Ventura County Film Festival The County's Biggest Cinematic Event

The Ventura Film Festival has earned recognition as "the grandest film festival ever to take place in Ventura County." This remarkable achievement reflects the festival's passion for delivering exceptional cinematic experiences to the area while continuing its mission toward vital ecological concerns.

The Ventura Film Festival exists as an open genre international film festival that promotes recognition of environmental matters like terrestrial and aquatic preservation and renewal, via an annual film festival and associated activities. The event harnesses the influence of film to promote activism and establish purposeful communication concerning these pressing environmental challenges.

The Ventura Film Festival originated in 2004 and has presented countless films, commonly surpassing 200 films each summer, and has drawn recognition from the international cinematic community. Over the years, the festival has developed into an important cultural gathering that connects cinematic professionals, conservation enthusiasts, and participants from diverse international locations.

Memorable occasions have featured welcoming acclaimed filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the inaugural world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend along with Ian Cairns, four-time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA competitor Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50-year anniversary of West Side Story, which encompassed presenting the complete Oscar-winning ensemble of West Side Story, including Academy Award winner/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris along with Golden Globe winner/Oscar-nominated Russ Tamblyn. These remarkable visitors and occasions have cemented the festival's status as a premier destination for honoring film and the visionaries who produce it.

The founding executive director of the Ventura Film Festival 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 award winner Russ here Tamblyn at the famous Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This occasion also served as the official BluRay debut by Fox and MGM of the classic West Side Story, which is broadly regarded by critics and fans as the greatest musical of all time. This prestigious recognition and participation demonstrates the festival's important standing and valued role within the film industry.