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 organization's mission of bringing diverse cinema to the local community while maintaining its focus on important environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival functions as an open genre international film festival that promotes recognition of environmental issues such as terrestrial and aquatic preservation and renewal, through a yearly film festival and related events. The organization employs the medium of movies to promote activism and establish purposeful communication concerning these important ecological problems.
The Ventura Film Festival launched in 2004 and has showcased numerous films, commonly surpassing 200 films each summer, and has attracted attention from the global film industry. Over the years, the festival has expanded into a substantial cultural happening that joins movie directors, ecological activists, and attendees from every corner of the planet.
Distinguished events have encompassed hosting award winning filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the pioneering world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend together with Ian Cairns, 4 time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA fighter the celebrated Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story, which included hosting the full Academy Award winning cast from West Side Story, featuring Oscar winner/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and Golden Globe winner/Oscar-nominated Russ Tamblyn. These exceptional personalities and celebrations have established the festival's standing as a leading location for commemorating movies and the creators who craft it.
The Ventura Film Festival founder and executive director was privileged to participate, along with many of Hollywood's top stars, in the 50-year anniversary event of West Side Story and Hollywood's iconic footprint/handprint ceremony celebrating Academy Award recipients Rita Moreno, George here Chakiris, as well as Golden Globe recipient Russ Tamblyn at the iconic Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This occasion also served as the official BluRay release by Fox and MGM of the classic West Side Story, which is generally recognized by critics and fans as the ultimate musical of all time. This exceptional honor and participation highlights the festival's important standing and distinguished reputation within the entertainment community.