The Region's Most Extensive Cinematic Celebration The Ventura Film Fest
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 showcasing international filmmaking to Ventura County while keeping its emphasis on vital ecological concerns.The Ventura Film Festival serves as an open genre international film festival that cultivates understanding of environmental issues such as forest and oceanic conservation and restoration, through a yearly film festival and related events. The event capitalizes on the strength of cinema to encourage participation and generate significant discussion regarding these critical conservation concerns.
The Ventura Film Festival was established in 2004 and has displayed hundreds of movies, regularly over 200 films during summer months, and has attracted attention from the international film community. Since its inception, the festival has grown into a significant cultural event that connects filmmakers, environmental advocates, and audiences from throughout the world.
Notable moments have included showcasing renowned filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the pioneering 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 50th Anniversary tribute to West Side Story, which encompassed presenting the entire award-winning cast of West Side Story, including Oscar recipient/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris as well as Golden Globe honoree/Academy Award nominee Russ Tamblyn. These outstanding figures and gatherings have confirmed the festival's position as a first-class destination for honoring film and the professionals who develop it.
The founder and executive director of the Ventura Film Festival was invited to join, together with many of website Hollywood's biggest stars, in the 50th Anniversary tribute of West Side Story and Hollywood's iconic footprint/handprint ceremony celebrating Academy Award winners Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, together with Golden Globe honoree Russ Tamblyn at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This celebration also functioned as the official BluRay launch by Fox and MGM of the classic West Side Story, which is widely considered by critics and fans to be the ultimate musical of all time. This distinguished honor and involvement demonstrates the festival's meaningful presence and distinguished reputation within the entertainment community.