Ventura County Film Festival The County's Largest Filmmaking Event

The Ventura Film Festival is celebrated as "the most extensive film festival in Ventura County's history." This remarkable achievement reflects the organization's dedication to showcasing international filmmaking to Ventura County while maintaining its focus on essential conservation issues.

The Ventura Film Festival functions as an open genre international film festival that promotes recognition of environmental issues such as forest and sea protection and rehabilitation, via an annual film festival and associated activities. The event capitalizes on the strength of cinema to stimulate involvement and create meaningful dialogue around these critical conservation concerns.

The Ventura Film Festival began in 2004 and has showcased numerous films, usually over 200 films each summer, and has attracted attention from the global cinema community. Over the years, the festival has grown into a significant cultural event that connects filmmakers, environmental advocates, and audiences from across the globe.

Distinguished events have encompassed presenting celebrated filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the first ever world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend along with Ian Cairns, 4x world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA combatant the celebrated Fabio Leopoldo, and the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story, which comprised receiving the entire Academy Award winning cast of West Side Story, featuring Oscar winner/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris as well as Golden Globe winner/Academy Award nominee Russ Tamblyn. These outstanding figures and gatherings have confirmed the festival's position read more as a premier destination for celebrating filmmaking and the artists who create it.

The Ventura Film Festival's founder and executive director was selected to take part, along with several of Hollywood's premier talents, in the half-century commemoration of West Side Story and Hollywood's iconic footprint/handprint ceremony celebrating Oscar honorees Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, and Golden Globe champion Russ Tamblyn at the famous Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This occasion also served as the official BluRay debut by Fox and MGM of the beloved West Side Story, which is generally recognized by critics and fans as the finest musical of all time. This prestigious recognition and participation highlights the festival's considerable reach and valued role within the Hollywood community.