Katie Garibaldi and Joseph Metcalfe present Simi Film Fest and Symphony Orchestra

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting on August 26, 2025, featured an inspiring presentation from local music and film leaders, Katie Garibaldi and Joseph Metcalfe. The duo, founders of the Simi Valley Orchestras and the Simi Film Fest, shared their vision for enriching the community through the arts, emphasizing the importance of creativity and opportunity.

Garibaldi and Metcalfe highlighted the upcoming Simi Film Fest, scheduled for September 3-7, which will showcase over 60 films from international filmmakers. They also announced the formation of the Simi Valley Symphony Orchestra, which will perform a film music concert on September 4 as part of the festival. Their goal is to create a vibrant cultural scene in Ventura County, providing platforms for artists and filmmakers to connect and thrive.

During their presentation, Garibaldi shared a personal story about overcoming limitations and encouraged the Board and the public to embrace boldness in pursuing their dreams. She urged community members to look beyond perceived boundaries and seize opportunities, reinforcing the idea that creativity can flourish when individuals dare to explore their potential.

The meeting also included routine agenda reviews and disclosures, but the highlight remained the call to action from Garibaldi and Metcalfe, who invited everyone to participate in the upcoming festival and experience the transformative power of the arts.

As Ventura County continues to foster cultural initiatives, the efforts of Garibaldi and Metcalfe stand as a testament to the community's commitment to creativity and collaboration, promising to enrich the lives of residents through music and film.