HURLEYVILLE, NY — Three days of films, filmmakers, music, comedy, red carpets and more will be held at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre (HPAC) Friday through Sunday, October 9-11. 

As the center prepares to close its doors at the end of October, one of the venue’s final major events will be the Catskill International Film Festival (CIFF).

As the festival’s organizers say, “HPAC’s final chapter will be one worth remembering.”

Over the course of three days, CIFF will showcase more than 45 official selections from filmmakers around the world, alongside artists from the local community. In addition, the world premiere screening of Charles Marinaro’s “Where the High Ends” takes place on opening night.

Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers can meet the people behind the projects through Q&As, and aspiring and working creatives can gain industry insight through the casting workshop, as well as the page-to-screen event. 

Networking with local, national and international artists is promised.

Parties will be held each night in the ballroom, with DJ Zeno behind the music. Live entertainment and comedy shows will be presented by Corner Store Comedy.

Festivalgoers can vote for their favorite projects.

It is in many ways, according to the organizers, “a three-day celebration of storytelling and of the people who dedicate themselves to telling those stories.”

“Doing this festival is a way to help artists around the world as well as the local community,” said Anthony Gagliardo, one of the organizers. “Artists get an opportunity to show their hard work, and the community here sees a significant amount of people coming into the area and supporting local businesses.” 

“I believe wholeheartedly that our event this year will be bigger and better than ever,” Marinaro said. “When Anthony and I were first scouting a location to host this year’s CIFF, HPAC was always at the top of our list.”

For Marinaro, Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre has been part of his own creative journey for nearly a decade.

“HPAC has always been known for its community-based art events over the years,” he said. There he has hosted world premieres and attended other art showcases, concerts and film screenings. “I will truly miss HPAC and what they represent for the community and what they’ve done for me personally. It’s so important to me to make sure we push HPAC’s legacy forward with a phenomenal event that guests will remember for years to come.”

HPAC is located at 219 Main St.

Learn more about the film festival at www.catskillinternationalfilmfestival.com.