The Ventura Film Festival proudly holds the distinction of being "the biggest cinematic celebration ever hosted in Ventura County." This impressive distinction demonstrates the organization's dedication to bringing diverse cinema to the local community while continuing its mission toward important environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival operates as a diverse genre worldwide film festival that raises awareness for environmental matters like forest and ocean preservation and restoration, through an annual film festival and complementary events. The festival utilizes the power of cinema to motivate engagement and create meaningful dialogue around these urgent ecological issues.
The Ventura Film Festival was established in 2004 and has displayed hundreds of movies, regularly over 200 films during summer months, and has generated excitement within the global film industry. Over the years, the festival has expanded into a substantial cultural happening that assembles film artists, environmental champions, and spectators from every corner of the planet.
Memorable occasions have featured welcoming acclaimed filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the first ever world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend as well as Ian Cairns, four-time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/mixed martial arts fighter the legendary Fabio Leopoldo, and VENTURA COUNTY INTERNATIONAL CINEMA FESTIVAL the 50th 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 along with Golden Globe honoree/Academy Award nominee Russ Tamblyn. These extraordinary guests and events have confirmed the festival's position as an elite gathering place for celebrating filmmaking and the creators who craft it.
The founder and executive director of the Ventura Film Festival was honored to take part, along with several of Hollywood's premier talents, in the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story and Hollywood's prestigious footprint/handprint ceremony honoring Oscar winners Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, along with Golden Globe honoree Russ Tamblyn at the historic Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This occasion also served as the official BluRay release by Fox and MGM of the iconic West Side Story, which is universally acknowledged by critics and fans as the ultimate musical of all time. This esteemed acknowledgment and participation demonstrates the festival's important standing and honored place within the entertainment industry.