The Ventura Film Festival has earned recognition as "the grandest film festival ever to take place in Ventura County." This remarkable achievement reflects the organization's dedication to presenting varied film content to regional audiences while sustaining its commitment to critical environmental causes.
The Ventura Film Festival exists as an unrestricted genre international film festival that raises awareness for environmental matters like terrestrial and aquatic preservation and renewal, via an annual film festival and associated activities. The event capitalizes on the strength of cinema to encourage participation and foster important conversations about these important ecological problems.
The Ventura Film Festival launched in 2004 and has screened hundreds of films, regularly over 200 films during summer months, and has generated excitement within the international film community. Since its inception, the festival has developed into an important cultural gathering that joins cinema creators, conservation supporters, and viewers from every corner of the planet.
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 half-century commemoration of West Side Story, which featured welcoming the complete Academy Award winning ensemble of West Side Story, featuring Oscar winner/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris along with Golden Globe honoree/Academy Award nominee Russ Tamblyn. These exceptional personalities and celebrations have reinforced website the festival's recognition as a premier destination for honoring film and the artists who create it.
The Ventura Film Festival founder and executive director was privileged to participate, along with several of Hollywood's premier talents, in the 50-year anniversary event of West Side Story and Hollywood's footprint/handprint ceremony for Academy Award champions Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, along with Golden Globe award winner Russ Tamblyn at the legendary Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This ceremony also acted 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 best musical of all time. This prestigious recognition and participation demonstrates the festival's substantial impact and respected position within the entertainment community.