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.
121 Reviews
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  • Jane L. Fitzpatrick

    We have focused the last few years on reaching the world with our screenplay Sacajawea, The Windcatcher. It was wonderful to be a Semi-Finalist in your festival in Palermo. Thank you very much.

    April 2026
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  • Mira Kim

    I am truly honored and deeply grateful to be selected at the Palermo International Film Festival.
    My sincere thanks go to those who looked warmly upon the childhood memories and emotions woven into my film.
    Completing this work, I felt profound joy and meaning in realizing that AI could serve as a powerful tool to expand my creative world.
    It was deeply moving to see that a story born from personal memories could connect with audiences beyond borders.
    I will carry the meaning of this recognition with me and continue to return with stories told with greater sincerity and honesty.
    Thank you very much.

    March 2026
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  • stefania gallo

    Thank you we are honored to have been semi-finalists.
    "When I saw Francesco, my friend, under some kind of large mosquito net in a room in the Hotel, I laughed. It was not a mosquito net but a specific protection from radioactive fields. "Destination White Zone" chronicles our journey from Bologna to Zieremberg to a valuable gathering of electrosensitive people."

    March 2026
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  • Roswitha Soukup

    I am so happy and excited that my film "Trees" is part of the Palermo International Film Festival!!

    March 2026
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  • Christopher C. James

    We are honored to have our short documentary Omelettes for Yummies (2025) selected in the Palermo International Film Festival 🎥! We are hopeful as we await the announcement on March 10th.

    February 2026
    Helpful