By: Tammy Reese – Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media
Kathrina Miccio, the award-winning filmmaker, actress, and Editor-in-Chief of Indie Film Online Magazine, continues to be an example of what it means to champion independent voices in cinema. As the Founder and Director of the Venus on Broadway International Film Festival (VOBIFF) — a Top 100 Reviewed event on FilmFreeway and IMDb-recognized celebration of indie excellence — Miccio has built more than just a festival. She’s created a global creative and innovative film festival culture and experience.
Now entering its 7th year, VOBIFF 2025 returns on December 20, 2025, at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater at Symphony Space in New York City. This year’s festival features a vibrant lineup of Comedy, Drama, and Horror films from both emerging and established filmmakers around the world — along with live panels, red carpet moments, and the festival’s signature marble Birth of Venus trophy honoring artistic rebirth.
The festival is Produced by Eric Vollweiler, who has over two decades of experience producing and marketing film festivals nationwide and internationally. Eric joined the team this year to strengthen sponsorship and partnerships. With sponsorship support from The Flowery Dispensary Upper West Side, renowned dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross, Gotham Comedy Club, Compass Real Estate, Columbus Park Dental, Daniela Atanassova-Lineva, MD, Crew 1 TV Inc, and Vertical Engineering Sales, LLC. and other notable partners, the 2025 edition stands as a testament to how far independent cinema can go when passion meets purpose.
The Cristina Fontanelli Foundation is the official nonprofit sponsor of the festival, with a portion of the festival’s proceeds benefiting the foundation’s music programs for inner-city children.
From its beginnings as The Cutting Room International Short Film Festival to its transformation into Venus on Broadway, Miccio’s vision remains the same: to honor creativity that moves hearts, inspires minds, and brings diverse storytellers together on one of the world’s iconic stages — Broadway.
What does the Venus on Broadway International Film Festival represent, and how has the festival evolved since its inception?
Kathrina: If you’ve been to my festival events, you know it’s not only diverse films from all over the world, but the filmmakers that have travelled domestically and internationally have connected with other filmmakers and now we’re showing the collaborative films! VOBIFF actually evolved from The Cutting Room International Short Film Festival, which was a huge success from the very first year it made Top 100 Reviewed Festivals on Film Freeways, and also became an IMDB Award Festival. After 5 successful years, we grew out of the venue, and now had to change the name. The Venus Italian Int’l Film Festival was the 1st Italian Film festival in Las Vegas. So Venus became the first Film Festival ever on Broadway, and hence Venus on Broadway Int’l Film Festival was born.
What impact do you hope the festival continues to make in the global film community?
Kathrina: I’ve had filmmakers tell me I am the 1st NY International festival that awarded them. From India, Italy, England and more. I think it works hand in hand while International Films learn from domestic and vice versa, also learning about the different cultures while film becomes the vehicle.
What can both returning and first-time filmmakers expect from this year’s festival?
Kathrina: My returning filmmakers will love the new venue at Symphony Space. It’s been in a supperclub setting prior, which was nice, but we outgrew it. And don’t forget the Cocktail hour, Red Carpet, and Step and Repeat, which is conveniently in the same space.
Having sponsors like The Flowery involved this year is a major highlight, what does their support mean to you and to the festival’s mission?
Kathrina: We’re thrilled to have top sponsors like The Flowery to support the festival. Sponsors are our backbone, and we are grateful The Flowery came through for us to help the festival run as professional as possible with quality projection, and sound.
What would you like readers and future participants to know about the Venus on Broadway International Film Festival and its magazine at this time?
Kathrina: Indie Film Online Magazine is a one stop website for the festival, from showing the selected films, nominated, and then winners and also their trailers. Also the times of each block of films. Filmmakers have the opportunity to add their poster on a page, or a full article about their film.
How can filmmakers, sponsors, or film lovers get involved and be part of this movement?
Kathrina: Filmmakers have until Oct 30th to submit their short film. They can see their film on a big screen, in a beautiful theater. For sponsors, it’s a win-win regarding all of the social media and advertising. Not to mention a Billboard in Times Square for the top tiers! Film lovers will see diverse quality short films, comedy, horror, drama and documentaries from local and international filmmakers. There will also be a guest panel, Casting Director Amy Gossels, Screenwriter/Playwright, Richard Vetere, and some surprise guests. And since it’s December 20th, it’s a holiday theme, so it will be super festive!!!
More about the Venus on Broadway International Film Festival:
Why Filmmakers Choose VOBIFF
- Top 100 Reviewed Film Festival on FilmFreeway
- IMDb-Recognized Awards Festival
- Networking Opportunities with filmmakers, media, and industry insiders
- Exclusive Coverage in Indie Film Online Magazine
- Unique Trophy: A marble statue of Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, symbolizing artistic rebirth and creative courage
- New this year: FestiVote Audience Awards, allowing live audience participation in selecting the winner
- Memorable Experience: Cocktail hour, red carpet, and panel discussions all within Symphony Space
Past honorees include 2x Oscar Winning Screenwriter Bobby Moresco, Emmy Award Winning Actor Timothy Busfield, Oscar Nominated Actress Cathy Moriarty, and SAG Nominated Actor Vince Curatola, with Indie Film Online Magazine cover features celebrating talents such as Emmy Award Winning Actor Armand Assante, SAG Nominated Actress DeDee Pfeiffer, SAG Nominated Actor Jeremy Sisto, and Reality TV Star John Paul Jones.
For more information please visit: IndieFilmOnline.com
