CIFF was founded by Charles Marinaro & Anthony Gagliardo in the winter of 2018.
Charles Marinaro : Co-Chairman
Anthony Gagliardo : Co-Chairman
Theresa Teresi : Vice Chairwoman
Sunny Vandewater - Edleman : Director/Talent Coordinator
Cathleen Jorge : Festival Advisor
Stefan Baumann : Art Director
Daniel Marinaro : Online Marketing Representative
Alexis Kearns : Promotions Director
Nicole Cooke : Design & Social Media Coordinator
Simon Fridlich : Technical Director
Keith Prince : Host/Committee Member
Tina Ramos : Committee Member
Ben Brown : Committee Member
Charles Martin III : Committee Member
Cassie Teresi : Committee Member
Sean Murray : Committee Member
Valeria Henry : Committee Member
Janine DeStio : Committee Member
Terri Nolan : Committee Member
The Catskill International Film Festival is passionate about promoting quality independent films, television pilots, and screenplays from filmmakers around the world. CIFF is a star-studded affair which will inspire, challenge, and enlighten viewers and participants alike. Attendees will walk the red carpet, attend after-parties with live entertainment, view award-winning independent films, enjoy a variety of events such as film seminars, and meet with filmmakers, stars, and models during an unforgettable event.
CIFF's first impression and soft opening in July 2018 showcased both local and international projects at SUNY Sullivan, complete with an art exhibit, live music, and charitable donations to the college to help those in need.
As the event evolved, the Callicoon Theater and Western Hotel in Callicoon, NY began a new chapter for the area and arts community by housing the Catskill International Film Festival in 2018. Nestled in the world-renowned Catskill Mountains and within driving distance of New York City, the Callicoon Theater is the perfect film venue. CIFF showcased some of the best talent from around the world, these amazing artists were given a platform to gain exposure and the promotion they rightfully deserved while celebrating the arts together and having an incredible time. Attendees experienced breath-taking films followed by an awards gala, live music, a parade, comedy show, various workshops, interactive Q&A sessions, and even live auditions for a feature film.
During Covid-19, our goal was to have a safe, interactive, and fun experience for everyone involved so we were proud to introduce an online format to the Catskill International Film Festival! These digital experiences so many of us enjoyed in 2020 and 2021 were proof that COVID-19 had not destroyed our enthusiasm or love of the arts. Creative artists used the challenging time to brainstorm, plan, and execute their newest masterpieces in new and unique ways by adapting to life during the pandemic. Over the course of two seasons, attendees enjoyed entertaining Q&A's with casts and crews, online games, and even polls where audiences selected winners for multiple categories.
After many months of lockdown, while still following safe distancing and mask guidance, attendees from around the world attended a limited event by CIFF at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Center in the fall of 2021.
The 2023 season was launched at the famous, 97-year-old Paramount Theatre in Middletown, NY. The newly renovated 1,100 seat theater has hosted many wonderful events and CIFF was thrilled to be part of its history! To give more of what fans loved CIFF added additional award categories and hosted a 72-hour film competition in which filmmakers will be competing closing night for the entire world to view and decide on a winner.
The Hudson Valley International Film Festival was founded in the winter of 2014 by Charles Marinaro, Simon Fridlich, Melissa Cohen, and Chris Gomez.
Charles Marinaro: President
Simon Fridlich: Treasurer
Melissa Cohen: Director
Chris Gomez: Technical Director
Sunny Edleman: Event Planner & Talent Coordinator
Charles Martin III: Marketing Specialist
Dee Bonney: Committee Member
Dawn Bonney: Committee Member
Melanie Raeven: Committee Member
Stewart Thomas: Committee Member
Sandi Sackener Heitman: Committee Member
The Hudson Valley International Film Festival is a lifestyle that celebrates an interactive and contemporary experience. HVIFF is a contemporary festival, showcasing only current productions.
According to Fodor's Travel, The Hudson Valley is listed among the 25 places around the world to visit in 2015. With a rich historical background and breathtaking views, it's no wonder why Fodor's gave the nod to The Hudson Valley, located just north of New York City.
The newly renovated Monroe Arts & Civic Center, home of The Hudson Valley International Film Festival, is equipped with stadium style seating with three screens capable of displaying films, two theaters dedicated to filmmaker Q&A sessions and seminars, and an additional theater that will be utilized for events such as slam poetry and music.
Filmmakers are welcome to submit shorts, pilots, features, music videos, animation, one minute (and under) videos, and much more! The red carpet event will be sure to give a Hollywood feel to all participants.
The HVIFF is the haven for free thinkers, innovators, and pioneers of the arts community.
