SHOWCASE
Screenings that help local stories reach wider audiences.
INLAND EMPIRE · COACHELLA VALLEY
STRENGTHENING
COMMUNITY,
FRAME BY FRAME.
Desert Empire Filmmaker Foundation supports, educates and elevates filmmakers and creatives across the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley.
SHOWCASENETWORKLEARNWRITECREATE
01 / THE VISION
A thriving, inclusive regional film ecosystem with fair access to opportunity, sustainable careers and the resources to tell stories.
02 / WHAT WE DO
THREE REELS
NETWORK
Meetups, panels and mixers that build connections and collaboration.
LEARN
Workshops on budgeting, licensing, post-production and the business of filmmaking.
03 / PROGRAMS
● NOW ENROLLINGSCREENWRITERS'
CIRCLE
A home for Inland Empire writers. Share your pages, get paired with an accountability partner who keeps you writing, and meet other local writers. Guest speakers join us from time to time.
- STARTS
- NOV 18, 2026
- WHEN
- EVERY OTHER WED · 6 TO 9 PM
- WHERE
- ZERO XXI STUDIOS OR ONLINE
- SEATS
- 25 WRITERS
- COST
- $25/MO
04 / LISTEN
THE MOST
DEFF PODCAST
Hosted by DEFF founders Casey Ball and Cindy Ball, spotlighting the filmmakers and culture-shapers of the Inland Empire.
05 / NOW SHOWING
EVENTS
NOV 18, 2026Screenwriters' Circle KickoffZero XXI Studios or onlineUPCOMING
DEC 02, 2026Screenwriters' Circle MeetingZero XXI Studios, RedlandsUPCOMING
SEP 18, 2026Crafton Hills College Stagecraft SymposiumCrafton Hills College, YucaipaPAST
AUG 27, 2026IndI.E. Short Film ShowcaseBarbara & Art Culver Center, RiversidePAST
06 / THE ROADMAP
PRODUCTION SLATE
SCENE 01WRAPPED
DEVELOPMENT
FALL 2025 TO SPRING 2026Raise awareness, launch the podcast, build partnerships and grow online.
SCENE 02WRAPPED
PRE-PRODUCTION
SPRING TO SUMMER 2026Build an equipment library, hold community input sessions and create micro projects.
SCENE 03WRAPPED
PRODUCTION
SUMMER TO FALL 2026Launch the first support programs and host community screenings and fundraisers.
SCENE 04● ROLLING
POST-PRODUCTION
FALL 2026 AND BEYONDExpand year-round programming and provide community studio space.
07 / GIVE
FUND THE
NEXT FRAME.
Your gift builds an equipment library, community screenings and year-round programs for local filmmakers.
DONATEFiscally sponsored by Arts Connection, The Arts Council of San Bernardino County, a 501(c)(3). Donations are tax-deductible. Tax ID 46-3088038.
08 / VOLUNTEER
JOIN THE
CREW.
Help run screenings, set up events and crew community projects. Every set needs hands.
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER