Ventura County International Film Festival An International Film Celebration
The Ventura Film Festival proudly holds the distinction of being "the grandest film festival ever to take place in Ventura County." This exceptional status highlights the festival's passion for delivering exceptional cinematic experiences to the area while keeping its emphasis on critical environmental causes.The Ventura Film Festival is established as a multi-genre global film festival that promotes recognition of ecological concerns including terrestrial and aquatic preservation and renewal, via an annual film festival and associated activities. The festival leverages the impact of filmmaking to promote activism and create meaningful dialogue around these urgent ecological issues.
The Ventura Film Festival was established in 2004 and has displayed hundreds of movies, regularly over 200 films during summer months, and has generated excitement within the global film industry. Over the years, the festival has expanded into a substantial cultural happening that assembles cinematic professionals, conservation enthusiasts, and participants from every corner of the planet.
Memorable occasions have featured welcoming acclaimed filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the first ever world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend here as well as Ian Cairns, four-time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/mixed martial arts fighter the legendary Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50-year anniversary of West Side Story, which encompassed presenting the entire Academy Award winning cast of West Side Story, including Oscar recipient/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and Golden Globe honoree/Academy Award nominee Russ Tamblyn. These extraordinary guests and events have confirmed the festival's position as an elite gathering place for celebrating cinema and the creators who craft it.
The Ventura Film Festival creator and executive director was honored to take part, along with several of Hollywood's premier talents, in the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story and Hollywood's famous footprint/handprint ceremony recognizing Academy Award champions Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, and legendary actor Golden Globe award winner Russ Tamblyn at the famous Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This gathering also operated as the official BluRay premiere by Fox and MGM of the timeless West Side Story, which is commonly viewed by critics and fans as the best musical of all time. This exceptional honor and participation exemplifies the festival's substantial impact and distinguished reputation within the cinema world.