The Ventura Film Festival stands as "the biggest cinematic celebration ever hosted in Ventura County." This notable honor showcases the festival's passion for providing outstanding film programming to the region while sustaining its commitment to important environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival functions as an open genre international film festival that cultivates understanding of ecological concerns including forest and oceanic conservation and restoration, through an annual film festival and complementary events. The event harnesses the influence of film to encourage participation and establish purposeful communication concerning these urgent ecological issues.
The Ventura Film Festival launched in 2004 and has screened hundreds of films, generally exceeding 200 films per summer season, and has captured notice from the international cinematic community. Since its inception, the festival has evolved into a major cultural celebration that unites movie directors, ecological activists, and attendees from throughout the world.
Memorable occasions have featured presenting celebrated filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the inaugural world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend along with Ian Cairns, four-time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA competitor Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50-year anniversary of West Side Story, which encompassed presenting the complete Oscar-winning ensemble of West Side Story, featuring Academy Award honoree/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris together with Golden Globe winner/Academy Award nominee Russ Tamblyn. These outstanding figures and gatherings have established the festival's standing as a premier destination for commemorating movies and the professionals who develop it.
The Ventura Film Festival founder and executive director was honored to take part, alongside numerous Hollywood elite, in the 50-year anniversary event of West Side Story and Hollywood's prestigious footprint/handprint ceremony honoring Oscar honorees Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, and Golden Globe honoree Russ Tamblyn at the famous Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This event also doubled as the official BluRay debut by Fox and MGM of the timeless West Side Story, which is generally recognized by critics and fans as the ultimate musical of all time. This exceptional honor and participation highlights the festival's important standing and here valued role within the Hollywood community.