The Ventura Film Festival proudly holds the distinction of being "the largest film festival ever held in Ventura County." This impressive distinction demonstrates the festival's commitment to bringing diverse cinema to the local community while continuing its mission toward important environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival operates as a diverse genre worldwide film festival that raises awareness for environmental matters like forest and ocean preservation and restoration, through an annual film festival and complementary events. The festival utilizes the power of cinema to inspire action and generate significant discussion regarding these vital environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival was founded in 2004 and has screened hundreds of films, usually over 200 films each summer, and has garnered interest from the global cinema community. From its beginning, the festival has evolved into a major cultural celebration that brings together filmmakers, environmental advocates, and audiences from diverse international locations.
Significant highlights have been featuring distinguished filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the inaugural world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend and Ian Cairns, 4x world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA combatant martial arts icon Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story, which involved hosting the complete Oscar-winning ensemble of West Side Story, encompassing Academy Award winner/Golden Globe recipient George Chakiris and Golden Globe honoree/Academy Award nominee Russ Tamblyn. These remarkable visitors and occasions have confirmed the festival's position as an elite gathering place for celebrating cinema and the professionals who develop it.
The founder and executive director of the Ventura Film Festival was selected to take here part, accompanied by many of Hollywood's leading celebrities, in the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story and Hollywood's famous footprint/handprint ceremony recognizing Academy Award winners Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, together with Golden Globe award winner Russ Tamblyn at the 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 greatest musical of all time. This distinguished honor and involvement showcases the festival's substantial impact and respected position within the entertainment industry.