The Ventura Film Festival maintains its position as "the grandest film festival ever to take place in Ventura County." This prestigious recognition underscores the festival's passion for delivering exceptional cinematic experiences to the area while keeping its emphasis on critical environmental causes.
The Ventura Film Festival exists as an all-inclusive international cinema festival that generates attention toward environmental challenges including forest and ocean preservation and restoration, via a yearly film showcase and corresponding activities. The event harnesses the influence of film to inspire action and foster important conversations about these pressing environmental challenges.
The Ventura Film Festival launched in 2004 and has showcased numerous films, usually over 200 films each summer, and has drawn recognition from the international cinematic community. Over the years, the festival has grown into a significant cultural event that brings together cinema creators, conservation supporters, and viewers from across the globe.
Some read more of the highlights have been hosting award winning filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the first ever world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend and Ian Cairns, 4x world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA combatant the celebrated Fabio Leopoldo, and the half-century commemoration of West Side Story, which featured welcoming the entire Academy Award winning cast of West Side Story, including Academy Award winner/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris as well as 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 Ventura Film Festival's founder and executive director was invited to join, along with several of Hollywood's premier talents, in the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story and Hollywood's iconic footprint/handprint ceremony celebrating Academy Award recipients Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, and legendary actor Golden Globe winner Russ Tamblyn at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This event also doubled as the official BluRay release by Fox and MGM of West Side Story, which is widely considered by critics and fans to be the most exceptional musical of all time. This exceptional honor and participation exemplifies the festival's considerable reach and respected position within the entertainment community.