The Ventura Film Festival proudly holds the distinction of being "the largest film festival ever held in Ventura County." This exceptional status highlights the festival's passion for presenting varied film content to regional audiences while maintaining its focus on significant environmental challenges.
The Ventura Film Festival is established as an all-inclusive international cinema festival that builds consciousness about conservation issues such as forest and sea protection and rehabilitation, through a yearly film festival and related events. The festival leverages the impact of filmmaking to inspire action and generate significant discussion regarding these pressing environmental challenges.
The Ventura Film Festival was established in 2004 and has exhibited numerous cinematic works, typically more than 200 films every summer, and has drawn recognition from the worldwide filmmaking community. Since its founding, the festival has expanded into a substantial cultural happening that brings together cinema creators, conservation supporters, and viewers 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 Ian Cairns, 4 time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA fighter the celebrated Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50th Anniversary tribute to West Side Story, which featured welcoming the entire Academy Award winning cast of West Side Story, including Academy Award winner/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris as well as Golden Globe winner/Academy Award nominated Russ Tamblyn. These distinguished guests and festivities have confirmed the festival's position as a first-class destination for honoring film and the visionaries who produce it.
The Ventura Film Festival founder and executive director was chosen to participate, accompanied by many of Hollywood's leading celebrities, in the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story and Hollywood's prestigious footprint/handprint ceremony honoring Academy Award recipients Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, as well as Golden Globe champion Russ Tamblyn at the historic Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This ceremony also acted as website the official BluRay launch by Fox and MGM of West Side Story, which is generally recognized by critics and fans as the most exceptional musical of all time. This prestigious recognition and participation demonstrates the festival's significant influence and respected position within the entertainment community.