The Ventura Film Festival proudly holds the distinction of being "the biggest cinematic celebration ever hosted in Ventura County." This exceptional status highlights the organization's mission of bringing diverse cinema to the local community while maintaining its focus on important environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival operates as an open genre international film festival that promotes recognition of environmental matters like woodland and marine conservation and recovery, through a yearly film festival and related events. The organization employs the medium of movies to stimulate involvement and foster important conversations about these vital environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival began in 2004 and has presented countless films, regularly over 200 films during summer months, and has attracted attention from the global cinema community. Throughout its history, the event has transformed into a prominent cultural occasion that assembles cinematic professionals, conservation enthusiasts, and participants from diverse international locations.
Some of the highlights have been hosting here award winning filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the initial world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend as well as Ian Cairns, 4x world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA combatant the celebrated Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50th Anniversary tribute to West Side Story, which included hosting the complete Academy Award winning ensemble of West Side Story, including Oscar recipient/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris along with Golden Globe winner/Oscar-nominated Russ Tamblyn. These exceptional personalities and celebrations have solidified the festival's reputation as a premier destination for honoring film and the professionals who develop it.
The Ventura Film Festival's founder and executive director was honored to take part, along with many of Hollywood's top stars, in the 50th Anniversary tribute of West Side Story and Hollywood's legendary footprint/handprint ceremony for Oscar winners Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, along with Golden Globe honoree Russ Tamblyn at the legendary 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 universally acknowledged by critics and fans as the ultimate musical of all time. This notable recognition and engagement illustrates the festival's considerable reach and respected position within the entertainment community.