The Ventura Film Festival maintains its position as "the grandest film festival ever to take place in Ventura County." This impressive distinction demonstrates the organization's mission of presenting varied film content to regional audiences while preserving its dedication to important environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival is established as an unrestricted genre international film festival that promotes recognition of conservation issues such as terrestrial and aquatic preservation and renewal, via a yearly film showcase and corresponding activities. The festival leverages the impact of filmmaking to motivate engagement and create meaningful dialogue around these vital environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival originated in 2004 and has screened hundreds of films, commonly surpassing 200 films each summer, and has attracted attention from the worldwide filmmaking community. Since its inception, the festival has developed into an important cultural gathering that joins cinema creators, conservation supporters, and viewers from throughout the world.
Significant highlights have been hosting award winning filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the inaugural world champion here surfers Peter "PT" Townend together with Ian Cairns, 4x world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA combatant combat sports star Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50-year anniversary of West Side Story, which comprised receiving the entire award-winning cast of West Side Story, encompassing Academy Award winner/Golden Globe recipient George Chakiris along with Golden Globe recipient/Oscar nominee Russ Tamblyn. These extraordinary guests and events have reinforced the festival's recognition as a leading location for celebrating cinema and the artists who create it.
The Ventura Film Festival creator and executive director was privileged to participate, alongside numerous Hollywood elite, in the 50th Anniversary tribute of West Side Story and Hollywood's famous footprint/handprint ceremony recognizing Academy Award champions Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, and Golden Globe winner Russ Tamblyn at the historic Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This event also doubled as the official BluRay release by Fox and MGM of the iconic West Side Story, which is generally recognized by critics and fans as the ultimate musical of all time. This esteemed acknowledgment and participation showcases the festival's significant influence and distinguished reputation within the cinema world.