The Ventura Film Festival proudly holds the distinction of being "the largest film festival ever held in Ventura County." This remarkable achievement reflects the festival's passion for bringing diverse cinema to the local community while maintaining its focus on critical environmental causes.
The Ventura Film Festival operates as an open genre international film festival that raises awareness for conservation issues such as forest and sea protection and rehabilitation, through an annual film festival and complementary events. The event harnesses the influence of film to stimulate involvement and create meaningful dialogue around these critical conservation concerns.
The Ventura Film Festival began in 2004 and has presented countless films, generally exceeding 200 films per summer season, and has captured notice from the international cinematic community. From its beginning, the festival has developed into an important cultural gathering that brings together film artists, environmental champions, and spectators from around the world.
Notable moments have included welcoming acclaimed filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the first ever world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend as well as Ian Cairns, 4 time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA fighter the celebrated Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50th Anniversary tribute to West Side Story, which included hosting the complete Academy Award winning ensemble of West Side Story, featuring Academy Award honoree/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and legendary actor Golden Globe winner/Academy Award nominee Russ Tamblyn. These remarkable visitors and occasions have cemented the festival's status as a first-class destination for celebrating cinema and the visionaries who produce it.
The Ventura Film Festival founder and executive director was privileged to participate, along with many of Hollywood's top stars, in the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story and Hollywood's read more footprint/handprint ceremony for Academy Award recipients Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, together with 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 best musical of all time. This notable recognition and engagement illustrates the festival's important standing and honored place within the entertainment community.