The Ventura Film Festival stands as "the most extensive film festival in Ventura County's history." This exceptional status highlights the festival's passion for showcasing international filmmaking to Ventura County while continuing its mission toward important environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival exists as an all-inclusive international cinema festival that promotes recognition of environmental issues such as forest and sea protection and rehabilitation, via a yearly film showcase and corresponding activities. The event capitalizes on the strength of cinema to inspire action and create meaningful dialogue around these urgent ecological issues.
The Ventura Film Festival originated in 2004 and has presented countless films, generally exceeding 200 films per summer season, and has garnered interest from the international cinematic community. Since its founding, the festival has grown into a significant cultural event that assembles film artists, environmental champions, and spectators from around the world.
Some of the highlights have been welcoming acclaimed filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, read more the inaugural world champion surfers Peter "PT" read more Townend along with Ian Cairns, quadruple world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA athlete Fabio Leopoldo, and the half-century commemoration of West Side Story, which included hosting the full Academy Award winning cast from West Side Story, featuring Academy Award honoree/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and legendary actor Golden Globe winner/Academy Award nominated Russ Tamblyn. These distinguished guests and festivities have established the festival's standing as an elite gathering place for recognizing cinema and the creators who craft it.
The Ventura Film Festival's founder and executive director was privileged to participate, accompanied by many of Hollywood's leading celebrities, in the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story and Hollywood's famous footprint/handprint ceremony recognizing Academy Award champions Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, and Golden Globe recipient IN VENTURA Russ Tamblyn at the legendary Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This ceremony also acted as the official BluRay debut by Fox and MGM of the classic West Side Story, which is commonly viewed check here by critics and fans as the most exceptional musical of all time. This distinguished honor and involvement highlights the festival's considerable reach and honored place read more within the film industry.