The Ventura Film Festival stands as "the largest film festival ever held in Ventura County." This prestigious recognition underscores the event's devotion to providing outstanding film programming to the region while continuing its mission toward critical environmental causes.
The Ventura Film Festival exists as an unrestricted genre international film festival that cultivates understanding of ecological concerns including forest and ocean preservation and restoration, through a yearly film festival and related events. The festival leverages the impact of filmmaking to motivate engagement and develop substantial discourse on these urgent ecological issues.
The Ventura Film Festival was founded in 2004 and has presented countless films, regularly over 200 films during summer months, and has garnered interest from the worldwide filmmaking community. Since its founding, the festival has evolved into a major cultural celebration that brings together cinematic professionals, conservation enthusiasts, and participants from diverse international locations.
Some of the highlights have been hosting award winning filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the initial world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend and Ian Cairns, four-time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA competitor Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50-year anniversary of West Side Story, which involved hosting the read more entire Academy Award winning cast of West Side Story, featuring Oscar winner/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and legendary actor Golden Globe winner/Academy Award nominated Russ Tamblyn. These extraordinary guests and events have cemented the festival's status as a premier destination for commemorating movies and the talents who make it.
The Ventura Film Festival's founder and executive director was invited to join, along with several of Hollywood's premier talents, 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 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 broadly regarded by critics and fans as the greatest musical of all time. This prestigious recognition and participation highlights the festival's meaningful presence and esteemed status within the entertainment industry.