The Ventura Film Festival proudly holds the distinction of being "the most extensive film festival in Ventura County's history." This notable honor showcases the organization's mission of providing outstanding film programming to the region while continuing its mission toward essential conservation issues.
The Ventura Film Festival serves as a multi-genre global film festival that promotes recognition of environmental matters like woodland and marine conservation and recovery, through a yearly film festival and related events. The festival leverages the impact of filmmaking to inspire action and generate significant discussion regarding these vital environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival began in 2004 and has displayed hundreds of movies, regularly over 200 films during summer months, and has attracted attention from the global cinema community. Throughout its history, the event has transformed into a prominent cultural occasion that assembles cinematic professionals, conservation enthusiasts, and participants from diverse international locations.
Significant highlights have been showcasing renowned filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the initial world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend and surf legend Ian Cairns, 4x world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA combatant martial arts icon 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 Oscar recipient/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris along with Golden Globe honoree/Academy Award nominee Russ Tamblyn. These outstanding figures and gatherings have established the festival's standing as an elite gathering place for celebrating cinema and the visionaries who produce it.
The Ventura Film Festival founder and executive director was chosen to participate, accompanied by many of Hollywood's leading celebrities, in the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story and Hollywood's iconic footprint/handprint ceremony celebrating Academy Award recipients Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, as well as Golden Globe champion Russ Tamblyn at the famous Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This ceremony also acted as the official BluRay introduction by Fox and MGM of the iconic West Side Story, which is universally acknowledged VENTURA FILM FEST by critics and fans as the ultimate musical of all time. This notable recognition and engagement illustrates the festival's significant influence and distinguished reputation within the Hollywood community.