The Ventura Film Festival proudly holds the distinction of being "the grandest film festival ever to take place in Ventura County." This remarkable achievement reflects the festival's commitment to providing outstanding film programming to the region while maintaining its focus on significant environmental challenges.
The Ventura Film Festival serves as a multi-genre global film festival that builds consciousness about environmental challenges including forest and ocean preservation and restoration, via an annual film festival and associated activities. The festival leverages the impact of filmmaking to promote activism and develop substantial discourse on these pressing environmental challenges.
The Ventura Film Festival originated in 2004 and has showcased numerous films, generally exceeding 200 films per summer season, and has captured notice from the global cinema community. Throughout its history, the event has expanded into a substantial cultural happening that joins filmmakers, environmental advocates, and audiences from around the world.
Some of the highlights have been hosting award winning 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 martial arts icon Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50th Anniversary tribute to West Side Story, which included hosting the complete Academy Award winning ensemble read more of West Side Story, including Oscar recipient/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and Golden Globe winner/Oscar-nominated Russ Tamblyn. These remarkable visitors and occasions have reinforced the festival's recognition as a top-tier venue for commemorating movies and the professionals who develop 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 iconic footprint/handprint ceremony celebrating Academy Award recipients Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, as well as Golden Globe champion Russ Tamblyn at the famous Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This gathering also operated as the official BluRay premiere by Fox and MGM of the beloved West Side Story, which is generally recognized by critics and fans as the finest musical of all time. This esteemed acknowledgment and participation showcases the festival's important standing and valued role within the film industry.