December 5, 2024

UPDATE: Borrego Springs Film Institute

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.

Dear Supporter,

As we approach the end of another remarkable year at The Borrego Springs Film Institute, we want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come—and what lies ahead.

This year, we hosted semi-monthly free community screenings at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. We brought the movies back to Borrego! Each film is carefully selected, reflecting a variety of cultures, genres and themes; many of which have often been overlooked by mainstream media. Our goal is to foster a connection, dialogue, and appreciation for diverse cinematic storytelling. But our main event continues to be our annual film festival. This year marks our 12th festival! We are continuing to showcase incredible talent and celebrate the voices of emerging filmmakers. These events not only inspire creativity but also strengthen our community bonds.

But WE CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU! As we look toward next year, we aim to expand our programs, offering even more free screenings, and opportunities for aspiring filmmakers. We want to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the magic of film.

This holiday season, we invite you to support our mission. Your donation will help us:

- Continue Free Community Screenings: Ensuring everyone can experience the power of film without financial barriers.

- Support Our Annual Film Festival: Allowing us to feature filmmakers from around the globe with diverse stories, enriching our cultural landscape.

Consider becoming a member, but keep in mind that every dollar counts, and your contribution—no matter the size—will make a meaningful difference. Together, we can keep the lights shining brightly on the art of film in our community.

To see our membership levels and make your year-end donation, please visit borregospringsfilminstitute.org or contact us at our address below. We are grateful for your support and commitment to fostering a vibrant film community.

Borrego Springs Film Institute is a 501c(3) organization. EIN 92-3949443

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Our Lady of Guadalupe in Borrego Springs

December 14, 2025

Guadalupe Procession Honors Tradition in Borrego Springs Borrego Springs observed the annual Guadalupe Procession on Saturday, December 13, as community members marked the occasion with prayer, music, and a public walk led by Fr. Anthony “Tony” Stanonik of St. Richard’s Catholic Church. The route started at Christmas Circle, continued past the Borrego Art Institute and the Borrego Springs Post Office, and made its way to St. Richard’s Catholic Church. The observance centers on Our Lady of Guadalupe, the name given to the Virgin Mary following her 1531 apparition to Saint Juan Diego in Mexico. According to Catholic tradition, her image appeared on Juan Diego’s cloak, becoming a powerful and enduring symbol of faith, Mexican identity, and the Catholic Church. Her feast day, celebrated annually on December 12, is among the most significant religious observances in the Americas and draws millions of pilgrims to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Throughout the walk, traditional music filled the route, and several participants wore masks and attire reflecting Guadalupe symbolism. Families, longtime residents, and visitors took part, highlighting the multigenerational nature of the tradition. The gathering continued at St. Richard’s Catholic Church with Mass and an evening celebration. For many in Borrego Springs, the annual procession remains a meaningful expression of faith during the Advent season and a reflection of the area’s enduring cultural and spiritual heritage.

BAI Pottery Sale Begins Dec 13

December 12, 2025

Pottery Sale Returns

Three Kings Day

December 10, 2025

Three Kings Day in Salton City

The 2025–2026 BSPAC Season Begins!

December 8, 2025

New Season, Big Changes—Get Your Tickets Today The new 2025–2026 season at Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center (BSPAC) has officially kicked off! Tickets are now available online at www.bspac.org. This year’s lineup includes 11 exciting events in the 2025–2026 BSPAC Season, along with a wide variety of local productions presented at the theater by the Borrego Springs Film Festival, the Community Concert Series, the ABDNHA Lecture Series, and more. Richard Helvig, who recently stepped down after serving as BSPAC President, guided the theater through a period of major improvements. Under his leadership, BSPAC completed a full interior update, introduced modern stage lighting, and most recently launched the successful “Turn Up the Sound” campaign, which brought in a state-of-the-art sound system ensuring every seat in the house enjoys crystal-clear audio — including assisted listening devices for the hearing impaired. Now, with Gary Edwards elected as the new president, BSPAC looks forward to the next phase of improvements. Gary is already taking on the lobby and planning more exciting upgrades that will continue enhancing the theater experience for the community. You can find the full season schedule and other community performances on the BSPAC website: www.bspac.org.

George & Rosa

December 8, 2025

SHORT | 24:35 | THE 2026 BSFF COMMUNITY FILM!

Battle of the Desert Unveiled

December 7, 2025

Ricardo Breceda’s New Sculptures Installed on Borrego Springs Road The community gathered on December 5 for the unveiling of Battle of the Desert, the newest addition to Borrego Springs’ iconic Sky Art by sculptor Ricardo Breceda. Installed at 4990 Borrego Springs Road, the pair of towering steel figures—a Greater Roadrunner and a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake—now join the region’s well-known collection of more than 130 Breceda sculptures that define the local landscape. Commissioned by Rams Hill and Borrego Community Builders, a Rams Hill initiative supporting community development and Borrego Community Homes, the installation highlights the wildlife and ecological relationships that shape the Anza-Borrego Desert. The roadrunner and rattlesnake are two of the desert’s most recognizable species, each playing a key role in rodent control and ecological balance. A permanent interpretive sign was also introduced during the event, explaining the meaning behind the sculptures and Breceda’s long-standing impact on desert art in Borrego Springs. Speakers included Rodney Bruce (Rams Hill), Wade Beane (Borrego Art Institute and Honorary Mayor of Borrego Springs), Gabriela Dow and Jennifer Sencion (Borrego Community Builders), Harry Turner (COO), and Ricardo Breceda, who spoke about the creativity and craftsmanship behind his work. The program acknowledged the collaborative planning behind the installation and the ongoing efforts to expand public art in the community. Following the unveiling, attendees were invited to a reception at Rams Hill. Breceda’s new roadrunner and rattlesnake join the larger Sky Art story—a regional landmark that continues to draw visitors, celebrate desert wildlife, and honor the artistic history shaped by the late philanthropist Dennis Avery’s original vision for large-scale, outdoor public sculpture in Borrego Springs.

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