSFI’s Free Movie Night

April 23, 2025
Starting April 2025, a brand-new season of Free Community Screenings kicks off—thanks to generous support from the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund.

2025 BSFF Award Winners Announced!

January 24, 2025
2025 BSFF Award Winners Announced! The Borrego Springs Film Festival (BSFF) has once again celebrated independent cinema with a fantastic lineup of films and filmmakers. If you missed this year’s festival, here’s your chance to discover the winners who stood out in 2025. Explore the full list below and visit the BSFF website to learn more about these incredible films and the creative minds behind them. Main Juried Competition Winners Best Youth Film Under 18: Guiding Light Best Student Film 18+: Brothers: A Civil War Story Best Short Under 20 Minutes: Twilight Cafe Best Short 20 to 50 Minutes: Teodoro Best Animation: Bulbank Best Documentary Over 30 Minutes: Ultimate Citizens Best Documentary Under 30 Minutes: Beyond the Herd Best International Film: Camping in Paradise Best Feature Film: Last County Additional Categories Competition Best Comedy: Ms. Rossi Best Director Feature: Ian Ebright, The Way We Speak Best Director Short: Darcine’s Day Best Cinematography: Brothers: A Civil War Story Best Editing: Dormant Best Music Score: Ghost Town Best Performance Comedy: Sonia Barbadoro, Ms. Rossi Best Performance Drama: Jane Ives, Gone Before Your Eyes Laara Award (Tie): Ultimate Citizens and Zero Sum Callo Award: Gone Before Your Eyes People’s Choice Awards Best Overall Film: Ms. Rossi 3 Best International: Camping in Paradise Best Animation: Croak Show Best Documentary: The Ship That Turned Back Best Short: Ms. Rossi 3 Best Feature: Stampila The Golden Cookie Awards Best Action Film: Rise of the Fallen Angel, Director Robert Stronger Best Drama: God & Buddha Are Friends, Director Anthony Ma Why BSFF Is Special The Borrego Springs Film Festival is a true celebration of independent cinema. With events like catered galas, filmmaker networking opportunities, panel discussions, red carpet moments, and award ceremonies, it’s more than a festival—it’s a community. Their “traditional film festival” model focuses on connecting film lovers to filmmakers in a personal and encouraging way. Whether you’re attending for the films, the people, or the atmosphere, BSFF offers an unforgettable experience. Discover More Want to see trailers, posters, or learn about the filmmakers? Visit the Borrego Springs Film Festival website and dive into the world of independent film.

UPDATE: Borrego Springs Film Institute

December 5, 2024
Support the Magic of Film in Borrego This holiday season, The Borrego Springs Film Institute reflects on a year of cinematic achievements—from free community screenings to their 12th Annual Film Festival . Here’s a heartfelt message from The Borrego Springs Film Institute. If you’re inspired by their work to bring the magic of film to our community, consider signing up for their updates to stay connected and support their mission.
Show More

Share This Post