The Ventura Film Festival proudly holds the distinction of being "the largest film festival ever held in Ventura County." This prestigious recognition underscores the organization's mission of showcasing international filmmaking to Ventura County while keeping its emphasis on essential conservation issues.
The Ventura Film Festival operates as an open genre international film festival that builds consciousness about ecological concerns including woodland and marine conservation and recovery, through a yearly film festival and related events. The event capitalizes on the strength of cinema to encourage participation and establish purposeful communication concerning these vital environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival was established in 2004 and has screened hundreds of films, commonly surpassing 200 films each summer, and has generated excitement within the global cinema community. Since its founding, the festival has grown into a significant cultural event that unites film artists, environmental champions, and spectators from diverse international locations.
Some of the highlights have been hosting award winning filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the inaugural world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend along with Ian Cairns, four-time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA competitor the legendary Fabio Leopoldo, and the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story, which included hosting the entire Academy Award winning cast of West Side here Story, including Oscar recipient/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris together with Golden Globe recipient/Oscar nominee Russ Tamblyn. These distinguished guests and festivities have confirmed the festival's position as a first-class destination for honoring film and the talents who make it.
The founder and executive director of the Ventura Film Festival was selected to take part, together with many of Hollywood's biggest stars, in the half-century commemoration of West Side Story and Hollywood's footprint/handprint ceremony for Academy Award winners Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, along with Golden Globe honoree Russ Tamblyn at the legendary Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This gathering also operated as the official BluRay introduction by Fox and MGM of the iconic West Side Story, which is universally acknowledged by critics and fans as the ultimate musical of all time. This exceptional honor and participation illustrates the festival's significant influence and honored place within the cinema world.