Charles Marinaro is an award-winning director, producer, writer, actor, and best-selling author based in the Catskill Mountains. As the founder and President of the Catskill International Film Festival (CIFF), established in 2018, he has brought significant attention to independent cinema in the region. Before launching CIFF, Marinaro served as the President of the Hudson Valley International Film Festival (HVIFF) from 2014 to 2016, showcasing his commitment to promoting the arts in upstate New York.

Marinaro is also the creative force behind The Thursday Xcharge, a podcast launched during the COVID-19 pandemic that tackled complex topics and current events at a time when much of the creative industry was on pause. His voice has resonated with listeners for its candid approach and critical engagement with the cultural landscape of the time.

His best-selling book, Metaphosis: The Art Antidote Odyssey, received international acclaim, achieved Best New Release status, and earned a spot on Amazon’s Best Seller list. Marinaro’s production companies, Transcending Pictures and Marinaro Films, have produced a variety of award-winning projects, earning accolades for Best Picture, Best Feature Film, and Best Actor awards, including recognition for his own performance.

Looking to the future, Mr. Marinaro plans to broaden his creative endeavors with new projects in film, a season of film festival curation, and the release of a new novel and collection of short stories. His work continues to shape and inspire both the independent film community and audiences worldwide.