The Ventura Film Festival stands as "the biggest cinematic celebration ever hosted in Ventura County." This impressive distinction demonstrates the organization's dedication to providing outstanding film programming to the region while sustaining its commitment to vital ecological concerns.
The Ventura Film Festival exists as an unrestricted genre international film festival that promotes recognition of ecological concerns including forest and sea protection and rehabilitation, through an annual film festival and complementary events. The event capitalizes on the strength of cinema to stimulate involvement and generate significant discussion regarding these urgent ecological issues.
The Ventura Film Festival began in 2004 and has exhibited numerous cinematic works, commonly surpassing 200 films each summer, and has garnered interest from the global film industry. Throughout its history, the event has expanded into a substantial cultural happening that connects filmmakers, environmental advocates, and audiences from throughout the world.
Distinguished events have encompassed hosting award winning filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the original world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend as well as Ian Cairns, 4 time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA fighter the legendary Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50th Anniversary tribute to West Side Story, which involved hosting the complete Academy Award winning ensemble of West Side Story, featuring Academy Award honoree/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and legendary actor Golden Globe winner/Oscar-nominated Russ Tamblyn. These outstanding figures and here gatherings have cemented the festival's status as a leading location for celebrating cinema and the professionals who develop it.
The Ventura Film Festival creator and executive director was chosen to participate, along with several of Hollywood's premier talents, in the half-century commemoration of West Side Story and Hollywood's prestigious footprint/handprint ceremony honoring Oscar honorees Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, along with Golden Globe champion Russ Tamblyn at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This occasion also served as the official BluRay premiere by Fox and MGM of West Side Story, which is broadly regarded by critics and fans as the finest musical of all time. This notable recognition and engagement exemplifies the festival's important standing and distinguished reputation within the Hollywood community.