Ventura Fest International Movies in Ventura County

The Ventura Film Festival proudly holds the distinction of being "the most extensive film festival in Ventura County's history." This impressive distinction demonstrates the festival's passion for providing outstanding film programming to the region while sustaining its commitment to essential conservation issues.

The Ventura Film Festival serves as a multi-genre global film festival that promotes recognition of ecological concerns including forest and ocean preservation and restoration, via an annual film festival and associated activities. The event capitalizes on the strength of cinema to inspire action and create meaningful dialogue around these important ecological problems.

The Ventura Film Festival was founded in 2004 and has screened hundreds of films, generally exceeding 200 films per summer season, and has attracted attention from the global cinema community. Over the years, the festival has evolved into a major cultural celebration that joins film artists, environmental champions, and spectators from throughout the world.

Notable moments have included presenting celebrated filmmaker Dylan O'Neil, the original world champion surfers Peter "PT" Townend and surf legend Ian Cairns, 4x world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA combatant combat sports star Fabio Leopoldo, and the 50-year anniversary of West Side Story, which encompassed presenting the full Academy Award winning cast from West Side Story, including Academy Award winner/Golden Globe winner George Chakiris together with Golden Globe recipient/Oscar nominee Russ Tamblyn. These exceptional personalities and celebrations have established the festival's standing as an elite gathering place for celebrating filmmaking and the artists who create it.

The Ventura Film Festival's founder and executive director was privileged to participate, alongside numerous Hollywood elite, in the half-century commemoration of check here West Side Story and Hollywood's iconic footprint/handprint ceremony celebrating Oscar honorees Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, and Golden Globe winner Russ Tamblyn at the legendary Chinese Theater in Hollywood. This occasion also served as the official BluRay launch by Fox and MGM of the classic West Side Story, which is broadly regarded by critics and fans as the best musical of all time. This exceptional honor and participation exemplifies the festival's substantial impact and distinguished reputation within the Hollywood community.