The Ventura Film Festival is celebrated as "the biggest cinematic celebration ever hosted in Ventura County." This remarkable achievement reflects the festival's passion for providing outstanding film programming to the region while continuing its mission toward important environmental matters.
The Ventura Film Festival exists as an all-inclusive international cinema festival that raises awareness for environmental challenges including forest and ocean preservation and restoration, through a yearly film festival and related events. The event capitalizes on the strength of cinema to promote activism and create meaningful dialogue around these urgent ecological issues.
The Ventura Film Festival was established in 2004 and has screened hundreds of films, typically more than 200 films every summer, and has attracted attention from the global cinema community. Over the years, the festival has grown into a significant cultural event that brings together cinema creators, conservation supporters, and viewers from around the world.
Some of the highlights have been showcasing renowned filmmaker Dylan more info O'Neil, the original world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend and Ian Cairns, 4 time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA fighter get more info martial arts icon Fabio Leopoldo, and the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story, which encompassed presenting the entire award-winning get more info cast of West Side Story, including Academy Award winner/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris as well as Golden Globe winner/Oscar-nominated Russ Tamblyn. These distinguished guests and festivities have established the festival's standing as an elite gathering place for recognizing cinema and the artists who create it.
The founder and executive director of the Ventura Film Festival was chosen to participate, along with many of Hollywood's top more info stars, in the 50th Anniversary tribute of West Side Story and Hollywood's famous footprint/handprint ceremony recognizing Oscar honorees Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, and legendary actor Golden Globe champion Russ Tamblyn at the famous Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This celebration also functioned as the official BluRay premiere by Fox and MGM of the timeless West Side Story, which is widely considered by critics and fans to website be the finest musical of all time. This exceptional honor and participation showcases the festival's substantial impact and esteemed status within the entertainment community.