How to apply:
Send an idea for a short film - Briefly outline your vision!
The proposed idea may be original or based on a previously developed project, provided it has never been produced or realised.
Applications can also be submitted through the digital form in the official page “cicifilmfestival.com”
After the application, each applicant will receive a digital dossier containing information about Castellammare del Golfo, its history, locations, and other useful materials to help develop the full story concept.
Selected authors will be given the opportunity to spend a week in Sicily to film their story.
For any enquiries regarding the application process, please contact: call@cicifilmfestival.com
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What the festival offers
Selected filmmakers will receive:
Accommodation in Castellammare del Golfo for the director and one collaborator.
Access to local actors, extras, and volunteers.
A shared workspace dedicated to collaboration and networking.
Access to a music and sound effects library, with usage rights included.
Public screening of the short film produced during the festival, followed by an award ceremony.
The organisers will provide accommodation (director + assistant) in a residence located in Castellammare del Golfo from 19 September 2026 to 26 September 2026, with check-out scheduled for 27 September 2026 at 12.00 noon. The accommodation includes overnight stays only. Local travel, including travel to and from the competition venues, is the responsibility of the participants. Participants must arrive in Castellammare del Golfo no later than 18.00 on 19 September 2026 for check-in. Any additional assistants are welcome, but the associated accommodation costs will be borne by the participants.
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Selection
The 10 selected filmmakers will be chosen based on:
Age: 18-35 years old
Artistic quality of their previous works submitted with the application
Originality and narrative strength of the proposed concept.
Feasibility of the concept within the festival’s timeframe and production conditions.
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Festival Opening
On 19 September 2026, at 9.00 pm, at Villa Margherita, each filmmaker will have the opportunity to present their proposed project to actors, extras, crew members and anyone else wishing to contribute to the realisation of their film project.
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Screening and awards
The award ceremony and screening of the competing short films will take place at the Arena delle Rose in Castellammare del Golfo on Friday, 26 September 2026, at 21:00.
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Film duration
The maximum permitted duration for each film is 10 minutes.
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Use of lead actors
Lead and supporting actors selected by the directors may appear in only one short film in the competition.
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Rights
Short films produced within CFF26 are the property of the filmmakers and are co-produced by the C.I.C.I. Association.
The C.I.C.I. Association may use the short films for both commercial and non-commercial purposes, as well as for the promotion and distribution of the Festival.
For any screening of short films produced during the CICI Film Festival, it is mandatory to display the official logo of the C.I.C.I. Association and the CICI Film Festival logo.
Soundtracks must be royalty-free or, if copyright-protected, the filmmaker must hold written authorisation or a valid licence from the rights holder. The organisation provides access to a music and sound effects library with usage rights included.
Each filmmaker is responsible for ensuring that these rules are complied with. In the event of any legal dispute, the organisation disclaims all liability.
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Privacy
Participants are hereby informed that the personal data contained in the applications submitted for this selection will be collected and processed by the C.I.C.I. Association solely for the purposes of managing the selection process, in compliance with the security and confidentiality obligations set forth in EU Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR).
