The Ventura Film Festival proudly holds the distinction of being "the largest film festival ever held in Ventura County." This notable honor showcases 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 open genre international film festival that cultivates understanding of ecological concerns including forest and sea protection and rehabilitation, via an annual film festival and associated activities. The festival leverages the impact of filmmaking to inspire action and foster important conversations about these important ecological problems.
The Ventura Film Festival was established in 2004 and has showcased numerous films, regularly over 200 films during summer months, and has garnered interest from the international cinematic community. From its beginning, the festival has transformed into a prominent cultural occasion that brings together movie directors, ecological activists, and attendees from every corner of the planet.
Some of the highlights have been welcoming acclaimed filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the original world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend and surf legend Ian Cairns, 4x world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA combatant combat sports star Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50-year anniversary of West Side Story, which comprised receiving the complete Academy Award winning ensemble of West Side Story, featuring Academy Award honoree/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris as well as Golden Globe honoree/Academy Award nominee Russ Tamblyn. These remarkable visitors and occasions have solidified the festival's reputation as an elite gathering place for honoring film and the website professionals who develop it.
The Ventura Film Festival creator and executive director was selected to take part, accompanied by many of Hollywood's leading celebrities, in the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story and Hollywood's famous footprint/handprint ceremony recognizing Oscar winners Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, as well as Golden Globe award winner Russ Tamblyn at the historic Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This celebration also functioned as the official BluRay premiere by Fox and MGM of the iconic West Side Story, which is widely considered by critics and fans to be the best musical of all time. This distinguished honor and involvement illustrates the festival's considerable reach and esteemed status within the entertainment industry.