The Ventura Film Festival stands as "the biggest cinematic celebration ever hosted in Ventura County." This exceptional status highlights the organization's mission of providing outstanding film programming to the region while sustaining its commitment to important environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival functions as an open genre international film festival that cultivates understanding of ecological concerns including forest and oceanic conservation and restoration, through an annual film festival and complementary events. The event harnesses the influence of film to stimulate involvement and create meaningful dialogue around these critical conservation concerns.
The Ventura Film Festival launched in 2004 and has screened hundreds of films, generally exceeding 200 films per summer season, and has captured notice from the international cinematic community. Over the years, the festival has grown into a significant cultural event 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 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 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 Oscar honorees Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, as well as Golden Globe award winner Russ Tamblyn at the famous Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This ceremony also acted as the official BluRay release by Fox and MGM of the iconic West Side Story, which is universally acknowledged by critics and fans as the ultimate musical here of all time. This esteemed acknowledgment and participation illustrates the festival's significant influence and distinguished reputation within the cinema world.