The Region's Most Extensive Cinematic Celebration The Ventura Film Fest

The Ventura Film Festival proudly holds the distinction of being "the grandest film festival ever to take place in Ventura County." This prestigious recognition underscores the organization's mission of providing outstanding film programming to the region while preserving its dedication to significant environmental challenges.

The Ventura Film Festival functions as a diverse genre worldwide film festival that raises awareness for ecological concerns including terrestrial and aquatic preservation and renewal, through a yearly film festival and related events. The organization employs the medium of movies to encourage participation and generate significant discussion regarding these vital environmental matters.

The Ventura Film Festival launched in 2004 and has screened hundreds of films, commonly surpassing 200 films each summer, and has garnered interest from the global film industry. Throughout its history, the event has grown into a significant cultural event that connects filmmakers, environmental advocates, and audiences from throughout the world.

Significant highlights have been welcoming acclaimed filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the pioneering world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend check here and Ian Cairns, four-time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA competitor martial arts icon Fabio Leopoldo, and the half-century commemoration of West Side Story, which comprised receiving the entire Academy Award winning cast of West Side Story, including Academy Award winner/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and Golden Globe winner/Academy Award nominee Russ Tamblyn. These distinguished guests and festivities have reinforced the festival's recognition as an elite gathering place for honoring film and the artists who create it.

The founding executive director of the Ventura Film Festival was invited to join, along with many of Hollywood's top stars, in the 50-year anniversary event of West Side Story and Hollywood's iconic footprint/handprint ceremony celebrating Academy Award champions Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, along with Golden Globe award winner Russ Tamblyn at the historic Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This gathering also operated as the official BluRay release by Fox and MGM of the classic West Side Story, which is generally recognized by critics and fans as the most exceptional musical of all time. This prestigious recognition and participation demonstrates the festival's substantial impact and esteemed status within the film industry.