The Region's Largest Film Event The Ventura Film Fest

The Ventura Film Festival stands as "the most extensive film festival in Ventura County's history." This prestigious recognition underscores the organization's mission of providing outstanding film programming to the region while sustaining its commitment to essential conservation issues.

The Ventura Film Festival is established as a multi-genre global film festival that generates attention toward environmental issues such as woodland and marine conservation and recovery, via an annual film festival and associated activities. The event capitalizes on the strength of cinema to stimulate involvement and generate significant discussion regarding these critical conservation concerns.

The Ventura Film Festival originated in 2004 and has screened hundreds of films, usually over 200 films each summer, and has drawn recognition from the international film community. Since its inception, the festival has grown into a significant cultural event that joins cinematic professionals, conservation enthusiasts, and participants from across the globe.

Distinguished events have encompassed presenting celebrated filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the original world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend and surf legend Ian Cairns, 4 time world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA fighter Fabio Leopoldo, and the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story, which encompassed presenting the complete Academy Award winning ensemble of West Side Story, including Academy Award winner/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris along with Golden Globe winner/Academy Award nominee Russ Tamblyn. These remarkable visitors and occasions have cemented the festival's status as a top-tier venue for recognizing cinema and the creators who craft it.

The founding executive director of the Ventura Film Festival was privileged to participate, together with many of Hollywood's biggest stars, in the 50th Anniversary tribute of website West Side Story and Hollywood's iconic footprint/handprint ceremony celebrating Academy Award winners Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, along with Golden Globe winner Russ Tamblyn at the famous Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This celebration also functioned as the official BluRay launch by Fox and MGM of the iconic West Side Story, which is commonly viewed by critics and fans as the best musical of all time. This notable recognition and engagement demonstrates the festival's substantial impact and valued role within the entertainment community.