The ArtWalk Ventura Cinefest is a new festival for all lovers of cinema. We screen traditional genre films (horror, sci-fi, comedy, etc), compelling cutting-edge dramas, experimental faire, and more! Our mission is to celebrate independent filmmaking and storytelling, highlighting exceptional works from local and national filmmakers alike.

Brief Q+A panels will follow each screening and filmmakers will be invited to attend a mixer after the first night's proceedings.

This event takes place on September 27th and 28th, 1-6 p.m. both days at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa St., Ventura.

ArtWalk Cinefest operates under the ArtWalk Ventura festival -- a fun, free, self-guided tour of dozens of galleries, studios, and pop up gallery locations in Ventura's Westside Cultural District and Downtown. ArtWalk has been a signature event for Ventura for many years, bringing in cultural tourists from all over the golden state. It is now being run by an all-volunteer group which has added new life to the event.

ABOUT ARTWALK VENTURA
More than 200 artists, dozens of venues, top local performers, poets and filmmakers will participate in ArtWalk Ventura, the area’s largest arts festival, Sept. 27-28.

This free, family-friendly celebration of the creative spirit will feature the work of artists in local galleries, businesses, restaurants and on the grounds of Mission Park. The route starts on Main Street Downtown and goes up Ventura Avenue, encompassing the Museum of Ventura County, the new Vita Arts complex at Garden & Main, Working Artists Ventura and the Bell Arts Factory. In between are numerous galleries, businesses and restaurants featuring local artists and musicians. Maps and signage will guide visitors.

Two stages, one at the Albinger Archeological Museum across from Mission Park, and another at California and Main, will feature popular local bands, theater groups and dancers. A cinema festival and poetry readings will be held in the Knights of Columbus Hall. Street painting, a children’s area, large art installations and live painting and pottery demonstrations will also be featured.
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The hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28.
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This huge event unites Ventura’s neighborhoods, businesses and arts community in a two-day celebration of creativity. The event is run by an enthusiastic all-volunteer team. Join us!

Awards & Prizes

Short Film Awards
AUDIENCE CHOICE
BEST HORROR/THRILLER SHORT
BEST SCI-FI SHORT
BEST COMEDY SHORT
BEST DRAMA SHORT
BEST EXPERIMENTAL SHORT
BEST YOUTH SHORT
BEST PERFORMANCE IN A SHORT FILM
BEST DIRECTION (SHORT)
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY (SHORT)
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN (SHORT)
BEST SCORE (SHORT)

Feature Film Award
ACHIEVEMENT IN FEATURE FILMMAKING

Rules & Terms

Please read and review our terms and conditions.

• All film submissions must be completed after January 1, 2020.
• Short film submissions must be 20 minutes or under.
• Feature film submissions must be 2 hours or under.
• All non-English language films or multilingual films must provide English subtitles.
• Films can be available online, but priority will be given to non-publicly available works.
• Films submitted to non-youth categories may not contain copyrighted material.
• By submitting, you are giving ARTWALK VENTURA CINEFEST permission to exhibit your film, and other screenings (press reviews, promotional events, "best of screenings" etc).
• If your film is selected, you agree to provide all necessary materials by the deadline, including a downloadable screener. Failure to provide these materials may result in the rescidment of your acceptance.
• By submitting, you represent and warrant that you have full legal right and authority to submit your film for consideration by ARTWALK VENTURA CINEFEST, and that all necessary consents, licensing, and approvals have been obtained with respect thereto. ARTWALK VENTURA CINEFEST is not liable in any matter pertaining to the consents, licenses, and approvals of the heretofore film. Your submission is in no way a guarantee of acceptance. Should your film be accepted, ARTWALK VENTURA CINEFEST retains the right to use any footage from the preview screener, and all submitted publicity photos and any other materials pertaining to this entry for our promotional non-commercial purposes, without limitations.