HURLEYVILLE, NY — A weekend filled with laughter, applause, artistic discovery, and tears of both joy and sorrow marked the Catskill International Film Festival’s final celebration at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre (HPAC) before the beloved venue closes its doors forever.

Over three days, hundreds of attendees gathered in person to celebrate independent cinema and the creative spirit that unites artists and audiences, while thousands more logged on to the festival’s website to watch films free of charge and vote for their favorites in the Audience Choice categories. As filmmakers showcased their work and guests came together to celebrate the arts, the festival became both a tribute to HPAC’s legacy and a reminder that the stories shared through independent film will continue long after the final curtain falls.

A Sold-Out Opening Night

The festival kicked off with a sold-out opening night that brought excitement and energy to HPAC. The red-carpet party featured live music from Jolly Joe Jester, followed by a comedy performance from Keith Prince of Corner Store Comedy. Guests mingled, signed posters, purchased festival merchandise, enjoyed food, and connected with fellow filmmakers and film enthusiasts before heading into the theater for a showcase of Official Selection films.

The evening’s highlight was the world premiere of Where the High Ends, a locally shot film that captivated the audience. As the screening concluded, guests erupted into applause and cheers, with many leaving the theater with tears of joy streaming down their faces. The performances and powerful storytelling left a lasting impression, demonstrating the emotional connection independent films can create.

The celebration continued in HPAC’s glamorous ballroom, where DJ Zeno kept the party going late into the night. Filmmakers and attendees danced, celebrated their achievements, and forged new connections. Ticketed guests were also entered into nightly raffles, adding another element of excitement to the festivities.

Opening night also provided an opportunity for festival Co-Chairman Charles Marinaro to recognize the people behind the event’s success.

“I did not do this event alone,” Marinaro told the crowd. “In fact, I have had much support from close friends and family throughout. Without our planning committee working tirelessly, our event would not be possible.”

He also reflected on the perseverance required to bring independent films to life, acknowledging that audiences may never know the challenges filmmakers face behind the scenes. Their ambition and determination, he emphasized, were the reason everyone had gathered to celebrate their work.

Celebrating Independent Film and Creative Collaboration

Throughout the weekend, attendees enjoyed more than film screenings. The festival featured an engaging panel discussion with acclaimed director Spencer Sherri and author Thelma Adams about adapting books to film, a casting workshop with Heidi Edklund, and question-and-answer sessions that gave audiences the opportunity to connect directly with filmmakers.

Red-carpet gatherings and after-parties encouraged networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. Aspiring artists had opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, while filmmakers celebrated their accomplishments and shared their passion for storytelling.

The festival also reached audiences beyond Hurleyville, with thousands watching films online at no cost and participating in Audience Choice voting. This expanded reach reflected the festival’s commitment to making independent cinema accessible and giving filmmakers opportunities to connect with new audiences.

An Emotional Farewell to HPAC

While the weekend celebrated artistic achievement, the closing ceremony brought the significance of HPAC’s final days into sharp focus.

Festival Co-Chairmen Charles Marinaro and Anthony Gagliardo joined Christina Antizzo, CEO of the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre, in offering heartfelt farewells to the venue and reflecting on its impact on the local arts community.

Antizzo became emotional as she thanked her staff for standing beside her through HPAC’s final chapter. Her tears reflected the profound personal meaning of the center and the relationships built through years of shared dedication. It was a poignant reminder that a cultural institution is more than a building; it is the people who bring it to life and the community it serves.

Marinaro also struggled to hold back tears as he reflected on the venue’s closing, sharing the familiar words of Dr. Seuss: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

The quote captured the bittersweet spirit of the weekend. While the loss of HPAC marks the end of an important chapter for the local arts community, the memories, friendships, performances, and creative opportunities it fostered will endure.

The End of an Era, but Not the End of the Story

As the festival’s final weekend at HPAC came to a close, one message stood out: endings can also create opportunities to look toward the future.

While this may be the end of an era for HPAC, it is by no means the end of the Catskill International Film Festival. The festival’s commitment to celebrating independent cinema, supporting filmmakers, and bringing creative voices to new audiences will continue for many years to come. There are more films to discover, more artists to celebrate, and more stories waiting to be shared.

HPAC provided a meaningful home for this chapter of the festival’s journey, and its influence on the local arts community will not soon be forgotten. But the heart of a film festival has never been confined to a building. It lives in the artists who dare to share their visions, the audiences who embrace their stories, and the people who continue to make these experiences possible.

For one final weekend, HPAC was filled with music, laughter, applause, and the unmistakable energy of a community united by its love of the arts. The festival offered a fitting farewell to a beloved venue while celebrating the enduring power of independent storytelling.

As the lights go down at HPAC, the Catskill International Film Festival looks ahead to its next chapter. The venue may be closing its doors, but the festival’s story is far from finished.

One curtain falls, but another story is waiting to begin.

Contributed photo

Contributed photo

Contributed photo