Sean Penn photo credit: Chris Pizzello
Filming Paul Thomas Anderson's New Movie in Borrego Springs
Sean Penn recently shared his experiences in Borrego Springs during an interview on KCRW's "The Treatment." While promoting his new movie
"Daddio," Penn recounted his time in the area for
Paul Thomas Anderson's BC Project. He highlighted the unique human interactions and the challenges of using an electric vehicle in the remote desert community. Penn's insights underscore both the charm and logistical hurdles of working in Borrego Springs.
Cast and Crew in Borrego Springs
Penn was in Borrego Springs as part of the filming for Paul Thomas Anderson's new movie, currently under the working title "BC Project." This film, set to be released on August 8, 2025, boasts a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, Benicio Del Toro, Alana Haim, Teyana Taylor, Wood Harris, and more.
Listen to Sean Penn's comment about Borrego Springs
The Challenges of Driving an Electric Vehicle in Borrego Springs
During the interview, Penn recounted a memorable and somewhat challenging experience involving his electric truck.
"I just got back from Borrego Springs in the desert, and I ventured to get an electric truck. Let's say that the infrastructure in support of that takes a lot of pre-planning because not many of the chargers, once you get away from interstates, are fast chargers. So you can sit there for 20 hours to get a decent charge if you're not careful. At one point, at about 01:00 in the morning, I had to have my truck towed to a charge point." ~
Sean Penn
Note: We spoke to the tow truck driver who stated Penn had rented a Rivian electric vehicle.
Making a comparison to his character's interactions in the movie Daddio:
"When you meet someone as I did that night, who works the night shift as a tow truck driver in Borrego Springs and throughout that very isolated desert community, Anza-Borrego, they've got an ongoing conversation happening before anybody else shows up." ~
Sean Penn
Listen to the full interview:
EV Charging Options In Borrego Springs
("BC Project" Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn desert car chase & crash & weapon confrontation bts)
"B.C Project" Filming Locations in Borrego Springs
The production took advantage of Borrego Springs' stunning desert landscapes, filming in areas such as Montezuma Valley Road, Henderson Canyon, and Hellhole Canyon within the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. These locations provided a beautiful and authentic backdrop for the film, adding to its visual appeal.
Local Impact and Excitement
The filming brought a flurry of activity to Borrego Springs, with road closures and production crews becoming a common sight. Local businesses and residents got a rare glimpse into the workings of a major film production, and the Borrego Springs Resort served as a hub for the crew during their stay.
Borrego Springs: Future Films
Sean Penn's KCRW interview highlights his unique experience filming in Borrego Springs, showcasing its appeal as a filming location and the importance of human connections. As Borrego Springs attracts more filmmakers, locals can look forward to exciting projects that highlight its beauty and charm.
However, Borrego Springs could benefit from the installation of quick chargers to better support electric vehicle infrastructure and enhance the convenience for future film crews and visitors alike.
Suggestion for Local Business Owners: Host Destination Charging
Join Teslas growing network of charging partners and offer convenient Tesla charging as a public or private amenity. With over 40,000 Wall Connectors at hotels, apartments, and workplaces, Tesla drivers can relax for a few minutes, hours or recharge overnight. This can significantly enhance the appeal of your business to a growing number of electric vehicle owners visiting Borrego Springs.
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Learn More About Borrego Springs
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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.
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Discover the story behind the Hawkwatch documentary, showcasing the Swainson's Hawk migration, citizen science efforts in Borrego Springs, and the push for conservation.
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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.
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Explore Borrego Valley Airport! Get pilot tips on parking, fuel, and local highlights in this detailed video guide.
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Discover freshly made pizza in Borrego Springs at Carlee’s and Calico’s, two family-run spots offering delicious options for both vegetarians and meat lovers in casual, welcoming settings.
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Sunbelt Publications: Sharing the Stories That Shape Our Land For over 36 years, Sunbelt Publications has brought readers closer to the natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage of California, the Southwest, and Baja California. Through award-winning publications, Sunbelt has become a cornerstone of regional storytelling, inspiring readers to connect with and conserve the unique landscapes and histories that shape our communities. Sunbelt’s Commitment to Education and Conservation Sunbelt Publications specializes in books that explore natural science, regional history, and cultural stories, emphasizing the connection between people and their environment. Through their own titles and collaborations with like-minded authors, Sunbelt remains committed to fostering a deep understanding of and appreciation for the regions they serve. They believe that by educating readers, they can inspire a sense of stewardship that leads to conservation. Built on a Legacy of Passion and Vision Sunbelt Publications was born from Diana and Lowell Lindsay’s passion for the Southwest, starting as a small-scale distribution network that allowed them to share regional stories with a growing audience. Over time, it evolved into a respected publishing house, recognized not only for its quality titles but also for its dedication to supporting local conservation efforts. From its humble beginnings, Sunbelt has grown into a trusted resource for books that reveal the hidden gems of the Southwest and beyond. The Story of Sunbelt Publications
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Borrego Springs: A Hidden Desert Oasis for Nature, Art, and Adventure
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By planning ahead and staying at accommodations with EV charging, you can enjoy all that Borrego Springs has to offer without worrying about your vehicle’s power.
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If you're seeking a moment of peace and spiritual renewal in Borrego Springs, look no further than the Labyrinth at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. Located at 2680 Country Club Dr, this sacred space is open to all—no appointment necessary.
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Experience the Walk of the Cosmos in Borrego Springs—a journey through the solar system in a beautiful desert park with playgrounds, sports courts, and stargazing opportunities.
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Located in the heart of Borrego Springs, the Borrego Springs Public Library is a beloved community resource that serves residents and visitors alike.
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Enjoy stargazing, sports, walking paths, and time with your pets in this serene environment. For the latest park hours and guidelines, check the official website or contact park management.
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