Venus on Broadway International Film Festival 2025 Announces Call for Submissions: Celebrating Global Independent Voices in Comedy, Drama, and Horror
- Tammy Reese
- 9 minutes ago
- 5 min read
By Tammy Reese
The acclaimed Venus on Broadway International Film Festival (VOBIFF), a Top 100 Reviewed Festival on FilmFreeway and IMDb-recognized awards event, has officially opened submissions for its 7th annual showcase. Independent filmmakers and screenwriters from around the world are invited to submit their work in the categories of Comedy, Drama, and Horror for consideration.
The 2025 festival will take place on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater at Symphony Space (2537 Broadway, New York, NY 10025). Tickets are now on sale here: https://www.symphonyspace.org/events/vp-venus-on-broadway-intl-film-festival. This year’s event promises a powerful celebration of cinematic storytelling, featuring screenings, and a red-carpet gala honoring emerging and established voices in independent film.
To encourage early participation, VOBIFF is offering a 50% submission discount through October 30, 2025, using the waiver code 50venus via FilmFreeway.
A Platform Built for True Indie Creators
Festival Founder and Director Kathrina Miccio, a multi-award-winning actress, filmmaker, and cancer survivor, created the Venus on Broadway International Film Festival to give independent creators the visibility they deserve.
“We are focused on emerging, yet overlooked filmmakers and writers,” said Miccio. “VOBIFF exists to show quality films from true indie creators and to honor their hard work and dedication.”
Miccio, who has more than 25 years of experience in film and television, also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Indie Film Online Magazine, the festival’s official media partner.
Festival Schedule — Saturday, December 20, 2025
Location: Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
11:00 AM — 6:00 PM: Three blocks of short film screenings in Comedy, Horror, and Drama
5:00 PM: Filmmaker & Audience Q&A Panel featuring Amy Gossels (Casting Director) and Richard Vetere (Playwright, Screenwriter, Television Writer, Poet, and Actor)
6:00 PM — 9:00 PM: Open Bar Cocktail Hour, Red Carpet Reception, and Awards Presentation
Festival Fees:
1 Block of Films: $25.00
3 Blocks: $50.00
Red Carpet and Awards Access: $50.00
VIP Experience: $100.00
These options allow guests and filmmakers to customize their festival experience, from enjoying curated film blocks to celebrating with honorees on the red carpet.
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
Distinctive 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
Unforgettable 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.
A Festival with Heart and Heritage
VOBIFF evolved from Miccio’s previous venture, The Cutting Room International Short Film Festival, which also ranked among FilmFreeway’s Top 100 festivals and earned IMDb Award status in its first year. The rebrand to Venus on Broadway reflects the festival’s expansion to larger venues and its commitment to creating a space where global artistry meets New York energy.
Producer Eric Vollweiler, who has over two decades of experience producing and marketing film festivals nationwide and internationally, joined the team this year to strengthen sponsorship and partnerships.
“Our filmmakers come from all corners of the globe — India, Italy, England, and beyond,” said Miccio. “When international and domestic artists share their stories on the same stage, the result is transformative. Film becomes the bridge.
About This Year’s Premier Sponsor — The Flowery
The Flowery Dispensary Upper West Side joins VOBIFF 2025 as Producing Sponsor, supporting the festival’s mission to uplift independent storytellers.
About The Flowery:
Founded in 2018, The Flowery has become a leading cannabis brand known for authenticity, community engagement, and premium craftsmanship. With 21 retail locations across Florida and New York, The Flowery continues to shape the future of cannabis culture and creativity.
Sponsor Statements:
“At The Flowery, we’ve always believed cannabis and creativity come from the same place: a desire to connect, to express, and to feel something real. Supporting the arts isn’t just sponsorship for us; it’s part of who we are. The Upper West Side has such a rich creative pulse, and venues like Symphony Space remind us why this neighborhood is special. Partnering with the Venus on Broadway International Film Festival felt like a natural fit. It’s a chance to celebrate independent voices, local artistry, and the kind of storytelling that inspires us all.” — Moe Ashor, President & GM, The Flowery UWS
“I’m so happy to support your organization. I love indie films and helping artists. You have done a great thing.” — Renowned New York Dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross
Additional 2025 sponsors include: Gotham Comedy Club, Compass Real Estate, Columbus Park Dental, Daniela Atanassova-Lineva, MD, Crew 1 TV Inc, and Vertical Engineering Sales, LLC.
Call for Sponsors and Partners
VOBIFF welcomes new sponsors who share a passion for independent film and creative innovation. Partnership opportunities offer visibility across live events, digital platforms, and social media, including Times Square billboard exposure for top-tier sponsors.
For sponsorship inquiries, visit www.indiefilmonline.com.
More Event Details
Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Venue: Leonard Nimoy Theater at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, New York, NY
Festival Website: FilmFreeway.com/VenusOnBroadwayIntlFilmFestival
Sponsor & Media Info: IndieFilmOnline.com
About the Venus on Broadway International Film Festival
The Venus on Broadway International Film Festival (VOBIFF) is a premier celebration of independent cinema based in New York City. Dedicated to championing underrepresented filmmakers and authentic storytelling, VOBIFF has become one of the Top 100 Reviewed Festivals on FilmFreeway and is an IMDb-recognized event. Each year, the festival brings together filmmakers, actors, writers, and audiences to honor excellence in film and the shared human experience that unites us all.
Press Contact:
Tammy Reese, Publicist
Visionary Minds Public Relations & Media
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