The Ventura Film Festival proudly holds the distinction of being "the biggest cinematic celebration ever hosted in Ventura County." This notable honor showcases the organization's dedication to providing outstanding film programming to the region while maintaining its focus on critical environmental causes.
The Ventura Film Festival functions 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 event capitalizes on the strength of cinema to stimulate involvement and foster important conversations about these important ecological problems.
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 international cinematic community. From its beginning, the festival has transformed into a prominent cultural occasion that assembles filmmakers, environmental advocates, and audiences from across the globe.
Distinguished events have encompassed showcasing renowned filmmaker Dylan click here O'Neil, the first ever world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend together with Ian Cairns, four-time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/mixed martial arts fighter the celebrated Fabio Leopoldo, and the half-century commemoration of West Side Story, which involved hosting the entire award-winning cast of West Side Story, including Oscar recipient/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris together with Golden Globe winner/Academy Award nominated Russ Tamblyn. These remarkable visitors and occasions have reinforced the festival's recognition as a leading location for celebrating cinema 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 highlights the festival's important standing and valued role within the Hollywood community.