Eligibility
Phase 1 โ Earlybird Submissions
Submissions are open to filmmakers based anywhere in the world, including student filmmakers but must contain a Sicilian connection.
Phase 2 โ Regular Priced Submissions
As the screen dates gets closer, there is more work in watching all the submissions in time to judge for inclusion, hence the higher price than earlybird. Submissions are open to filmmakers based anywhere in the world, including student filmmakers but must contain a Sicilian connection.
All films must have a clear Sicilian connection. This may include:
โข Sicilian themes or storytelling
โข Sicilian culture or heritage
โข Sicilian characters, language, music or symbolism
โข A creative connection to Sicily, regardless of where the film was made
The filmmaker does not need to be Sicilian or located in Sicily.
Copyright
All films must comply with Australian copyright law. Filmmakers are responsible for securing all necessary rights and clearances for any copyrighted material included in their work, including music.
Films containing copyrighted music must have appropriate licences in place for public festival screening. The festival reserves the right to request written confirmation of clearances and may disqualify any film found to be in breach.
Runtime
โข Films up to 15 minutes will be accepted
โข Runtime includes titles and credits.
Language & Subtitles
We welcome films in any language, provided they meet the Sicilian theme requirements. English subtitles are required to ensure accessibility for our audience.
Format for Submissions
โข Online screeners only (FilmFreeway upload, Vimeo link with password, or equivalent).
โข Selected filmmakers may be asked to provide a high-quality MP4 file.
Selection Process
โข A committee from The Sicilia Social & Cultural Club will review all eligible films.
โข Up to 8 films will be chosen for public screening.
โข The committeeโs decisions are final.
Awards
This is a community film festival with one main award and other minor awards:
๐ฃ๐ฒ๐ผ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒโ๐ ๐๐ต๐ผ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ
The Peopleโs Choice Award is voted on by the audience at the screening event.The winning film will receive:
A digital gift card or cash equivalent (approx $50 AUD)
Peopleโs Choice Award laurel
Digital certificate
๐๐น๐๐ฏ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐ ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
A special recognition awarded at the discretion of the festival committee to a film that demonstrates exceptional merit.
Prize includes:
Honourable Mention laurel
Digital certificate
๐๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐บ๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ต๐
Awarded for visual excellence, composition, lighting and overall visual impact.
Prize includes:
Award laurel
Digital certificate
๐ข๐ณ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐น๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
All selected films receive:
โข Official Selection laurel
โข Digital certificate
Additional non-cash recognition may be awarded at the committeeโs discretion.
Fees & Refunds
โข Submission fees are non-refundable unless the festival is fully cancelled.
โข If the in-person event cannot proceed, the festival may shift to an online judging format.
โข If no screening or judging takes place, all paid submissions will be refunded.
Content Guidelines
โข All films must have a clear Sicilian connection.
โข Animation, comedy, drama, thriller, documentary, or romance. To suit the tone of the event and its community audience, horror films are not part of the program.
โข No excessively graphic content or material unsuitable for a community event.
โข The festival reserves the right to decline submissions that do not align with the eventโs cultural focus or values.
Rights & Permissions
By submitting, you confirm that:
โข You own all rights or have obtained all necessary permissions.
โข The festival may use stills or short clips (under 10 seconds) for promotional purposes.
โข Screening permission is granted for the festival date.
Event Details
โข The screening is expected to run from 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm with a short break.
โข The festival is presented by The Sicilia Social & Cultural Club, screening at Merlynston Progress Hall, 1 Novian Street Coburg North, Victoria 3058
โข Filmmakers are not required to physically attend
FAQ
Do I need to be Sicilian to submit?
No. Films must have a Sicilian theme or connection, but filmmakers may be based anywhere worldwide.
What types of films are you looking for?
We are looking for short films that engage with Sicilian culture, heritage or storytelling in creative ways, across a range of genres.
How many films will be selected?
Up to eight films will be selected for screening at the event.
Do I need clearance for copyrighted music used in my film?
Yes. As our festival is a public, ticketed screening, filmmakers must have secured the appropriate rights and permissions for any copyrighted music included in their film, even if it is used briefly or as background. We may request confirmation of music clearances for selected films.
Do you accept student films?
Yes, student films are welcome.
Do I need to physically attend?
No, filmmakers are not required to physically attend
Is there a cash prize?
A digital gift card or cash equivalent (approx $50 AUD). Other awards receive laurels and digital certificates.
Will my film be screened publicly?
Yes. Selected films will be screened at the festival event presented by The Sicilia Social & Cultural Club.
