The Ventura Film Festival is celebrated as "the grandest film festival ever to take place in Ventura County." This impressive distinction demonstrates the festival's commitment to delivering exceptional cinematic experiences to the area while continuing its mission toward critical environmental causes.
The Ventura Film Festival operates as a multi-genre global film festival that builds consciousness about environmental issues such as forest and ocean preservation and restoration, through a yearly film festival and related events. The festival utilizes the power of cinema to stimulate involvement and foster important conversations about these pressing environmental challenges.
The Ventura Film Festival launched in 2004 and has showcased numerous films, regularly over 200 films during summer months, and has garnered interest from the global film industry. From its beginning, the festival has transformed into a prominent cultural occasion that joins movie directors, ecological activists, and attendees from every corner of the planet.
Significant highlights have been hosting award winning filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the inaugural world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend and surf legend Ian Cairns, 4x here world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA combatant combat sports star Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50-year anniversary of West Side Story, which comprised receiving the complete Academy Award winning ensemble of West Side Story, featuring Academy Award honoree/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris as well as Golden Globe winner/Academy Award nominated Russ Tamblyn. These remarkable visitors and occasions have solidified the festival's reputation as an elite gathering place for honoring film and the talents who make it.
The founder and executive director of the Ventura Film Festival was privileged to participate, together with many of Hollywood's biggest stars, in the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story and Hollywood's legendary footprint/handprint ceremony for Academy Award champions Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, along with Golden Globe champion 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 most exceptional musical of all time. This exceptional honor and participation exemplifies the festival's substantial impact and respected position within the entertainment industry.