The Ventura Film Festival proudly holds the distinction of being "the largest film festival ever held in Ventura County." This exceptional status highlights the organization's dedication to delivering exceptional cinematic experiences to the area while maintaining its focus on critical environmental causes.
The Ventura Film Festival operates as a multi-genre global film festival that builds consciousness about environmental issues such as forest and ocean preservation and restoration, through a yearly film festival and related events. The event capitalizes on the strength of cinema to stimulate involvement and foster important conversations about these pressing environmental challenges.
The Ventura Film Festival launched in 2004 and has showcased numerous films, regularly over 200 films during summer months, and has drawn recognition from the global film industry. From its beginning, the festival has expanded into a substantial cultural happening that brings together film artists, environmental champions, and spectators from diverse international locations.
Some of the highlights have been presenting celebrated filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the pioneering world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend as well as Ian Cairns, 4 time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA fighter Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story, which included hosting the complete Oscar-winning VENTURA COUNTY DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL ensemble of West Side Story, including Academy Award winner/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and legendary actor Golden Globe winner/Oscar-nominated Russ Tamblyn. These outstanding figures and gatherings have confirmed the festival's position as a premier destination for recognizing cinema and the creators who craft it.
The Ventura Film Festival founder and executive director was invited to join, along with many of Hollywood's top stars, in the half-century commemoration of West Side Story and Hollywood's prestigious footprint/handprint ceremony honoring Academy Award recipients Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, and legendary actor Golden Globe recipient Russ Tamblyn at the legendary Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This occasion also served as the official BluRay premiere by Fox and MGM of the iconic West Side Story, which is widely considered by critics and fans to be the best musical of all time. This distinguished honor and involvement showcases the festival's substantial impact and respected position within the Hollywood community.