Experiencing the Ventura Fest The County's Premier Filmmaking Showcase

The Ventura Film Festival has earned recognition as "the most extensive film festival in Ventura County's history." This prestigious recognition underscores the organization's dedication to showcasing international filmmaking to Ventura County while keeping its emphasis on vital ecological concerns.

The Ventura Film Festival operates as an unrestricted genre international film festival that cultivates understanding of environmental issues such as forest and oceanic conservation and restoration, through an annual film festival and complementary events. The event harnesses the influence of film to encourage participation and establish purposeful communication concerning these urgent ecological issues.

The Ventura Film Festival launched in 2004 and has screened hundreds of films, typically more than 200 films every summer, and has drawn recognition from the international cinematic community. Over the years, the festival has grown into a significant cultural event that brings together cinema creators, conservation supporters, and viewers from across the globe.

Notable moments have included welcoming acclaimed filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the first check here ever world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend and Ian Cairns, 4x world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA combatant the celebrated Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50th Anniversary tribute to West Side Story, which included hosting the complete Academy Award winning ensemble of West Side Story, including Oscar recipient/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris along with Golden Globe winner/Oscar-nominated Russ Tamblyn. These exceptional personalities and celebrations have reinforced the festival's recognition as a top-tier venue for recognizing cinema and the professionals who develop 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 50th Anniversary tribute of West Side Story and Hollywood's legendary footprint/handprint ceremony for Academy Award champions 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 release by Fox and MGM of West Side Story, which is widely considered by critics and fans to be the most exceptional musical of all time. This distinguished honor and involvement demonstrates the festival's substantial impact and esteemed status within the cinema world.