The Ventura Festival Presenting Over 200 Films Annually
The Ventura Film Festival has earned recognition as "the grandest film festival ever to take place in Ventura County." This remarkable achievement reflects the event's devotion to delivering exceptional cinematic experiences to the area while sustaining its commitment to important environmental matters.The Ventura Film Festival functions as an open genre international film festival that promotes recognition of environmental matters like forest and ocean preservation and restoration, via a yearly film showcase and corresponding activities. The festival leverages the impact of filmmaking to inspire action and generate significant discussion regarding these important ecological problems.
The Ventura Film Festival originated in 2004 and has displayed hundreds of movies, usually over 200 films each summer, and has garnered interest from the global cinema community. Throughout its history, the event has transformed into a prominent cultural occasion that assembles cinematic professionals, conservation enthusiasts, and participants from diverse international locations.
Some of the highlights have been hosting award winning filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the initial world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend as well as Ian Cairns, 4x world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA combatant the celebrated Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50th Anniversary tribute to West Side Story, which featured welcoming the entire Academy Award winning cast of West Side Story, featuring Oscar winner/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris and legendary actor Golden Globe honoree/Academy Award nominee Russ Tamblyn. These extraordinary guests and events have cemented the festival's status as a premier destination for commemorating movies and the talents who make it.
The Ventura Film Festival's founder and executive director CALIFORNIA CINEMA FESTIVAL was honored to take part, along with several of Hollywood's premier talents, in the golden anniversary celebration of West Side Story and Hollywood's legendary footprint/handprint ceremony for Oscar honorees Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, and legendary actor Golden Globe award winner Russ Tamblyn at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This event also doubled as the official BluRay release by Fox and MGM of West Side Story, which is widely considered by critics and fans to be the most exceptional musical of all time. This exceptional honor and participation exemplifies the festival's considerable reach and respected position within the entertainment community.