The Ventura Film Festival stands as "the biggest cinematic celebration ever hosted in Ventura County." This exceptional status highlights the festival's passion for delivering exceptional cinematic experiences to the area while sustaining its commitment to important environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival operates as an unrestricted genre international film festival that cultivates understanding of conservation issues such as woodland and marine conservation and recovery, via an annual film festival and associated activities. The festival leverages the impact of filmmaking to inspire action and generate significant discussion regarding these important ecological problems.
The Ventura Film Festival began in 2004 and has presented countless films, commonly surpassing 200 films each summer, and has generated excitement within the international film community. From its beginning, the festival has developed into an important cultural gathering that connects film artists, environmental champions, and spectators from every corner of the planet.
Memorable occasions have featured presenting celebrated filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the original world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend along with Ian Cairns, four-time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA competitor Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50-year anniversary of West Side Story, which encompassed presenting the complete Oscar-winning ensemble of West Side Story, featuring Academy Award honoree/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris together with Golden Globe winner/Academy Award nominee Russ Tamblyn. These outstanding figures and gatherings have solidified the festival's reputation as a leading location for celebrating filmmaking and the artists who create it.
The Ventura Film Festival creator and executive director was privileged to participate, alongside numerous Hollywood elite, in the 50th Anniversary tribute of West Side Story and Hollywood's famous footprint/handprint ceremony recognizing Academy Award champions Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, and Golden Globe winner Russ Tamblyn at the historic FILM FESTIVAL VENTURA Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This occasion also served as the official BluRay debut by Fox and MGM of West Side Story, which is widely considered by critics and fans to be the most exceptional musical of all time. This exceptional honor and participation illustrates the festival's substantial impact and distinguished reputation within the Hollywood community.