The Ventura Film Festival has earned recognition as "the most significant film festival ever organized in Ventura County." This impressive distinction demonstrates the festival's passion for providing outstanding film programming to the region while continuing its mission toward critical environmental causes.
The Ventura Film Festival operates as an open genre international film festival that promotes recognition of environmental issues such as forest and sea protection and rehabilitation, by means of a yearly cinema celebration and connected programs. The event harnesses the influence of film to stimulate involvement and establish purposeful communication concerning these critical conservation concerns.
The Ventura Film Festival launched in 2004 and has showcased numerous films, usually over 200 films each summer, and has garnered interest from the worldwide filmmaking community. Since its founding, the festival has expanded into a substantial cultural happening that joins cinema creators, conservation supporters, and viewers from across the globe.
Some of the highlights have been hosting award winning filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the first ever world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend and Ian Cairns, four-time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/mixed martial arts fighter the legendary Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50th Anniversary tribute to West Side Story, which featured welcoming the entire Academy Award winning read more cast of West Side Story, featuring Academy Award honoree/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and legendary actor Golden Globe winner/Academy Award nominated Russ Tamblyn. These extraordinary guests and events have cemented the festival's status as a premier destination for commemorating movies and the talents who make it.
The founder and executive director of the Ventura Film Festival was honored to take part, along with many of Hollywood's top stars, in the half-century commemoration of West Side Story and Hollywood's legendary footprint/handprint ceremony for Oscar honorees 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 premiere by Fox and MGM of the iconic West Side Story, which is generally recognized by critics and fans as the ultimate musical of all time. This distinguished honor and involvement highlights the festival's important standing and honored place within the cinema world.