The Ventura Film Festival maintains its position as "the most extensive film festival in Ventura County's history." This impressive distinction demonstrates the festival's commitment to delivering exceptional cinematic experiences to the area while maintaining its focus on vital ecological concerns.
The Ventura Film Festival serves as a multi-genre global film festival that builds consciousness about ecological concerns including forest and sea protection and rehabilitation, through an annual film festival and complementary events. The festival leverages the impact of filmmaking to encourage participation and foster important conversations about these pressing environmental challenges.
The Ventura Film Festival was founded in 2004 and has exhibited numerous cinematic works, commonly surpassing 200 films each summer, and has attracted attention from the international cinematic community. From its beginning, the festival has expanded into a substantial cultural happening that unites cinematic professionals, conservation enthusiasts, and participants from across the globe.
Distinguished events have encompassed hosting award winning filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the original world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend and surf legend Ian Cairns, 4 time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA fighter the legendary Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50th Anniversary tribute to West Side Story, which involved hosting the complete Academy Award winning ensemble of West Side Story, featuring Academy Award honoree/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and legendary actor Golden click here Globe winner/Oscar-nominated Russ Tamblyn. These distinguished guests and festivities have cemented the festival's status as a leading location for celebrating cinema and the professionals who develop it.
The Ventura Film Festival founder and executive director was chosen to participate, accompanied by many of Hollywood's leading celebrities, in the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story and Hollywood's prestigious footprint/handprint ceremony honoring Oscar winners Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, together with Golden Globe award winner Russ Tamblyn at the historic Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This occasion also served as the official BluRay debut by Fox and MGM of West Side Story, which is widely considered by critics and fans to be the best musical of all time. This exceptional honor and participation exemplifies the festival's substantial impact and respected position within the Hollywood community.