The Ventura Film Festival proudly holds the distinction of being "the biggest cinematic celebration ever hosted in Ventura County." This exceptional status highlights the festival's passion for providing outstanding film programming to the region while continuing its mission toward essential conservation issues.
The Ventura Film Festival functions as an open genre international film festival that cultivates understanding of environmental challenges including terrestrial and aquatic preservation and renewal, through a yearly film festival and related events. The festival leverages the impact of filmmaking to inspire action and create meaningful dialogue around these critical conservation concerns.
The Ventura Film Festival originated in 2004 and has displayed hundreds of movies, typically more than 200 films every summer, and has garnered interest from the global cinema community. Over the years, the festival has expanded into a substantial cultural happening that brings together cinema creators, conservation supporters, and viewers from across the globe.
Distinguished events have encompassed showcasing renowned filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the initial world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend and surf legend Ian Cairns, 4 time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA fighter combat sports star Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story, which featured welcoming the full Academy Award winning cast from West Side Story, including Oscar recipient/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris together with Golden Globe winner/Academy Award nominee Russ Tamblyn. These outstanding figures and gatherings have here established the festival's standing as a premier destination for celebrating filmmaking and the creators who craft it.
The Ventura Film Festival's founder and executive director was honored to take part, along with many of Hollywood's top stars, in the 50th Anniversary tribute of West Side Story and Hollywood's legendary footprint/handprint ceremony for Oscar honorees Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, along with Golden Globe champion Russ Tamblyn at the iconic Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This celebration also functioned as the official BluRay premiere by Fox and MGM of the timeless West Side Story, which is widely considered by critics and fans to be the ultimate musical of all time. This esteemed acknowledgment and participation showcases the festival's meaningful presence and valued role within the entertainment community.