Blog: Film festivals

Catskill International Film Festival (CIFF) is honored and thrilled to be back and celebrating in-person while retaining its digital aspects for a hybrid approach that provides flexibility and convenience for all artists and attendees.

This year's Festival will launch at the famous, 97-year-old Paramount Theatre in Middletown, NY. This newly renovated 1,100 seat theater has hosted many wonderful events and we are thrilled to be part of its history! To give more of what fans love we have added additional award categories and are hosting a 72-hour film competition in which filmmakers will be competing closing night for the entire world to view and decide on a winner.

Our History:

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 that celebrates an interactive and contemporary experience 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.

2023 will be our biggest year yet and we hope to see you there!