The Ventura Film Festival stands as "the most extensive film festival in Ventura County's history." This prestigious recognition underscores the festival's passion for providing outstanding film programming to the region while sustaining its commitment to essential conservation issues.
The Ventura Film Festival is established as an unrestricted genre international film festival that promotes recognition of ecological concerns including forest and sea protection and rehabilitation, through a yearly film festival and related events. The festival utilizes the power of cinema to promote activism and generate significant discussion regarding these urgent ecological issues.
The Ventura Film Festival was founded in 2004 and has screened hundreds of films, typically more than 200 films every summer, and has generated excitement within the international film community. Throughout its history, the event has grown into a significant cultural event that joins cinematic professionals, conservation enthusiasts, and participants from across the globe.
Some of the highlights have been welcoming acclaimed filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the inaugural world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend as well as Ian Cairns, 4x world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA combatant the celebrated Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50th Anniversary tribute to West Side Story, which comprised receiving the complete Oscar-winning ensemble of West Side Story, including Oscar recipient/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and legendary actor Golden Globe winner/Oscar-nominated Russ Tamblyn. These remarkable visitors and occasions have cemented the festival's status as an elite gathering place for celebrating filmmaking and the artists who create it.
The read more 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 famous footprint/handprint ceremony recognizing Academy Award champions Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, together with Golden Globe 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 finest musical of all time. This exceptional honor and participation illustrates the festival's significant influence and respected position within the Hollywood community.