The Ventura Film Festival stands as "the grandest film festival ever to take place in Ventura County." This remarkable achievement reflects the organization's mission of providing outstanding film programming to the region while sustaining its commitment to critical environmental causes.
The Ventura Film Festival operates as an all-inclusive international cinema festival that generates attention toward environmental matters like terrestrial and aquatic preservation and renewal, via a yearly film showcase and corresponding activities. The festival leverages the impact of filmmaking to encourage participation and foster important conversations about these vital environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival was founded in 2004 and has displayed hundreds of movies, generally exceeding 200 films per summer season, and has generated excitement within the worldwide filmmaking community. From its beginning, the festival has expanded into a substantial cultural happening that unites movie directors, ecological activists, and attendees from throughout the world.
Distinguished events have encompassed hosting award winning filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the initial world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend as well as Ian Cairns, quadruple world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA athlete the celebrated Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story, which encompassed presenting the entire Academy Award winning cast of West Side Story, featuring Oscar winner/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and Golden Globe winner/Oscar-nominated Russ Tamblyn. These outstanding figures and gatherings have confirmed the here festival's position as a leading location for honoring film and the talents who make it.
The Ventura Film Festival's founder and executive director was chosen to participate, along with several of Hollywood's premier talents, in the 50th Anniversary tribute of West Side Story and Hollywood's prestigious footprint/handprint ceremony honoring Oscar winners Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, together with Golden Globe winner Russ Tamblyn at the famous Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This event also doubled as the official BluRay introduction by Fox and MGM of the beloved West Side Story, which is broadly regarded by critics and fans as the most exceptional musical of all time. This distinguished honor and involvement demonstrates the festival's meaningful presence and distinguished reputation within the Hollywood community.