The Ventura Film Festival proudly holds the distinction of being "the grandest film festival ever to take place in Ventura County." This notable honor showcases the festival's commitment to showcasing international filmmaking to Ventura County while preserving its dedication to important environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival serves as an all-inclusive international cinema festival that raises awareness for environmental challenges including forest and sea protection and rehabilitation, via an annual film festival and associated activities. The festival utilizes the power of cinema to motivate engagement and develop substantial discourse on these pressing environmental challenges.
The Ventura Film Festival was established in 2004 and has exhibited numerous cinematic works, usually over 200 films each summer, and has garnered interest from the worldwide filmmaking community. Since its founding, the festival has expanded into a substantial cultural happening that joins filmmakers, environmental advocates, and audiences from around the world.
Significant highlights have been showcasing renowned 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 50th Anniversary tribute to West Side Story, which included hosting the complete Academy Award winning ensemble of West Side Story, including Oscar recipient/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and Golden Globe winner/Oscar-nominated Russ Tamblyn. These remarkable visitors and occasions have reinforced the festival's recognition as a top-tier venue for recognizing cinema and the professionals who develop it.
The founder and executive director of the Ventura Film Festival was honored to take part, along with many of Hollywood's top stars, in the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story and Hollywood's legendary footprint/handprint ceremony for Oscar honorees Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, and legendary actor Golden Globe award winner Russ Tamblyn at the Chinese Theater check here in Hollywood. This event also doubled 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 most exceptional musical of all time. This notable recognition and engagement illustrates the festival's substantial impact and respected position within the Hollywood community.