2011 Ventura Film Festival Opening Night Red Carpet Event – Dinner & Movie with Academy Award winner George Chakiris, Saturday July 9 at the Ventura Beach Marriott.   West Side Story showing at 8 p.m. at the Majestic Ventura Theater. West Side Story is a 1961 musical film directed by Robert Wise  and Jerome Robbins. The film’s opening sequence was shot on the streets of  New York City, mainly in the area where the   Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts campus of Fordham University now stands. Veteran director Robert Wise was chosen as the director and producer because of his familiarity with urban New York dramas, such as  Odds Against Tomorrow.

The film was released on October 18, 1961, through United Artists. It received praise from critics and the public, and became the second highest grossing film of the year in the United States. The film won ten Academy Awards  in its eleven nominated categories, including Best Picture, as well as a special award for Robbins. West Side Story holds the distinction of having won more Academy Award than any other musical film. The soundtrack album made more money than any other album before it.

Ventura Film Festival

The subject of Inside Job is the global financial crisis of 2008. It features research and extensive interviews with financiers, politicians, journalists, and academics. The film follows a narrative that is split into five parts.

The film focuses on changes in the financial industry in the decade leading up to the crisis, the political movement toward deregulation, and how the development of complex trading such as the derivatives market allowed for large increases in risk taking that circumvented older regulations that were intended to control systemic risk. In describing the crisis as it unfolded, the film also looks at conflicts of interest in the financial sector, many of which it suggests are not properly disclosed. The film suggests that these conflicts of interest affected credit rating agencies as well as academics who receive funding as consultants but do not disclose this information in their academic writing, and that these conflicts played a role in obscuring and exacerbating the crisis.

A major theme is the pressure from the financial industry on the political process to avoid regulation, and the ways that it is exerted. One conflict discussed is the prevalence of the revolving door, whereby financial regulators can be hired within the financial sector upon leaving government and make millions.

Ventura Film Festival

Leroy Lowe (Tom Sizemore), grand dragon of the Texas Ku Klux Klan confronts everything he’s been taught to hate when sentenced to a prison work farm, where Warden Merville (Stacy Keach), intent on rehabilitating the hardened racist, chooses Emilio (Hector Jimenez), a Hispanic field worker to be his cellmate.  With time, Leroy finds the chatty Emilio chipping away at his anger and prejudice.  His weekly meetings with the warden also take on a different meaning when Madalena (Olga Segura), a beautiful Mexican maid is hired to clean the warden’s office. An unconventional love story develops that opens Leroy’s eyes to the possibility of a different life.

CAST

Tom Sizemore – Leroy Lowe
Stacy Keach – Warden Merville
Kevin Farley – Bubba
Hector Jimenez – Emilio
Olga Segura – Madalena

Stacy Keach plays Warden Merville in White Knight which makes its Ventura County premiere at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival on Friday, July 8, 2011 at the Century 10 Downtown Theaters.

CREW

Directed by
Jesse Baget

Writers
  Jesse BagetJesse Baget  Written by
  Stefania MoscatoStefania Moscato  Written by
Producers
Jesse Baget  … producer
Jose Daniel Bort  … producer
Andrea Bottigliero  … producer
Karuna Eberl  … producer
Sean Gowrie  … executive producer
Ryan R. Johnson  … producer
Andrea Monier  … producer

Original Music
Jim Lang

Cinematographers
Bill Otto

Editors
Jesse Baget

Production Designers
Elvis Strange

Set Decorators
Stefania Moscato

Costume Designers
Belen Ricoy

Make Up Department
Candace Christen  … makeup department head
Beth Mamula  … makeup artist
Dana Lee Smith  … makeup artist
Alexandria Storm  … makeup artist

Production Managers
Jason Salzman  … production supervisor

Second Unit Directors or Assistant Directors
Kelly Hirano  … first assistant director
Nick Sammons  … second assistant director

Art Department
Sarah Bess  … scenic artist
Lance Lindahl  … set dresser

Sound Department
Gary Day  … sound mixer
Yagmur Kaplan  … sound re-recording mixer
Damien Monier  … boom operator
Sasha Saenz-Basaldua  … foley artist
Gregg Teutonico  … foley recordist

Stunts
Sarah Brown  … stunt coordinator

Camera and Electrical Department
Ryley Fogg  … digital imaging technician
Oscar Garcia  … key grip
Tiffany Henderson  … second assistant camera
Dali Nenadov  … key grip
Jeremy Osbern  … gaffer
Dyron Pacheco  … key grip
Sérgio  … grip
Michael Stoecker  … best boy electric
James M. Wykoff  … first assistant camera

Costume and Wardrobe Department
Irene González  … set costumer
Deanna Soria  … set costumer

Music Department
Sean Fernald  … music supervisor

Ventura Film Festival

A T.S. Eliot Poem inspires a film about water and the ocean that is told by worlds legendary pioneer surfers.

‘ At the still point of the turning world …. Where past and future are gathered …. Neither movement from nor towards …. Except for the point, the still point, There would be no dance, and there is only the dance. ’

The images from these words bring us to a place where there is everything and nothing, an image found in eastern thought and a concept found in quantum physics. Surf is a metaphor. We hear about all life being made of waves, from the waves on our planet to the waves of light. Wave and Particle theory deals with mater on a sub atomic level, but being in the ocean is the only place we can tangibly feel a wave like motion. Is that why it feel good in the water? Does time change in the ocean, can one become water, what is mana, why does it feel good to jump in the ocean, is all life made of waves. Does it offer a rite of passage? Is all life made of waves? How does science fit in? Where is the art form, what is the dance? Is the ocean alive, does it have a consciousness? If we believed it, we might be more respectful of it. The curl of the wave is a Fibonacci spiral, the golden ratio, a mathematical form found everywhere in nature from the shape of the galaxy, to patterns in plants, to the double-helix spiral of our own DNA. What we learn from the ocean must surely apply to all of nature: plants, animals, people. Being in tune with life, understanding the concept of nothingness, having respect having respect for everything, will in the end lead us down the path of seeing all things in a simpler way. A film about waves, surf and the connection of all things.

Ventura Film Festival

The worlds first full-length feature film shot entirely on the new HD iPhone4! RIDESHARE is an experimental, independent, micro-budget, full-length feature comedy about three, down and out, complete strangers who answer an internet add to drive a car from Los Angeles to Washington, DC. As these unlikely companions bumble their way across the US, they record their epic adventure using iPhones. In the end, because of their unexpected, newly found friendships, each finds a new lease on life and our heroes live happily ever after.

Ventura Film Festival

Born and raised in Ventura, California. Jim Martin possesses a unique blend of skills incorporating home building, structural and architectural design, and photography. Mechanically inclined from an early age Jim left high school in 1986 to work for his father, a long time and skilled builder. Jim rapidly mastered the art of custom home building and found his services in high demand throughout the County of Ventura and beyond. In 2002, after 16 years in the construction industry, he hung up his bags and founded JMC & Design. The company specializes in architectural design, drafting and photography. Surfing since an early age, he has grown to love and cherish the ocean, with the beauty and power it has to offer.
Jim’s photography is displayed in many homes throughout the City of Ventura and his love for his family, the City of Ventura and surfing is reflected throughout his portfolio

Ventura Film Festival

A street musician reunites with the love of his life; two drunken men have long drinks and seafood for breakfast; a man cooks, cooks and cooks again for a woman who never shows up; two men love each other, but have to hide it; a cook dreams of becoming a singer ; a young woman wants what a man is not willing to give her, while a waiter is dying for her; a heartbroken Macedonian is lost in Santiago; an elderly couple, who’ve already said everything to each other, have breakfast, lunch and dinner in complete silence. All these stories are weaved together.

In18 MEALS during a single day; a film of emotions set around a table, a journey paved with feelings about the most universal struggle: the search for happiness. Six stories, twenty-four characters, a fictional day. “18 meals” is that and much more. Several paths meet during breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a diffuse border between laughter and tears. Just like real life.

Food is the common denominator in the seemingly unconnected stories that make up this romantic comedy set in Santiago de Compostela.

Ventura Film Festival

The first in a five part film series spanning the length of the globe. Way of the Ocean: Australia, explores the connection between man and sea through a visual feast of poetic motion. The world’s largest island provides a breathtaking backdrop to some of the best surfing found on the planet. Since it was first introduced in the early 1900′s, surfing in Australia has become a mainstream pursuit and for this country devoted to the ocean lifestyle, it is more than a way of life. From the tropical paradise of the Great Barrier Reef down through the frigid Southern Ocean and up to the arid desert of the west, the film captures an intimate portrait of this unique land. Vibrant super 16mm and High Definition cameras bring to life the stunning visuals, set to a heart thumping original score. Welcome to the odyssey of your life. Welcome to Australia.

Ventura Film Festival

Henry Huge has made a financial investment that threatens his future. Engaged to Heidi, his boss’s daughter, and in line to become partners in the law firm. He stands to lose everything if he can’t resolve his situation. As desperate times call for desperate measures Henry decides to sell the family ranch, but first he has to confront and evict his father, who he hasn’t spoken to in over five years.Henry engages the services of a corrupt Public Notary, Benjamin, to try and coerce Werni to sign over the rights to the ranch. But the man they thought weak and feeble turns out to be stronger than both of them.  Werni thick with Swiss traditions is still fighting fit and not ready to be put into a nursing home. Hiding his own personal secret Werni stands his ground with an almost senile determination.

Losing a deciding schwing match the duo, as a last resort, decide to poison Werni. But realizing his father was still important to him Henry backs out. Benjamin, himself in deep financial trouble with the wrong guys is forced to try one last, and violent, attempt at persuading Henry to finish the job. But Henry, realizing that he stands to lose everything, follows in his fathers determined footsteps to fight for what he now knows is the right thing to do.

All the while an ex girlfriend, Rebbecca, and Henry’s new fiancé tangle with emotions, memories and each other adding to Henry’s anxiety and confusion.

Ventura Film Festival

Hawaiian William (Willie K) is a former musician and now successful employment agent whose own career is jeopardized when, over the course of one week, he repeatedly fails to find work for Merton (Eric Gilliom), a lovable local boy who surfs everyday in a spot where there are no waves. William’s problems are compounded tenfold by his longtime bridal shop girlfriend, Laura (Carolyn Omine), who wants desperately to be married and chooses this particular week to achieve her goal at all costs. At week’s end, William finds himself jobless, homeless, careless, girlfriendless… but more resolved than ever to make the tough choices needed to find lasting joy, love and fullfillment.

Ventura Film Festival

A Good Man follows acclaimed director/choreographer Bill T. Jones (Last Supper at Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Still/Here, FELA!) as he and his company create their most ambitious work, an original dance-theater piece in honor of Abraham Lincoln’s Bicentennial. Through two tumultuous years, we witness raw moments of frustration as Jones struggles to communicate his vision to his dancers and collaborators, as well as moments of great exhilaration when movement transcends the limitation of words. Jones and his company come face to face with America’s unresolved contradictions about race, equality and the legacy of our 16th President. Initially an indictment of The Great Emancipator, the work evolves into a triumph of hope for our struggling democracy, with Jones revealing that Lincoln was “the only white man I was allowed to love unconditionally.” Premiering on the heels of Jones’s Tony Award for FELA! and 2010 Kennedy Center Honor, A Good Man is a window into the creative process and, indeed, the creative crisis of one of our nation’s most enduring, provocative artists as he explores what it means to be a good man, to be a free man, to be a citizen.

A Good Man is a co-production of Kartemquin Films, AMERICAN MASTERS, Independent Television Service (ITVS) and Media Process Group, in association with Ravinia Festival.

Ventura Film Festival

Inés travels to India to visit her friend Ámár, who has been living in a mental institution for years. Inés remembers the last days they spent together and her promise to return.   Inés travels to India to visit her friend Ámár, who has been living in a mental institution for years. Inés remembers the last days they spent together and her promise to return.

Ventura Film Festival

Our story smashes head-on into the life of Dean “Rebel” Rebellio, a gambler whose golden-dice-earring-wearing pa taught him the card-playing ropes right outta the womb. Younger brother Evan can play the game, too – and read the tell off a frozen elephant! Alas, they’ve been on their own ever since their parents were killed by two (separate but eerily similar) speeding truck accidents…

Enter Jenna, a gorgeous hairdressing angel, who straight outta beauty school started a hair salon for the homeless, where a hot bowl of soup and a new hairdo were always just a knock-knock away… but when back taxes threaten to shut her down, it’s Rebel’s job to save the day – by entering the Greater Hemet Open, a local card tourney whose winner takes home a cool $50,000. But while attempting to scratch together the entry fee, Rebel drops a $10K I.O.U. to a nasty Russian quadriplegic.

Now, with the salon deadline less than 24 hours away and the Russian hot on their tails, the Rebellio brothers enlist the help of their good-natured (but hopelessly inept) friends to pull off a daring truck heist, a massive makeover and the biggest con job of their lives – but what about “the Wheel?” And the female Vietnamese butt-kicking duo? And has anyone seen Dushki’s pig? Sounds like Rebel’s got another long shot on his hands… which basically means: place your bets on a final, uproarious, wham, bam, pass-the-detergent finale! And yes, I’m talking about vomit. Lots of it.

Ventura Film Festival

Butterfly Crush is a modern love story, set against the backdrop of the music industry, where the villians are a cult, into astrology and virtual dreaming, who peddle their wares online. The song and dance duo, Butterfly Crush, are up for the Australasion Song Awards, but their chance is jeopardised when Eva gets involved with the Kings Cross cult, the Dreamguides. Moana must rescue her and risk seduction by a young cult member, Matt.

Rated M for mature audiences.

Ventura Film Festival

Daisy Cutter tells the story of a ten years old girl, Zaira, who (like many others) experiences the injustice of war, with the perspective that her tender and naive eyes allow her. Zaira gathers daisies every day for a friend that she misses; so as not to forget him, so as not to lose him.

Ventura Film Festival

Battle of the Bagpipes // PRELUDE from Battle of the Bagpipes on Vimeo

What is the world’s most difficult musical instrument?
 The Harp?
 French Horn? 
Bassoon?
Actually, it’s the Bagpipe and it’s experiencing a furious revival around the world.

In 2009 over 8000 pipers and drummers converged on the Glasgow Green in Scotland to compete for the ‘Spike’, the world’s most coveted prize in pipe band competition. The band with the most at stake, having won the previous year, was the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band. The SFU band is one of only three bands outside the United Kingdom to have won the world championship prize.

The Battle of the Bagpipes: A Journey to the World Pipe Band Championship is an one hour documentary capturing the Simon Fraser University and Robert Malcolm Memorial Pipe Bands’ 2009 trip to compete in the World Pipe Band Championship. During this lively journey we witness the passionate story of two brothers, Jack and Terry Lee who helm not only the largest piping family in the world but also the most successful pipe band in recent years.

Ventura Film Festival

From the darkness of the lost cliffs, a crazy painter, marked by his past, and his faithful assistant try to find a solution against perpetual storms. Sea is destroying their home. A magic boiler and some tormented ghosts will help them to find the light.

Ventura Film Festival

Black & White in Colors has an independent spirit of interesting and original storytelling that pushes the limits of style and narrative with its interesting points of view. Black & White in Colors is a visual experience, of colors and sound. Two years of production, three years of post-production, and many people were involved in this extreme experimental movie.Two men and a woman (Leo, Kito and Elena) are in love with each other and they encounter all possible problems. Shortly, it is understood that something is wrong, and the twist is revealed when the main character releases his best friend.

Two worlds: the reality is a dirty, Black and White World and the Dream World is in a charming, smooth, colorful picture. The characters, Leo & Kito, are living in the present time, in a poor country, where people are confused about their dreams and consumerism.

Their confusion is an extreme cynicism, which they are ready to kill for. Leo cannot kill for such things. He doesn’t like these people. His dreams are of this same country and people, but in the past. The dreams reveal when this big, gray city was once a small colorful village. This was a time when people didn’t fight each other on a daily basis, but welcomed each other at every encounter.

Chickens weren’t eaten every day, but were free to roam around. Leo dreams of this past in powerful, bright colors. He dreams of small towns, instead of the big over-populated cities. Suddenly, the dream world enters in the reality. He dreams with his eyes open, with his altered ego, but his subconscious tries to take over. There is a fight inside Leo. Leo and Kito are best friends but they have a relationship with the same girl, Elena. Elena is in love with someone else, Rodrigo. Who is the mysterious Rodrigo? Will Leo be able to find his final dreams?

Ventura Film Festival

LAB RATS was completed March 2011 as a collaboration between screenwriter Louis Rosenberg, director   Sam Washington, and producer  Amy Salk Robertson.  Lab Rats is a surreal sci-fi comedy that pits students against professors in a wild experiment about the meaning of love.

Ventura Film Festival

SAINT VITUS DANCE, is about a girl on her way to a Broadway dance audition in New York City by Marianne Hettinger.

Ventura Film Festival

An Animated Short from Brazil: Este curta é…uma animação em stop motion que retrata de forma ficcional a aventura de um marujo solitário que navega através de oceanos tumultuados, por tempestades, em busca do reencontro com sua amada. Segue uma rotina rígida de afazeres até que mudanças inesperadas em sua rota alteram seu destino.

Ventura Film Festival

Kamal (Abdalla El Akal) is a nine-year old Arab boy who lives in Jerusalem with his grandfather, mother, and sisters. His family is poor, and so everyday he goes to the Old City and tries to sell postcards: “3 for $1!” His attempts are thwarted by bullies, and he is constantly discouraged by his strict grandfather, making him extremely desperate for money.

David (Yoni Rosenzweig) is a nine- year old Jewish boy who lives in America with his divorced mother. He is in Jerusalem to visit his father, whom he hasn’t seen in years. They have a difficult time understanding each other; David is hurt that his father is too busy with work to spend time with him, and his father doesn’t understand why David is so shy and obsessed with his coin collection.

One day, in the Old City David is spotted and subsequently followed by Kamal, who thinks that he is carrying a large amount of money. Kamal steals David’s pouch, resulting in a chase in which Kamal escapes. David is brokenhearted, lost, and alone and runs into the same bullies that have been targeting Kamal. Ironically, Kamal rescues him, and another chase begins. Rooftop chases, secret passageways, and police cars and soldiers bring action to David and Kamal’s adventure of a lifetime. Together, they must learn the true meanings of friendship, trust, and sacrifice in order to conquer whatever awaits them around the next corner.

Ventura Film Festival

This movie looks at three beautiful islands, shaken by climate change: Tuvalu in the South Pacific, Venice in Italy, and Shishmaref in Alaska. The islands all have different climates and cultures, but the people all love their native lands. The film, which took three years to shoot, focuses on their daily lives. It portrays festivals that foster ties among the people, traditional crafts which have been passed on for generations, and peaceful lives by the water. They are all disappearing by climate change. When these people lose their homelands, their cultures and histories face death. Their lives in the midst of all the changes suggest where our future leads.

Director, Kana Tomoko purposely decided not to put any narration or music in this film. It is a two-hour trip around the world, listening to the sounds of waters and winds, accompanied by the children’s smiles. She wants you to sharpen your minds and feel what we are going to lose as climate change really (threatens) hits our planet.

Ventura Film Festival

Destination Orcas is a sixteen day skateboard adventure from Santa Barbara , California to Orcas Island, Washington.  Four of the most infamous skateboarders in Santa Barbara hop in a rental van and explore the US West Coast.

Ventura Film Festival

Tuna fish spend months hibernating after the active feeding season in the Cantabrian Sea. Each year these seasons are filmed in rings, leaving opaque areas due to the lack of food.

The director of this animated short, ANGEL ALDARONDO. San Sebastian, 1975 explains that – as happened to the leading character in Perfume, he was born among fish, for this reason he didn’t try fish until he was 16. First son and now audiovisual one-man-band, he has unconsciously dedicate himself to emulating Homer J. Simpson in his tenacity for collecting jobs, without staying in any of them. His partner and friend in spite of everything Koldo Almandoz is largely guilty for accentuating his incipient work related schizophrenia. At 35 he has discovered that carrying out so many different tasks can cause physical and mental side effects. In spite of this, he says that he is dealing with it all well.

Ventura Film Festival

Bringing King to China is the story of a young American teacher in Beijing, whose failed protests against the Iraq war inspire her to produce a play in Chinese (Passages of Martin Luther King) about Martin Luther King, Jr. Her journey begins after she learns (mistakenly) that her father, an ABC journalist covering the war, has been killed by a suicide bomber.

Bringing King to China documents a cross-cultural dialogue about the current relevance of Dr. King’s philosophy of peace and non-violence. The feature-length documentary conveys the lead character’s “dream to build a bridge between the societies by talking about peaceful struggle and universal rights” (The New York Times). It chronicles her twelve-month struggle to interpret and adapt King’s message for Chinese society, preserve the historical accuracy of the U.S. civil rights movement, clear bureaucratic hurdles before opening night and raise funds to pay the theater company. Powerful and intimate, the film takes American viewers backstage at the National Theatre of China, as Chinese actors rehearse with African-American gospel singers.

Ventura Film Festival

Homemaker APRIL is interrupted from her kitchen window daydream of a sunny meadow by her husband, JEREMY. He blames April for the previous night’s violence (seen in flashback) – and then grows incensed when eggs on the stove begin to burn. He storms off to his job at the bank.

While April is telemarketing, Jeremy calls: he has spilled coffee on his shirt and needs her to bring him a clean one. April frantically irons a shirt when suddenly the TV news announces there has been an explosion, leveling Jeremy’s bank. Stunned, April moves to the sink and removes her wedding ring while dreaming of the meadow. What everyone else views as a tragedy brings her blessed release.  Moments later April screens a voice message from her unharmed husband, which punctures her brief state of euphoria. Having tasted freedom, she can no longer return to her old life and must find a way to save herself. She throws on her coat, grabs the ironed shirt to bring to Jeremy and leaves. But she never makes it to him.

That night, Detective Morrison informs Jeremy that April’s car has been located – but not April.  Many people perished in the bank explosion and finding Jeremy’s shirt still on its hanger, police determine April went into the bank to find him and lost her life. Or did she?

Ventura Film Festival

With My Own Two Wheels Trailer from Jacob SB on Vimeo.

For many in America, the bicycle commute is a lifestyle choice. For countless others across the globe, each pedal stroke is progress out of poverty, toward an education, and over the mountains of social and cultural discrimination. With My Own Two Wheels links together the stories of five such individuals in a feature length film about the power of the bicycle to change the world…one pedal stroke at a time.

Ventura Film Festival

FIBERGLASS AND MEGAPIXELS • EXTENDED TRAILER 2011 from Sandy Beach Productions on Vimeo.

Swarms of Photographers arrive in Hawaii every winter to focus there cameras on the best surfers in the world as they push the limits of wave riding. FIBERGLASS AND MEGAPIXELS shines the light on Hawaii’s north shore winter surfing scene and exposes the true beauty within the over crowded image gathering free for all.

The surfing industry relies on these inspiring pictures from Hawaii to sell the surfing image to the masses. But before that surfing image can capture the attention of the purchasing public it first must be captured in the camera. FIBERGLASS AND MEGAPIXELS focuses on a classic group of professional surfers, photographers and cinematographers who share their perspective on what it takes and what it means to get that epic shot and live a life completly based around surfing.

Ventura Film Festival

The Escape - movie trailer from Paul Merryman on Vimeo.

Deep within the bowels of one of england’s darkest prisons, jasper is one of the lowliest prison workers. He cleans up the bodies of the fever deaths and ties the nooses that hang men by the neck until dead. While prepping a dead prisoner for burial, jasper learns that his estranged son, william, has been imprisoned and condemned to death by way of hanging.

Still blaming his son for his wife’s death during childbirth, jasper refuses to help william. However, upon realizing that this resentment of william has long been misplaced, jasper forms an elaborate plan to help his son escape execution…

Ventura Film Festival

Ayano, an energetic teenager, is abducted on her walk to school by a mysterious stranger disguised in a school uniform. Awaking in a locked basement, her kidnapper will not utter a word to her, and begins starving her to death. While this ordeal is taking place, her distraught family are discovering that their daughter’s kidnapping is the result of her mother’s mysterious past, and that Ayano’s kidnapper has spent her entire existence studying how to make her family suffer.

Ventura Film Festival

Life is looking good for 20-something Dade Williams. He drives a Porsche, is co-owner of a successful business, got money in the bank, and is dating a new girl, Heidi, who he really likes. Then just two months into the relationship, Heidi says those two words that change everything, ‘I’m pregnant’. Dade decides to accept his responsibility, and together with Heidi, they make plans to have the baby and get married. Dade trades in his sports car for a family-friendly SUV and his bachelor pad for a two-bedroom apartment and Heidi begins prenatal care.  All seems under control. Then at a party, a slip of the tongue makes Dade begin to question whether he really is the father of Heidi’s baby.  At work, Dade sees the company’s bank account drain thanks to his business partners questionable purchases while a new, inexperienced hire seems determined to undermine Dade’s authority and credibility.  And at home, Heidi’s pregnancy forces her to reveal secrets about herself– past abortions, suicide attempts, prescription drugs–secrets that may have dire consequences for the baby she’s carrying. Slowly, Dade sees his professional and personal life start to spiral out of control; success and love are not be what he thought they were. Nothing is what it should be. With nowhere to turn, Dade confides in the only two people he can trust, his mom and a colorful friend, to help him. Their advice leads to angry confrontations and harsh ultimatums that lead to unexpected consequences and surprising redemptions

Ventura Film Festival

Mother: Caring for 7 Billion sheds light on the ever controversial issue of population by connecting the dots between population growth and humanities most pressing social and environmental problems. This film brings back this critical issue into the public arena after being pushed into the shadows by converging societal forces.  In the film Beth, a theater professor, children rights activist and mother, helps the audience navigate through the meander of the population issue and its barriers using her theater class as a social laboratory.

Ventura Film Festival

Ayako and Keisuke shared a prohibited love as teacher and student fourteen years ago. Separately, they have constructed new lives until a chance meeting forces them back together. When Ayako chooses to meet with Keisuke to blame him for their past in attempt understand her hidden desire for him, their violent passion for each other returns with a vengeance.

This is a breathtaking, heart stopping journey of an original love story which will evoke the senses.    The Knot delicately taps into the deep philological meaning of male and female relationships and vividly expresses the result. Man and Wife, Love and Nature, Life as it exists now and as it did then are some of the various knots which shape this film. This film deals with the motif of a teacher and student’s forbidden love and adulterants’ corrupt immorality while basing its foundation on praising the strength, power and beauty of a woman’s heart. The Knot is a high suspense, bittersweet love story for an adult audience.  Japanese with English subtitles.

Ventura Film Festival

Between Floors examines the human condition through a uniquely claustrophobic lens, inter-cutting between five stuck elevators and the people trapped inside them. Each elevator becomes an existential purgatory, forcing its occupants to not only confront their isolation, but themselves and each other in varied and unexpected ways.

Taking place entirely in five elevators, Between Floors is as unusual as it is arresting, blurring lines of genre, tone and form while its characters are stripped bare – trapped, alone, waiting – and we get to watch what happens.

Ventura Film Festival

A kinetic love story on wheels. Set in a world where love exists as forward momentum,SK8RZcarry each other over precarious obstacles until they crash in bitter disagreement. Two sk8rz try to ride away from the damage of their past, but some injuries are too deep, and they must find a new way to be together.

Ventura Film Festival

Cast Me If You Can (Wakiyaku Monogatari)

Forever supporting actor Hiroshi’s (Toru Masuoka) real life seems to mimic his minor acting career. When he walks out on the street he is often mistaken for a shop clerk, staff member, security guard or even a kidnapper. At home, his famous play-writer father Kenta Matsuzaki (Masahiko Tsugawa) treats him like an idiot.

One day, Hiroshi’s life turns upside down when he meets the woman of his dreams, aspiring actress Aya (Hiromi Nagasaku). While attempting to court Aya, Hiroshi also tries to play the lead in his own life.

Ventura Film Festival

“A Handmade Life” is a documentary about Rick Mecagni who in his search to ‘build’ his freedom tells a tale of adventure and challenge on the local level.  In a lesson for the global ‘us,’ Rick creates a grand domicile of found and recycled materials teaching lessons of fiscal responsibility and thrift. Mr. Mecagni shows beauty is created and literally formed ‘from earth’ in this story of very common human trials overcome producing extraordinary results in the Southern California backdrop of Ventura County.

Ventura Film Festival

As Mes finds himself at a personal bottom in New Orleans, he finds those around him actually take pride in the low standards he feels he’s fallen into: dumpster diving for food, squatting in abandoned homes, and totally lacking in personal hygiene. Cure For The Crash journals the existence of those riding the rails today. It is a dangerous, thrilling and evocative examination of the underground lifestyle of train hopping hobo’s, tramps, gutter punks and travelers who amass a grand circle of American gypsies. Mes comes to realize the freedoms obtained by lowering your standards of living. The first person he meets here in New Orleans is musician named Kotton. Kotton leads him to the edge of the city, where tramps and gypsies play music for each other. Mes is thoroughly intrigued by the content and happiness within this band of outsiders. He sees each traveler in a romance with their own freedom. Mes soon begins to shadow a tramp named Ruin, while he becomes close with an other traveler named Sepher. Despite the crust Ruin carries, he finds himself drawn to the way she carries herself and the pride she exudes. With absolutely nowhere else to go… he starts squatting with these hobo’s. His infatuation with Ruin leads to the start of a romance. But soon after their first kiss, Ruin has a change of heart and rekindles her passion with her old boyfriend, Kotton. The rejection fuels the addictions that brought him to his bottom, this while the city itself is not safe in her own waters, as a massive storm approaches. Ruin & Sepher decide to hop a train out of town. Kotton chooses stay behind and guard the squat. While Mes finds the evacuation of the city not only an opportunity to hop some trains for the first time, but to chase after Ruin as well. Along this picture within the art of freight train hopping are endless landscapes and wild scenery within the United States. The many interviews of contemporary train hoppers are acquired along the way while Ruin makes it clear, that her priority is to reconnect with Kotton. Through out the picture the winds of travel are between them as she continues to hop freight trains to find him. And after completely circling the country and returning to the aftermath in New Orleans, Ruin & Kotton reconnect. But under what terms ? At what point do you sacrifice your individual freedom, to pursue the life of an other? How far will you go for a friend, or family?

Ventura Film Festival

In a world plagued by stolen elections, secret government agendas, and a renewed interest in the exploitation of African natural resources, what value does democracy offer, particularly in the tumultuous region of West Africa? For Ghana, a nation that has been Africa’s barometer of political stability, democracy may mean the difference between peace and prosperity—and murderous chaos under military coup. An African Election is a remarkable documentary that grants viewers unprecedented access to the anatomy of Ghana’s 2008 presidential elections. Capturing the intrigue of electioneering, the intensity of the vote-counting process, and the mood of the countrymen whose fate lies precariously in the balance, director Jarreth Merz’s coverage unfolds with all the tension of a political thriller, revealing the emotions, passions, and ethical decisions that both threaten—and maintain—the integrity of the democratic process. An African Election illuminates a beacon of hope for Africa and for the value and vitality of democracy today.

Ventura Film Festival

A somewhat dark and Gothic music video utilizing hand drawn art and some minimal animation to visually express the lyrics of the song.

The backgrounds are almost all black and white and drawn by hand. Some additional photographic material was used and animated in the computer. Live action was then shot of the song being performed. This footage was loaded into photoshop and converted to different types of line art and then imported back into the video.

The music, while slow, is a mix of hard rock and metal but with heavily processed and almost industrial vocals adding to the dark feel of the video.

Ventura Film Festival

This is a compelling story of 560 unionized Dorax miners in the desert town of Boron, California, who faced off against Rio Tinto, a British-Australian multi-billion dollar global corporation, the 3rd largest mining company in the world. Boron is a close knit community where workers have lived stable middle class lives for many generations. Rio Tinto locked them out of work on January 31st, 2010 and replaced them with scabs. Who will win this David and Goliath struggle?

Ventura Film Festival

In the documentary Erasing ED, five brave and determined people tell their stories of how they managed to erase their eating disorders from their lives.  Matt, Hana, Marta, Robyn, and Kristi expose the ugly and vicious aspects of ED that permeated their lives for years. They explore their recoveries from ED and the specific therapeutic tools they have used to create a life free from pain and isolation.

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A animated music video utilizing the surreal paintings of artist Ora Tamir combined with minor use of live action and digital effects. Music and lyrics by Barbara Moseley. Performed by Anti-M.

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Ocean Monk chronicles the inner and outer search of a group of monks who make their home in New York City. Students of the late Indian teacher, Sri Chinmoy who lived in Queens for over 40 years, this band of friends discovered the beauty and power of the nearby surfing beaches and incorporated their love for the ocean into their search for enlightenment.

Ocean Monk explores the ideals which drive their life as well as the pounding winter surf which sustains them. The film includes appearances by Kelly Slater, Jack Johnson, Titus Kinimaka and Sri Chinmoy.

Music featured in the film is by Sigur Ros, Wixel, Parichayaka Hammerl and Mark Swiderski.

Ventura Film Festival

Pablo Escobar was the richest, most powerful drug kingpin in the world, ruling the Medelli n Cartel with an iron fist. Andres Escobar was the biggest soccer star in Colombia. The two were not related, but their fates were inextricably – and fatally – intertwined. Pablo’s drug money had turned Andres’ national team into South American champions, favored to win the 1994 World Cup in Los Angeles. It was there, in a game against the U.S., that Andres committed one of the most shocking mistakes in soccer history, scoring an “own goal” that eliminated his team from the competition and ultimately cost him his life.

THE TWO ESCOBARS is a riveting examination of the intersection of sports, crime, and politics. For Colombians, soccer was far more than a game: their entire national identity rode on the success or failure of their team. Jeff and Michael Zimbalist’s fast and furious documentary plays out on an ever-expanding canvas, painting a fascinating portrait of Pablo, Andres, and a country in the grips of a violent, escalating civil war.

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18 years of growing up in a house where violence was a daily routine finally became too much for Marshall Dunn, and his rage took over. Now at age 24, after spending his entire adult life in prison, Marshall is granted a three-month test release. To earn his freedom, he must convince Miss Vanderheyden, the administrator of a small half-way house, that he is no longer a danger to society.

Trudging along the road to recovery, Marshall’s life intertwines with Jesse, a 17 year old car thief, Amber, a 22 year old “prom queen” who cuts herself, Miriam, an alcoholic/agoraphobic single mother, and Simon, Marshall’s 27 year old bunk mate with the mind of a 7 year old. Guided by Miss Vanderheyden, their mother figure and warden, this house full of misfits help each other through the hardest challenges they have ever faced.

While Marshall is pushed into situations designed to provoke his anger and force him to control his violent eruptions, he falls for a self-destructive poetess with an abusive boyfriend, making self-control almost impossible. Finally, forced to confront his demons instead of hiding from them, Marshall must make peace with his past…or continue his life behind bars.

Ventura Film Festival

The opening sequence in filmmaker Meredith Markworth-Pollack’s new short “Not Fade Away” features an introspective pre-teen roller skating alone along Ventura’s sun-drenched beachfront, a calm ocean shimmering in the background.  Markworth-Pollack, who grew up in Ventura, said the town’s diverse surroundings, varied architecture and great light made it an ideal set location. Seaward Avenue, the pool at the Vagabond Inn, Skating Plus and the cross high atop Grant Park all are prominently displayed in the 12-minute short, captured entirely in and around Ventura, using local youth actors, many in their first movie.  “It (Ventura) really is the biggest character in the film,” explained producer Gina Correll Aglietti.  Music for the film was created by two other local musicians who grew up in Ventura – Nico Aglietti and Aaron Older.

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In the film “Moment of Truth: The Andy Meyers Story, Andy Meyers, the subject of the film, decides that he wants to end his life in front of a camera for the whole world to witness. Depression and an array of other ailments related to his Diabetes, have driven him to the edge and have contributed to his desire to commit suicide. Like his idol Bud Dwyer, who killed himself during a press conference in front of television cameras and gained much notoriety for his televised suicide, Andy feels this is his only chance ‘to be somebody’. As a result, Andy recruits his counselor turned filmmaker to document his suicide and the events of his last day on earth. Andy’s final moments consist of walking his dog, a visit to the Jersey Shore, a Chinese take-out dinner, and an intimate interaction with a prostitute. However, things take an unexpected turn when the hired film crew, who after getting to know Andy, decide that they cannot be involved with Andy killing himself. The crew quits the film production, leaving the director and producer/investor in a major bind. Can they finish the film without the crew? Does Andy Meyers kill himself in the end?

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A portrayal of Ferenc Puskas, the kid from Kispest who became the brightest star in the footballing galaxy. He created a legend in his youth as captain of the famous Golden Team but adoration turned to persecution when he fled his homeland in 1956. He went on to travel the world with his soccer skills and achieved almost all that can be achieved on a football pitch. He was adored by Real Madrid supporters and played for the Spanish national squad after making Spain his second home. His career as a player lasted an amazing 20 years and after leading the sport on the field, he moved to the bench from where he coached players all the way to the European Cup Finals. He is still greatly admired in Hungary, Spain, Greece, Australia and across the globe. Puskas spent his life bringing people together from all walks of life as he took on new cultures and learned new languages but always remained a true Hungarian at heart.

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Next Door to the Velinskys Trailer from Chloe Traicos on Vimeo.

The story is about a young man James Marshall who one night is called to a strip club by an old friend, Matthew Kai, a Korean man. Once at the club James finds himself face to face with one of the strippers who he recognizes as Ruby his childhood friend who mysteriously ran away years ago. Ruby however does not seem to remember James, Matthew or anything from her past – except for the Velinsky’s-the family she had lived next door to as a child. Yet has she really forgotten? Or is her lack of memory her only way of survival? James is determined to find out.A psychological thriller about a young man James Marshall who meets up with his childhood friend Ruby Taylor – a girl who is crazy and deluded having lost her memory in a car accident. James has to help Ruby remember who she is as well as forcing her to face the traumatic dark secrets of her past that she has tried so long to forget.

Ventura Film Festival

The Hidden Coast is a visual journey through the spectacular Naples coastline North of Santa Barbara, CA. Two experts are interviewed as to why this is such a special section of our coast and what is at stake on land and in the offshore reef. Beautiful footage from land and sea is interspersed with an etheric, experimental soundtrack designed to complement the stunning images

Ventura Film Festival

The film is unique in the aspect that it was entirely made by one person, from preproduction, production, to post production. It opened up a new genre, the “solo cinema.”  The movie also introduces new experimental editing techniques such as sequence scrambling which includes speed variation, overlapping, shuffling and reversing, multi-take mixing, still-photo insertion, multi-subscreen art, contrast/tint animation, and so on.  While tangentially following the line of traditional storytelling, the film deviates from it for the sake of the “gospel cinema.”

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Filled with a cast of eccentric characters, each pursuing dreams and missions of their own making, Lord Byron paints a kaleidoscopic portrait of the strange and lonely world of its title character, a middle-aged, late-20th century romantic who’s confused and torn about his own ambitions and desires.

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The Extraordinary Fight of Atticus Walker and the Monster in His Mind is  a narrative portrait of Atticus Walker, a 23 year old struggling writer, whohas the opportunity to land his dream job and the only obstacle in his way is his own insecurity. Unfortunately for Atticus, his insecurities are in the visual form of a 6 foot tall, green-furred, obese, pessimistic Monster.  In order for Atticus to live a normal, confident lifestyle, he must finally face the Monster in his mind.

Ventura Film Festival

The Labyrinth Trailer from Jason Schmidt on Vimeo.

Marian Kolodziej was on one of the first transports to enter Auschwitz. He was given number 432. He survived and never spoke of his experience for 50 years. After a serious stroke in 1993, he began rehabilitation by doing pen and ink drawings depicting the experiences he and others endured in the concentration camp. These drawings, in their skeletal detail, are a gripping depiction of the pain, death, and horrors of the camp. While most of the drawings represent the memories of a young man’s hellish experiences in Auschwitz, some tell stories of small acts of kindness and dignity.

Marian’s story of survival, of persistence, of life before, during, and after Auschwitz are a testament to the human spirit. Marian’s drawings and art installations, which he called The Labyrinth, fill the large basement of a church near Auschwitz and draw visitors into the horrific reality of the holocaust. ‘This is not an exhibition, nor art. These are not pictures. These are words locked in drawings…I propose a journey by way of this labyrinth marked by the experience of the fabric of death…It is a rendering of honor to all those who have vanished in ashes.’ -Marian Kolodziej

In The Labyrinth, Marian takes the audience on a journey through his drawings and art installations. Through the blending of his testimony and the graphic drawings, we explore the memories and nightmares of a man, who like so many others buried experiences deep within. Why would a confrontation with death late in life, trigger the need to record his long-suppressed memories? And why in this graphic, metaphorical way? This documentary raises these questions in a visually stunning way.

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What is the most important question there is? After exploring the phenomenon of STAR TREK fans in the acclaimed documentary TREKKIES, filmmaker Roger Nygard is taking on THE NATURE OF EXISTENCE, traveling the globe to the source of the world’s philosophies, religions, and belief systems, interviewing spiritual leaders, scholars, scientists, artists and others who have influenced, inspired, or freaked out humanity.

“I made a list of the eighty-five toughest questions I could think of,” said Nygard, “starting with biggest one, ‘why do we exist?’ and then I began interrogating the widest cross-section of humanity possible.” Here are a few more of the questions asked in the movie: What is man’s purpose? What started the Universe? Where was God during the Holocaust? What is Truth? Should people have sex before marriage? What is the best way to find happiness? Where is the afterlife? Where are the voices in my head coming from? …How would YOU answer? What journey is more important than one that takes us closer to finding meaning in our existence?

Ventura Film Festival

This 75-minute documentary celebrates the beauty, drama and sweeping history of California State Parks – the most magnificent and diverse collection of state parks in the nation. The story begins in the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains in 1864 when Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias were set aside as California’s first state park. When President Lincoln signed the “Yosemite Grant” it became the cornerstone for the “park idea”. From Yosemite the narrative moves through many of California’s most celebrated landscapes including the North Coast Redwoods, Big Sur and Point Lobos, South Coast beaches, Lake Tahoe, and the Anza-Borrego Desert – among others. Parks that commemorate crucial chapters of the California story are also explored at La Purisima Mission, Historic Monterey, Gold Country, Bodie, Donner Memorial, California State Railroad Museum and Hearst Castle. The story of California State Parks holds the key moments within the history of conservation in America. The plot intersects with many important victories that saved much of California’s most cherished landscape and in the process, inspired the creation of the National Park Service.

Also featured are the untold stories of ordinary citizens who took extraordinary measures to preserve California’s remarkable scenery in Big Basin Redwoods, San Onofre State Beach and Chino Hills. With breathtaking images and insightful interviews, the documentary reveals how California’s natural beauty and cultural history inspired, and continues to inspire individuals to preserve and protect it’s storied places — forever.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

Activist, Sailor, and Filmmaker, Steve Goodall left the U.S. in 2004.  He bought a 34-foot sailboat, the Manta and sailed away. Twelve thousand miles and four years later, he came upon a group of remote Atolls so beautiful they took his breath away. Steve discovers the people there are unaware of the the current forecasts for sea level rise. Once informed they asked for his help. With narration, interviews, and rare footage from these remote Atolls, we journey across hundreds of miles of ocean to a culture of rare beauty.  We introduce one of the last Lapita Navigators and their culture. Steve explains the current forecasts for sea rise and shows them Al Gore’s film. We record the Islanders’ response to the ecological and social consequence of the loss of their Islands.  Rapwi, the Navigator, and the local Chiefs ask for Steve’s help. The documentary becomes the activating force for change when Steve presents his work to the Micronesian officials on Yap. A spirit of cooperation prevails among the Island Chiefs and officials, and a potential location for the people of the threatened Atolls is discussed. A feasibility study is initiated.  The outcome and conclusion of this story are of great importance for all of us. It  will be the beginning of an Epic Journey to a new land.

Ventura Film Festival

The Wampanoag nation of southeastern Massachusetts ensured the survival of the first English settlers in America, and lived to regret it. We Still Live Here (Âs Nutayuneân) tells the story of the return of the Wampanoag language, the first time a language with no native speakers has been revived in this country.  Spurred on by an indomitable linguist named Jessie Little Doe, the Wampanoag are bringing their language and their culture back.

Ventura Film Festival

Schooling the World: The White Man's Last Burden trailer from lost people films on Vimeo.

If you wanted to change an ancient culture in a generation, how would you do it?  You would change the way it educates its children.  The U.S. Government knew this in the 19th century when it forced Native American children into government boarding schools. Today, volunteers build schools in traditional societies around the world, convinced that school is the only way to a ‘better’ life for indigenous children.  But is this true? What really happens when we replace a traditional culture’s way of learning and understanding the world with our own?

Schooling the World takes a challenging, sometimes funny, ultimately deeply disturbing look at the effects of modern education on the world’s last sustainable indigenous cultures.

Ventura Film Festival

In Finding Kind, filmmakers Lauren Parsekian and Molly Thompson, who met while in school at Pepperdine University, set out in a cross country journey of discovery and education.  Interviewing women and girls along the way about their lives and experiences, Parsekian and Thompson find, among all of the unique personal stories, some universal truths about growing up as girls.

Finding Kind is a document of that journey, and of the filmmakers’ quest to take these experiences and find a common ground of kindness and mutual respect.

In addition to all of the individual girls and women who share their personal experiences about girl on girl bullying with the filmmakers, Parsekian and Thompson include interviews with respected experts and authors in the fields of psychology, education, and the interrelationships of women and girls.

Ventura Film Festival

In the war-ravaged Democratic Republic of Congo, two filmmakers journey on a quest for answers. However there is no preparing for what they are about to experience. They must become outlaws themselves in order to locate and interview the notorious and elusive Rebel General-Laurent Nkunda.

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One of the most influential mathematicians of the 20th century, Mr. Bellman was a pioneer in the field of computer science. Bellman’s work changed the perception of the application of mathematics within science.

The documentary film The Bellman Equation chronicles a 16 year odyssey by writer-director Gabriel Leif Bellman, grandson of Richard Bellman, to solve the many issues surrounding Bellman’s life and death. From his work on the Manhattan project, to his persecution under McCarthy, to his parenting skills, Bellman remained an enigmatic figure to all who knew him.

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An eccentric champion of the history of humble things faces bulldozers as he fights for his unique folk art cabin in the Los Padres National Forest.

Ventura Film Festival

Sixty in 60 is an experimental art film featuring sixty one-minute works of many types. Genres represented include abstract, animation, documentary, experimental, narrative, stop-motion, time-lapse and video art.

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‘Weekend’ details the comings and goings of several girls living in a small town over the span of a single weekend. When strange, unexplainable events start to take place, their extremely separate cliques are forced to come together to deal with the mystery.  Margret’s boyfriend died under tragic circumstances two years ago. One Friday night she sends him a text message about how she misses him. Impossibly, she receives a reply. Unwilling to tell her parents, she visits her best friends Quinn and Alex at the video store Quinn runs. They respond with skepticism. Gillian, an employee there, wonders if maybe somehow it is him and he’s trying to tell Margaret something. From there Margaret and her friends band together to try and figure out what exactly is going on.

Ventura Film Festival

Death By Medicine explores the dominant medical paradigm, the current health crisis, and a healthier, more holistic system. Based on Gary Nulls groundbreaking book with statistical evidence of hundreds of thousands of injuries and deaths due to conventional medicine. It looks at the pharmaceutical industry, drug reps, medical schools, medical journals and the absence of real medical science. The lack of oversight by our regulatory agencies, private insurance firms and lobbying influence upon our legislators. The result is the American medical system is broken and it is time to create a new medical paradigm.

Ventura Film Festival

In November 2000, Alan and Pamela Skuse left their home on the Sunshine Coast of Australia, to volunteer at an orphanage in Tapachula for twelve months. The organisation they were assisting closed down after six months, leaving the Skuses with a life changing decision. To return to Australia, or take on the overwhelming challenge of caring for the remaining 7 children full time. The thought of leaving the kids, who would go back to the streets, and lives of abuse, was not an option. So despite the lack of resources and support, Pam and Alan decided to take on the huge responsibility of establishing their own refuge. ’Albergue, Mision Mexico, dando Amor, Vida y Esperanza’ (Refuge, Mission Mexico, giving Love, Life and Hope) was formed, with the dream of creating a family environment, rather than an institution.

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Chasing Che is the account of a four-year odyssey in which an Iranian businessman, Alireza Rofougaran, switches the course of his life. Inspired by a biography of Che Guevara, which he reads and then translates into Farsi, Alireza embarks on a long odyssey through Latin America and Europe, home movie camera in hand. His mission: to retrace Che’s footsteps. In an effort to gain a greater personal understanding of Che, he looks up any of the late revolutionary’s surviving friends and foes he can find. In the process, Alireza gains new insights into his own life.

Viewing the myth of Che Guevara with an eye to his own society, Alireza realizes the peculiarity of such a cross-cultural inspiration. Upon his return to Iran, he witnesses how the same cross cultural enthusiasm among his countrymen gives rise to an open controversy.

Throughout the film, there is a process of change as Alireza finds himself confronted by the professional challenges posed by his new endeavor and his own obsessive commitment to fulfilling the project.

Ventura Film Festival

Everyone is affected by cancer. It does not discriminate against age, race, social class, income, education, gender, or sexual orientation. CANCERPANTS—a story told through the eyes of Rochelle “Ro” Poulson is about life, love and a young woman’s journey with breast cancer. Ro faces each day as it comes, and is grateful for the lessons she learns along the way.

CANCERPANTS shows how the struggles, losses, triumphs and joys of breast cancer affect not only those diagnosed but their family and friends as well. While breast cancer will be a part of Ro’s life for the rest of her life, she doesn’t see cancer as a curse. “I want women to see the value in telling their story and to choose to learn from the experience.”

Although there are no finite answers when it comes to cancer, Ro hopes CANCERPANTS will help in generating awareness and finding a cure.

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Armed with dreams that extend beyond their block, Luis and Ronald, two best friends from Los Angeles, videotape their last 36 hours before shipping off to Afghanistan. One hundred days before Obama’s inauguration, these young men have joined the Marines together to face the obstacles and circumstances that seem to overwhelm their passage into manhood. Luis wants to be a filmmaker and Ronald wants to travel the world and raise a family. Through the lens of Luis’ video camera, they capture their friends, family members and the places they call home in order to remember who they are and where they come from. In their darkest hour, they turn on the video camera for the last time and document the final moments of their journey home. They soon realize that their dreams and promises of a new life mean nothing in a place called War.

Ventura Film Festival

Ventura Film Festival

JOYRIDE trailer (2011) from Markwood Films on Vimeo.

When gambling debts prove deadly, down on their luck south Georgia couple Ty and Crystal hit the road to Mississippi to find both work and refuge with Crystal’s brother, Dwight. Convinced their adventure would make for profitable tabloid fodder as a “reality movie”, film enthusiast Ty brings a video camera to document their travels. Desperate for cash, with gangsters hot on their trail, the petty crimes they commit to bankroll their survival quickly turn serious, and soon they are in over their heads, and must rely on the help of some very unlikely good Samaritans to make it to Mississippi. However, things only get worse when they finally reach Dwight, and his world of low-level drug running proves more treacherous than anticipated. With no easy way out, Ty and Crystal must face the consequences of the past they left behind, and deal with the irreconcilable choices of their future, their lives in the balance.

Ventura Film Festival

A world weary young man intent on suicide meets a battered young woman in the California desert. He is tired of living and she wants more from life. Together they find what they never thought existed, happiness. Happiness proves transitory as their world is torn from their fingertip

Ventura Film Festival

"Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone" - documentary trailer from Tilapia Film on Vimeo.

EVERYDAY SUNSHINE is a documentary about the band Fishbone, musical pioneers who have been rocking on the margins of pop culture for the past 25 years. From the streets of South-Central Los Angeles and the competitive Hollywood music scene of the 1980′s, the band rose to prominence, only to fall apart when on the verge of “making it.”

Laurence Fishburne narrates EVERYDAY SUNSHINE, an entertaining cinematic journey into the personal lives of this unique Black rock band, an untold story of fiercely individual artists in their quest to reclaim their musical legacy while debunking the myths of young Black men from urban America. Highlighting the parallel journeys of a band and their city, EVERYDAY SUNSHINE explores the personal and cultural forces that gave rise to California’s legendary Black punk sons that continue to defy categories and expectations.

Ventura Film Festival

Tracking Patagonia is a vivid portrait of life in Chile’s wild south as it faces the potential construction of five hydroelectric dams. Told through the eyes of a young American film crew traveling by bicycle and raft, the film explores the relationship between the people and the landscape, concluding that the very essence of Patagonia depends upon the freedom of its rivers.

Ventura Film Festival

Christophe’s family is composed of the Polito, the Mario and the Piazza. In 1960s, they left Cirella, their Italian birth village in order to go and live in different parts of the World. Today, they are still maintaining links by sending funny-looking pear-shaped vases to each other from time to time: bombonieres. The discovery of one of these at his grandmother’s triggered Christophe’s decision to go to Canada and Australia, hoping to live special moments with those who send them.

Ventura Film Festival

Typeface focuses on a rural Midwestern museum and print shop where international artists meet retired craftsmen and together navigate the convergence of modern design and traditional technique. Jim VanLanen, one of the town’s most industrious entrepreneurs, began developing small museums as a way to bring tourists and industry to the area. The place comes alive as printmaking workshops led by, and filled with, some of the region’s top creative talent descend on the sleepy enclave. The museum is significant to the town’s history, but more importantly, its existence is critical to the worldwide design community who are passionate about the history of their craft and its function in the contemporary field. They believe the future of their industry may lie in the past.

Typeface, Kartemquin’s latest documentary in progress, will bring this fascinating junction of historical and contemporary, as well as rural and urban America together for enjoyment and contemplation. This film will be of interest to art and graphic design enthusiasts, to teachers as an educational resource, and to anyone looking for a film about perseverance and preservation in the heart of America.

Ventura Film Festival

The Bachar Yerian 5.11c R/X from Half Circle G Productions on Vimeo.

This is a short film about my friends Andrew Rock and Jan McCollum attempting to onsight the “Bachar-Yerian” in Tuolumne Meadows, CA. The “B&Y” is one of the best rock climbs in the world but its reputation for being super runout keeps most mortals away. This infamous 4 pitch route was put up by John Bachar and Dave Yerian in the 80′s. It boasts huge runouts between bolts and at the grade of 5.11c R/X represents more of a mental challenge than anything else. Make no mistake, however, as some of the strongest guys in the world, Wolfgang Gullich and Jerry Moffat come to mind, have taken giant whippers as they failed to onsight. Andrew and Jan are not professional climbers, but they embody the spirit of the sport. I hope you enjoy this tale of their climb.

Ventura Film Festival

On the night of February 15, 2001, Sonia Reich fled her home in Skokie, Illinois, insisting that someone was trying to kill her — to “put a bullet in [her] head,” she told anyone who would listen. It would take a year for her son, Chicago Tribune journalist Howard Reich, to understand why she was running the streets of Skokie, fearing for her life.   Prisoner of Her Past tracks Howard’s journey across the United States and Eastern Europe to discover why his mother believes – to this day – that the world has conspired to try to execute her.   As Howard eventually learned, Sonia has late-onset Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a little-known but extremely debilitating illness that has pushed her into the realm of delusion. At the same time, however, Sonia remains fully aware of her surroundings, totally alert to the world, thoroughly cognizant of the present.

Ventura Film Festival

Hemp to Save our Planet!!!  Hemp is not legal to grow in the US because big business wants it that way.  Discovery Channel Planet Green star Shelley Pack exposes the truth behind the hemp conspiracy.  Growing Hemp would clean up all the excess Carbon Dioxide in the air, replace all of our oil based products including fuel for our cars.  Growing Hemp will also stop all the tearing down of trees for paper and lumber.  Hemp can also make plastic, which is one of the worst burdens to the environment and our health.

Ventura Film Festival

Nineteen year old videographer/ filmmaker Skimshady (aka Skim or Dana Baldzikowski) will premier his new movie “The Best of the Skimshady Show” at the Ventura Film Festival beginning July 8, 2011. Skimshady has been producing monthly surf/ skate/ skim shows for Community Television of Santa Cruz since April 2008. Skim’s movie will feature some of the best local sessions and athletes from past shows, travels, a nod to those who inspire him, tarps, and some new footage.

Ventura Film Festival

Since the year 2000, over 4,300 Palestinian and 1,000 Israeli lives have been claimed by the escalating conflict in the region. The situation grew markedly worse in 2006, when Israel responded to the election of Hamas by sealing off the borders, ending the free-flow of people and goods. Palestinian militants reacted to the siege by targeting Israel’s civilian population with deadly rocket strikes; the Israeli Army countered with air strikes, targeting militants but often claiming the lives of innocent residents.
In 2007 it emerged that a small group of young men were surfing in Gaza, sharing battered surfboards they had attained prior to the siege. Word traveled north to Israel, and that same year, a mixed group of Israelis and Americans delivered a dozen boards to their Palestinian counterparts.
In the spring of 2008, they would attempt to deliver another 23 surfboards into Gaza. By this time the situation in Gaza had deteriorated further, the border still sealed, with military activity a near daily occurrence. “God Went Surfing With the Devil” charts the difficulties and dangers encountered by surfers in the region. Along the way it speaks to Israelis, Arab-Israelis, and Palestinians affected by the violence, charting their daily struggle to supersede the conflict through the joys of surfing.

Ventura Film Festival

From surfing innovations to gritty localism, follow the rise and fall of The Westsiders surf tribe through the eyes of three best friends from the original ‘Surf City’: Santa Cruz, California. Best friends Daryl “Flea” Virostko, Shawn “Barney” Barron, and Jason “Ratboy” Collins bonded by common tragedy and their love of surfing. They live through shattered homes, drug addiction, other psychological issues and hard-core localism to achieve their dream of becoming professional surfers before the age of 24. To surf the notorious Steamer Lane, they had to join ‘The Westsiders’ Surf Tribe and go face to face with Vince Collier, aka “The Godfather of The Westside”. Vince, a massive brute force, ran Steamer Lane with his own version of street justice. This film explores The Westsiders as the latest chapter in the fascinating history of Santa Cruz, California.

Ventura Film Festival

On one day out at Cloudbreak, Derek happens to be at the wrong spot at the wrong time. The lip caught Derek at an awkward moment, folding his body in a way not within the range of human flexibility, thus violently breaking his leg. From here it is a story of dedication—dedication to recovery, a new dedication to a healthier lifestyle, and a re-dedication to the world’s biggest rideable and paddle-able waves. An obviously far from 100 percent healthy Derek is seen charging solid Puerto, as he insists on preparing himself mentally and physically for the upcoming big-wave season of the Northern Pacific—despite doctors’ concerns that the injury may not be sufficiently healed to withstand the terrible beatings routinely dished out on such a stretch of sand.

Ventura Film Festival

Stranger than Friction... filming for "Stoked and Broke" from www.KORDUROY.tv on Vimeo.

More than just a surf film, “Stoked and Broke” focuses on the responsibility each individual has in society and how human relationships are the core of our being. According to Sutton, the message is about being positive and sharing passions with other people. “Don’t keep them inside,” he says. “It’s our only responsibility in this life to share, because the more you share the more you are giving, and then it’s never ending that way”.

Ventura Film Festival

“I Just Love to Paddle” is a story of a man who lives, loves, practices, teaches and perpetuates an ancient tradition in the contemporary world. There are many stories of heroes long gone, but this is a story about somebody who is still around us and who serves as source of vast knowledge and a connection to the ancient Hawaiian traditions. Nappy provides a modern day example of an ancient Hawaiian paradigm: superb ocean judgment, wisdom about the hearts of others, total commitment to his life calling, and an unparalleled decency of character. The story focuses on an expedition in July 2008, when Napoleon (67 years old) with five paddling companions attempt to crosse 9 Hawaiian channels in 6 consecutive days, each in a one-man outrigger canoe, a total of almost 240 miles.

Ventura Film Festival

smolarze (2010) - extract from Malte Rosenfeld on Vimeo.

A tender observation of a couple of charcoal burner’s daily life, like a fairytale from a lost world – but without the happy end of wealth and happiness.   Every summer, Marek and Janina work as charcoal burners in the Bieszczady Mountains. Far from civilization, in the heart of the mountains, they live according to the rhythm set by nature.

Ventura Film Festival

Calling on Others is a film project headed by San Diego natives, Scott LeDuc and Andrew Matthews that aims to raise money for underprivileged surfers to continue their education. The project and scholarship fund idea was inspired during a six-week trip LeDuc and Matthews took to Bali, Indonesia in 2009. What began as a surfing expedition quickly became much more when they met four, local talented surfers whose aspirations to stay in school seemed a far-fetched dream. Together, LeDuc and Matthews created the short film, Calling on Others: Bali, Indonesia, which follows the lives of these four boys, in hopes to raise money so that their dream to further their education can become a reality.

Ventura Film Festival

California filmmaker John Klein, the director of  Free And Alive, has created a wonderful short film about children learning in nature. Watch Haven, a curious toddler, as she explores the natural world with gentle support, prompts and questions from her dad. You will see how much children can understand through their own explorations!

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

Produced for the Tennessee State Museum, this film commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Nashville sit-ins which ultimately led to the desegregation of lunch counters in the city. The film was commissioned by the museum as part of a major exhibit about the overall civil rights movement in Tennessee. The well-organized and student-led protests inspired similar actions throughout the South. Many of the leaders of the sit-ins, including future Congressman John Lewis, became significant figures in the Civil Rights Movement.

Ventura Film Festival

Ventura Film Festival

Monodynamic is a short film featuring the lifestyle of a quirky Santa Barbara unicycling busker.

Ventura Film Festival

After losing his legs in a grenade blast in Iraq, 101st Airborne Ranger Heath Calhoun endures a tortuous recovery. The Virginia native finds freedom in an unlikely location, on the ski slopes of Aspen, Colorado. Calhoun earns a coveted chance to represent his country again–on the 2010 Paralympic ski team. With gold in the balance, Calhoun commits everything to the challenge.

Ventura Film Festival

Moving a Mountain, sows Asheer Akram, an American sculptor, that came to Armenia to make a metal sculpture, which should embody his impressions about Armenian culture, history, lifestyle, as well as his ideas about current situation of Armenia. What makes it really interesting, is that this was his first visit to Armenia, a country he knew nothing about before, and he has only four months to finish his work.

Ventura Film Festival

Short documentary about the critically-endangered Hawaiian monk seal, which is the most endangered pinniped in U.S. waters and the Official State Mammal of Hawaii, with rare and exclusive footage of a week-old female monk seal pup named Kai swimming and playing (with trash!). An ancient species, there are only about 1,100 of them left. This is not just a case of ‘natural selection’ when you consider the factors that have severely impacted their numbers – war, marine debris, overfishing and global warming.

Ventura Film Festival

Ormie is a Pig, in every sense of the word. Pig see cookie. Pig want cookie. But they are out of reach… or are they? See Ormie’s attempts to gain the warm sweet taste that is his

Ventura Film Festival

A hard hitting investigative look at the consequences of the BP oil disaster to the environment and people of the Gulf states

Ventura Film Festival

In this music video for the Kelly Dalton song ‘Let Me In,’ a singer/songwriter (Dalton) returns to his hometown after a long tour, but soon realizes that he may be a stranger in his own town. He is haunted by the memories of the relationship with the girlfriend he left behind (Elisse Grubb), as he confronts his own guilt that his leaving may have had tragic consequences.

Ventura Film Festival

When Ben Hocker discovers he has a clone, his button-down world comes crashing down. Ben’s alter-ego (the enigmatic ‘Dulce’) is everything that Ben wishes he could be: wealthy,witty, and irresistible to the ladies. The only question in Ben’s mind is whether to make peace with the Clone, or make him rest in peace. With the help of his friends, Ben must quickly navigate a bizarre new world where people aren’t who they seem, and where the clones have gone wild.

Ventura Film Festival

Several years ago, when I was still living in Germany, school shootings were big in the media. Disturbed by the way the media exploited horrific events for the sake of ratings, I developed the idea of students who fake a shooting and sell it to the media as real footage. I wrote a story outline and it was sitting on my computer for several years. In 2007 I started to develop the story for my senior thesis project at Chapman University. I realized the topic was more current than ever before.

News reporting seems to be prolonged and dramatized to evoke emotions rather than to deliver news in a brief and objective way. While we could blame the people in the media, since those “entertainment news” get high ratings, I believe that the desire for sensation and tragedy is hardwired into our brains. For example, if there’s car accident, passing traffic slows down because many people watch to see the tragic images.

I believe that this is something we can’t change, therefore it is the media’s responsibility to draw the line. Just because it will get high ratings seeing tragedy unfold doesn’t automatically justify airing the footage; it’s unethical.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

The 2011 Ventura Film Festival includes over 245 films and screenplays and takes place July 8-18. Over 100 filmmakers will be attending the opening and closing nights and will be giving question/answer sessions at their films. More than $120,000 in prize award value will be given away at the 2011 Ventura Film Festival, including the new GHS awards valued at over $14,000.

Ventura Film Festival

Alberto Espinosa, his younger brother Antonio and some friends decide to terrorize a family of natives. That night’s reflex is the appearance of a mysterious figure which ruthlessly looks for payback.

Ventura Film Festival

A reckless Mara gang member and a beauty who knows no fear look into each other’s eyes and fall in love forever. Victorio would sacrifice anything for Gabriela, and together they try to escape from a hostile world to which they no longer belong. A story of redemption, drama and action, where only love can overcome all obstacles. This film is dedicated to all those who, in spite of being marginalized, have not given up on their dreams.

Ventura Film Festival

A neighborhood in Baja California. Children and adolescents who grow up alongside the crime and drug addiction of the ‘barrio’, need to be prevented to fall into that trap. They are given a chance to take classes at the Nana Chela Cultural Center. The idea of the center is to give these young people culture and education, an education they are not getting from the regular school system, to make them feel useful and have a sense of solidarity.

Ventura Film Festival