The Ventura Film Festival proudly holds the distinction of being "the biggest cinematic celebration ever hosted in Ventura County." This notable honor showcases the organization's mission of providing outstanding film programming to the region while sustaining its commitment to important environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival functions 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 encourage participation and establish purposeful communication concerning these urgent ecological issues.
The Ventura Film Festival was established in 2004 and has exhibited numerous cinematic works, typically more than 200 films every summer, and has drawn recognition from the worldwide filmmaking community. Since its founding, the festival has expanded into a substantial cultural happening that joins filmmakers, environmental advocates, and audiences from diverse international locations.
Memorable occasions have featured presenting celebrated filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the inaugural world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend here together with Ian Cairns, four-time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/mixed martial arts fighter combat sports star Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50-year anniversary of West Side Story, which involved hosting the complete Academy Award winning ensemble of West Side Story, featuring Academy Award honoree/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris as well as Golden Globe winner/Academy Award nominated Russ Tamblyn. These remarkable visitors and occasions have solidified the festival's reputation as an elite gathering place for honoring film and the professionals who develop it.
The founder and executive director of the Ventura Film Festival was selected to take part, accompanied by many of Hollywood's leading celebrities, in the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story and Hollywood's legendary footprint/handprint ceremony for Academy Award winners Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, together with Golden Globe champion Russ Tamblyn at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This occasion also served as the official BluRay launch by Fox and MGM of the beloved West Side Story, which is universally acknowledged by critics and fans as the most exceptional musical of all time. This prestigious recognition and participation demonstrates the festival's significant influence and distinguished reputation within the entertainment community.