Catskill International Film Festival ()

Festival start: 20 October 2023      Festival end: 27 October 2023

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!

Cash Prizes: 1,300$

(Submission must be paid in full and award recipients must be present during the festival, and available for Q&A, to receive the cash prize)

Best Picture (Feature) - $300 plus trophy and Digital Certificate
Best Director (Feature/Short) - $100 plus Trophy and Digital Certificate
Best Cinematography - $100 plus Trophy and Digital Certificate
Best Screenplay (Feature/Short) - $100 plus Trophy and Digital Certificate
Best Actor (Feature/Short) - $100 plus Trophy and Digital Certificate
Best Actress (Feature/Short) - $100 plus Trophy and Digital Certificate
Best Supporting Actor (Feature/Short) - Trophy and Digital Certificate
Best Supporting Actress (Feature/Short) - Trophy and Digital Certificate
Best Animation - Trophy and Digital Certificate
Best Pilot - Trophy and Digital Certificate
Best Music Video - Trophy and Digital Certificate
Best Ensemble - Trophy and Digital Certificate
Best Editing - Digital Certificate
Best Makeup - Digital Certificate
Best Costume Design - Digital Certificate
Best Set Design - Digital Certificate

Audience Choice Awards:

Best Picture - Digital Certificate
Best Documentary - Digital Certificate
Best Comedy - Digital Certificate
Best Horror/Sci-Fi - Digital Certificate
Best Foreign Language Film - Digital Certificate
Best Action Film - Digital Certificate
Best Drama - Digital Certificate
Best Visual Effects/Audience Choice - Digital Certificate

1) All films must have completed post-production AFTER January 1, 2022.

2) Films must be in English or have English subtitles.

3) Participants who are granted a fee waiver or discount are exempt from receiving the cash prize.

4) All films submitted must have projects downloadable from Festhome.

5) Prizes will be distributed to the person who is presented with the award.

6) Submitting filmmakers/individuals will be notified by e-mail on or before October 1, 2023.

7) Entry fees are in U.S. dollars, per film entry, and are non-refundable.

8) A filmmaker with multiple entries (titles) must submit each entry separately.

9) Anyone who submits a film understands they are not entitled to any of the ticket sales, concession sales, merchandise sales, and so forth made at the venue.

10) Films submitted may be spliced by CIFF staff for promotional purposes.