Welcome to the Palermo International Film Festival, a celebration of the art of cinema set in the vibrant city of Palermo. Known as the backdrop for the popular TV series "White Lotus," Palermo provides the perfect setting for our seasonal online festival. We are thrilled to invite filmmakers from around the globe, representing diverse genres, to showcase their exceptional projects in the heart of Sicily.

Our festival embraces both feature and short films, aiming to provide a platform for talented artists to share their creative visions with a worldwide audience of dedicated cinephiles. With a commitment to excellence, we strive to present the finest examples of this captivating art form known as 'Cinema,' paying homage to generations of filmmakers who have shaped the industry.

The selection process begins with private screenings, where a team of seasoned screeners will evaluate each submitted short film. Those that receive the highest scores will be chosen for the official competition, entering a review process by a panel of at least three esteemed judges. These judges, with their discerning eye and expertise, will determine the best films of each season, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the world of cinema.

To honor the exceptional work of the winners, we will present them with Official Laurels and certificates highlighting their achievements in their respective categories. This recognition serves as a testament to their talent and dedication, providing them with well-deserved acclaim within the industry.

Join us at the Palermo International Film Festival, where the magic of cinema meets the captivating allure of Sicily. Together, let's celebrate the artistry and creativity of filmmakers from around the world, as we embark on an unforgettable journey through the power of storytelling.

Awards & Prizes

Short films:
Best narrative Italian short film
Best international short film
Best first-time filmmaker short
Best student short
Best documentary short
Best animation short
Best experimental short
Best horror short
Best women’s issue film
Best LGBT film
Best dance short film
Best sci-fi short
Best covid film
Best music video
Best web series
Best female director
Best male director
Best actor
Best actress
Best script
Best unproduced script

Feature films:
Best narrative Italian feature film
Best international feature film
Best first-time feature filmmaker
Best feature documentary
Best feature director
Best feature actor
Best feature actress
Best feature script
Best unproduced feature script

Rules & Terms

– In order to submit a film, you must own the rights or have permission from the owner.

– Any Foreign film that is not in Italian or English must have subtitles.

– All fees are non-refundable.

– Not all the submissions are selected for the official competition. Our Judges are free to make their own choices and no answers will be given about not selected films.

– Sicily Art festival can consider any film to be disqualified if the festival considers the content inappropriate. If you have any question regarding this decision you might contact us at our email address.

– Filmmakers can submit the film in multiple categories in order to become a multi-award film. Still, the decision about the selection is strictly determined by our judges’ team and no selection is guaranteed.

– Submitting your movie, you authorize the festival to use, distribute and share the film poster, trailer, synopsis and movie stills in our social media.

– Films can be available online and still be entered in the competition for our festival.

– Multiple submissions and multiple category submissions are accepted.

– Films must have been completed within the past 5 years.

– Shorts must be less than 50 minutes.

-We do not require premiere status.
129 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Lynwood Shiva Sawyer

    On behalf of our team, we are delighted and flattered to been an Official Selection of the Palermo International Film Estival.
    The Country Gentlewoman was shot in the autumn of our final year at university- to see a love for our film go from the confines of our campus, to now across the world, is surreal! May our campy kitschy short continue to delight and amuse your audiences with our killer cast and script!
    Thank you and wishing you all the best with all your future festivals.
    Hope Lines (Director), Ellie Dinnes (Producer) and Lauren Bowles (Marketing Director)

    June 2026
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  • Bruce Radek

    What a wonderful festival experience! My sincere thanks to the Palermo International Film Festival for the honor and recognition, and for presenting an award for my music video, Monday's Blues Dreaming of Tuesday Weld.

    Gratefully,
    Bruce Radek

    June 2026
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  • Kostoula Tomadaki

    Thank you the Palermo International Film Festival for choosing my documentary MOTHER OF THE STATION as a semi- finalist. It was a great experience!!

    June 2026
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  • Joshua Meszaros

    We are truly grateful to the festival and the jury for selecting “DISORDER” as a Semi-Finalist. This documentary was created to give voice to people living with impulse control disorder, and we deeply appreciate the opportunity to help bring awareness to this important topic. Thank you for helping it reach a wider audience.

    June 2026
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  • Elizabeth Avalos Castillo

    RECIBI AVISOS MUCHAS GRACIAS

    NO ENTENDI EN QUE QUEDE, PERO GRACIAS

    June 2026
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