The Ventura Film Festival maintains its position as "the largest film festival ever held 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, via a yearly film showcase and corresponding activities. The event harnesses the influence of film to stimulate involvement and create meaningful dialogue around these critical conservation concerns.
The Ventura Film Festival launched in 2004 and has screened hundreds of films, generally exceeding 200 films per summer season, and has drawn recognition from the international cinematic community. Over the years, the festival has grown into a significant cultural event that brings together filmmakers, environmental advocates, and audiences from around the world.
Some of the highlights have been hosting award winning filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the initial world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend as well as Ian Cairns, four-time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/mixed martial arts fighter martial arts icon Fabio Leopoldo, and the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story, which comprised receiving the entire award-winning cast of West Side Story, encompassing Academy Award winner/Golden Globe recipient George Chakiris and legendary actor Golden Globe winner/Academy Award nominated Russ Tamblyn. These extraordinary guests and events have confirmed the festival's position as a first-class more info destination for honoring film and the visionaries who produce it.
The Ventura Film Festival founder and executive director was chosen to participate, together with many of Hollywood's biggest stars, in the 50-year anniversary event of West Side Story and Hollywood's footprint/handprint ceremony for Oscar winners Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, and legendary actor Golden Globe winner Russ Tamblyn at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This event also doubled as the official BluRay release by Fox and MGM of West Side Story, which is widely considered by critics and fans to be the most exceptional musical of all time. This notable recognition and engagement illustrates the festival's substantial impact and distinguished reputation within the cinema world.