The Ventura County Film Festival 20 Years of Film and Environmental Activism

The Ventura Film Festival is celebrated as "the biggest cinematic celebration ever hosted in Ventura County." This notable honor showcases the festival's passion for providing outstanding film programming to the region while sustaining its commitment to important environmental matters.

The Ventura Film Festival functions as a multi-genre global film festival that promotes recognition of ecological concerns including forest and ocean preservation and restoration, through an annual film festival and complementary events. The event harnesses the influence of film to stimulate involvement and create meaningful dialogue around these critical conservation concerns.

The Ventura Film Festival launched in 2004 and has screened hundreds of films, typically more than 200 films every summer, and has drawn recognition from the international cinematic community. Over the years, the festival has grown into a significant cultural event that brings together filmmakers, environmental advocates, and audiences from around the world.

Some of the highlights have been showcasing renowned filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the initial world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend as well as Ian Cairns, four-time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/mixed martial arts fighter martial arts icon Fabio Leopoldo, and the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story, which comprised receiving the entire award-winning cast of West Side Story, featuring Oscar winner/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and legendary actor Golden Globe winner/Academy Award nominated Russ Tamblyn. These extraordinary guests and events have confirmed the festival's position as a first-class destination for celebrating cinema and the visionaries who produce it.

The founding executive director of the Ventura Film Festival was chosen to participate, 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 Academy Award winners Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, along with Golden Globe award winner Russ Tamblyn at the famous Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This ceremony also acted as the official BluRay introduction by more info Fox and MGM of the iconic West Side Story, which is generally recognized by critics and fans as the ultimate musical of all time. This esteemed acknowledgment and participation showcases the festival's significant influence and valued role within the film industry.