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 passion for delivering exceptional cinematic experiences to the area while sustaining its commitment to important environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival operates as an open genre international film festival that cultivates understanding of ecological concerns including forest and oceanic conservation and restoration, through an annual film festival and complementary events. The event harnesses the influence of film to inspire action and create meaningful dialogue around these important ecological problems.
The Ventura Film Festival was established in 2004 and has screened hundreds of films, typically more than 200 films every 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.
Notable moments have included welcoming acclaimed filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the first ever world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend and Ian Cairns, 4 time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA fighter 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, featuring Academy Award honoree/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and here legendary actor Golden Globe winner/Oscar-nominated Russ Tamblyn. These exceptional personalities and celebrations 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 selected to take part, alongside numerous Hollywood elite, in the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story and Hollywood's legendary footprint/handprint ceremony for Oscar honorees Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, and legendary actor Golden Globe award 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 notable recognition and engagement illustrates the festival's substantial impact and respected position within the Hollywood community.