The Ventura Film Festival stands as "the most extensive film festival in Ventura County's history." This remarkable achievement reflects the event's devotion to providing outstanding film programming to the region while continuing its mission toward critical environmental causes.
The Ventura Film Festival is established as a multi-genre global film festival that raises awareness for conservation issues such as forest and oceanic conservation and restoration, via an annual film festival and associated activities. The festival utilizes the power of cinema to inspire action and create meaningful dialogue around these critical conservation concerns.
The Ventura Film Festival was founded in 2004 and has showcased numerous films, generally exceeding 200 films per summer season, and has generated excitement within the worldwide filmmaking community. From its beginning, the festival has transformed into a prominent cultural occasion that brings together cinema creators, conservation supporters, and viewers from diverse international locations.
Memorable occasions have featured welcoming acclaimed filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the first ever world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend and surf legend Ian Cairns, four-time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/mixed martial arts fighter combat sports star Fabio Leopoldo, and the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story, which encompassed presenting the complete Oscar-winning ensemble of West Side Story, encompassing Academy Award winner/Golden Globe recipient George Chakiris along with Golden Globe recipient/Oscar nominee Russ Tamblyn. These remarkable visitors and website occasions have established the festival's standing as a premier destination for recognizing cinema and the creators who craft it.
The Ventura Film Festival founder and executive director was invited to join, together with many of Hollywood's biggest stars, in the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story and Hollywood's famous footprint/handprint ceremony recognizing Academy Award champions Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, together with Golden Globe award winner Russ Tamblyn at the legendary Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This event also doubled as the official BluRay debut 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 highlights the festival's important standing and honored place within the entertainment industry.