REGION — The Catskill International Film Festival may have ended last Friday evening at SUNY Sullivan’s Seelig Theater, yet it will continue to leave its lasting mark on filmmakers, creators and artists near and far. This year the festival added a 72-hour film competition, more audience choice award categories and more online programming.

Over 100 projects were showcased from October 20-27 at various venues, such as the Paramount Theatre in Middletown, NY; The Rivoli Theater in South Fallsburg, NY; SUNY Sullivan in Loch Sheldrake, NY; and online.

Many of the films were world premieres, award-winning projects or films produced and written by first-time filmmakers.

“I am thankful that you found me and that you and your team gave me my first film nomination in the category Best Pilot with my movie 'N.Y.P.D. - The Police Stories of Dave & Frank Simpson,' and you did my first interview. Thank you for appreciating my work,” said Markus Waldow, a director/writer behind a project selected from the event.

Another filmmaker—this time from Los Angeles—Mauricio Ovalle, who directed/wrote/acted in a short film titled, "The Best Gift In Life Is Life Itself," commented, “We were fortunate enough to be an official selection at this film festival. For me, this was a dream since I screened my first film at the Paramount Theatre and was really looking forward to being seated at such a majestic and historic venue. We won best director and although that is an amazing recognition and I'm super happy and humbled, it's the way Charles and Anthony organized and ran this festival. They made us all feel special; we were the celebrities and that was priceless. Every filmmaker should keep an eye on and submit their projects to this film festival. I can't wait to shoot my next project so I can once again be a part of this amazing experience—keeping in mind, that we may or may not win.”

The festival’s fifth season concluded at SUNY Sullivan. Guests networked, viewed local art, and enjoyed food from a large spread, all while listening to live music from a band in the background.

The 72-hour film competition began by showcasing all the preregistered filmmakers' projects completed within the timeframes of the event. After the showcase of 72-hour projects, the award show began. Attendees watched intently as different nominees were projected on the silver screen for each category. Filmmakers who won came up to the stage and thanked the viewers or gave special statements that represented their projects. Award winners received trophies or certificates and some cash prizes.

Thousands of viewers watched online free of charge throughout the week, interacted in Q&A’s, participated in workshops, and voted for their favorite films over the 8-day culturally enriching event. Worldwide audiences were in control of many of the award categories by selecting projects from the Catskill International Film Festival’s website.

“Filmmakers selected in this year’s event truly inspire me to evolve and make a better event for years to come! I take pride in making an international film festival that truly understands these artists. Each conversation with these filmmakers is an insightful experience that makes my next film project seem so much easier."—Charles Marinaro, co-chairman.