The Ventura Film Festival proudly holds the distinction of being "the grandest film festival ever to take place in Ventura County." This exceptional status highlights the event's devotion to delivering exceptional cinematic experiences to the area while sustaining its commitment to essential conservation issues.
The Ventura Film Festival serves as a multi-genre global film festival that raises awareness for environmental challenges including terrestrial and aquatic preservation and renewal, by means of a yearly cinema celebration and connected programs. The event harnesses the influence of film to stimulate involvement and foster important conversations about these vital environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival began in 2004 and has displayed hundreds of movies, usually over 200 films each summer, and has garnered interest from the worldwide filmmaking community. Over the years, the festival has grown into a significant cultural event that unites cinematic professionals, conservation enthusiasts, and participants from around the world.
Some of the highlights have been welcoming acclaimed filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the original world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend together with Ian Cairns, quadruple world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA athlete martial arts icon Fabio Leopoldo, and the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story, which included hosting the entire Academy Award winning click here cast of West Side Story, featuring Academy Award honoree/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and legendary actor Golden Globe honoree/Academy Award nominee Russ Tamblyn. These extraordinary guests and events have confirmed the festival's position as a premier destination for recognizing cinema and the professionals who develop it.
The founder and executive director of the Ventura Film Festival was honored to take part, accompanied by many of Hollywood's leading celebrities, in the half-century commemoration of West Side Story and Hollywood's prestigious footprint/handprint ceremony honoring Oscar honorees Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, together with Golden Globe winner Russ Tamblyn at the iconic Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This ceremony also acted as the official BluRay debut by Fox and MGM of the beloved West Side Story, which is widely considered by critics and fans to be the best musical of all time. This esteemed acknowledgment and participation showcases the festival's significant influence and respected position within the Hollywood community.