Borrego Springs Film History

Explore the rich film history of Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego, California's scenic desert backdrop cherished by filmmakers.

Meet Fred Jee: Your Guide to Borrego's Hidden History

Meet Fred Jee

Your Guide to Borrego's Film History & Future

Fred Jee, a former State Park Ranger and premier location-fixer, is the voice of Borrego Springs Film History, offering expert insights into the area's geography and World War II military history, and providing invaluable guidance for filmmakers seeking authentic desert locations.

Fred Jee's Bio

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BSFI Free Movies RETURN in April to BSPAC!
By By Matt Bosson - BSFI Board Member March 20, 2026
By Matt Bosson - BSFI Board Member
March 19, 2026
Free Screening at BSPAC Borrego Springs Film Institute received BVEF funding and announced a free April 8, 2026 screening of One Battle After Another at BSPAC. The Borrego Springs Film Institute announced that its first free community screening of 2026 will be One Battle After Another, the 2026 Oscar winner for Best Picture. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio del Toro, and portions of it were filmed in Borrego Springs in May 2025. The announcement came during the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund Grant Awards Luncheon on March 18, 2026, at Coyote Steakhouse at The Palms at Indianhead . During the event, BVEF presented funding for the Borrego Springs Film Institute’s free community screenings program , which offers no-cost film experiences for the community. This is the second year the Endowment Fund has supported the popular program. As temperatures rise in Borrego Springs, the free screenings become more than a movie night. They create a cool indoor gathering place where friends and families can enjoy an evening out together. Leslie Bosson and Fred Jee accepted the grant on behalf of the Borrego Springs Film Institute at the BVEF grant event. The free screening of One Battle After Another is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 7 p.m. at BSPAC . Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
March 18, 2026
Source: Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty
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Borrego Springs: Your Ideal Filming Destination

Fred Jee was one of the original founding members of the Borrego Springs Film Festival. In this interview on the BSFF podcast he highlights why Borrego Springs is not only the perfect venue for the festival but also an exceptional location for filming your next movie project.


501(c)(3) non-profit organization

The Borrego Springs Film Institute


The Borrego Springs Film Institute (BSFI) is a non-profit organization that enriches the community with diverse year-round programs. It strengthens community engagement, advances arts and culture, and promotes economic growth through film tourism.


The BSFI hosts the renowned Borrego Springs Film Festival every January, celebrating cinematic diversity and regional culture.

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The Borrego Springs Film Festival

The Borrego Springs Film Festival


The Borrego Springs Film Festival celebrates independent cinema each January, set against the stunning backdrop of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

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Learn More About The Borrego Springs Film Festival

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BSFI Free Movies RETURN in April to BSPAC!
By By Matt Bosson - BSFI Board Member March 20, 2026
By Matt Bosson - BSFI Board Member
By Jake Hinton 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.
By Jake Hinton December 8, 2025
SHORT | 24:35 | THE 2026 BSFF COMMUNITY FILM!
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Podcast Interview with Fred Jee: Founder of BSFF

East County Magazine's Interview with Fred Jee the Chairman of the Borrego Springs Film Festival

Read More From The East County Magazine About >> Fred Jee