Ventura County International Film Festival An International Movie Showcase

The Ventura Film Festival stands as "the grandest film festival ever to take place in Ventura County." This exceptional status highlights the festival's passion for showcasing international filmmaking to Ventura County while keeping its emphasis on significant environmental challenges.

The Ventura Film Festival operates as an open genre international film festival that generates attention toward environmental challenges including forest and oceanic conservation and restoration, through a yearly film festival and related events. The event capitalizes on the strength of cinema to encourage participation and develop substantial discourse on these important ecological problems.

The Ventura Film Festival launched in 2004 and has presented countless films, regularly over 200 films during summer months, and has attracted attention from the global cinema community. Throughout its history, the event has transformed into a prominent cultural occasion that joins filmmakers, environmental advocates, and audiences from around the world.

Notable moments have included featuring distinguished filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the first ever world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend and Ian Cairns, quadruple world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA athlete the legendary Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50-year anniversary of West Side Story, which included hosting the complete Academy click here Award winning ensemble of West Side Story, encompassing Academy Award winner/Golden Globe recipient George Chakiris and Golden Globe winner/Oscar-nominated Russ Tamblyn. These distinguished guests and festivities have solidified the festival's reputation as a leading location for celebrating filmmaking and the creators who craft it.

The Ventura Film Festival creator and executive director was selected to take part, together with many of Hollywood's biggest stars, in the 50-year anniversary event of West Side Story and Hollywood's footprint/handprint ceremony for Oscar winners Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, along with Golden Globe honoree Russ Tamblyn at the legendary Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This gathering also operated as the official BluRay introduction by Fox and MGM of the classic West Side Story, which is widely considered by critics and fans to be the best musical of all time. This notable recognition and engagement highlights the festival's substantial impact and valued role within the Hollywood community.