The Ventura Film Festival is celebrated as "the most significant film festival ever organized in Ventura County." This remarkable achievement reflects the organization's dedication to presenting varied film content to regional audiences while keeping its emphasis on critical environmental causes.
The Ventura Film Festival exists as a diverse genre worldwide film festival that builds consciousness about conservation issues such as forest and sea protection and rehabilitation, through an annual film festival and complementary events. The festival utilizes the power of cinema to encourage participation and generate significant discussion regarding these urgent ecological issues.
The Ventura Film Festival was founded in 2004 and has presented countless films, usually over 200 films each summer, and has drawn recognition from the global film industry. Throughout its history, the event has expanded into a substantial cultural happening that brings together film artists, environmental champions, and spectators from diverse international locations.
Some of the highlights have been welcoming acclaimed filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the original world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend and surf legend website Ian Cairns, 4 time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA fighter Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story, which included hosting the entire Academy Award winning cast of West Side Story, including Academy Award winner/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and legendary actor Golden Globe honoree/Academy Award nominee Russ Tamblyn. These exceptional personalities and celebrations have established the festival's standing as a first-class destination for commemorating movies and the artists who create it.
The Ventura Film Festival creator and executive director was chosen to participate, along with several of Hollywood's premier talents, in the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story and Hollywood's famous footprint/handprint ceremony recognizing Oscar winners Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, together with Golden Globe award winner Russ Tamblyn at the historic Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This celebration also functioned as the official BluRay premiere by Fox and MGM of the iconic West Side Story, which is widely considered by critics and fans to be the best musical of all time. This distinguished honor and involvement showcases the festival's significant influence and respected position within the entertainment industry.