Cefalù Film Festival

The Cefalù Film Festival

The Cefalù Film Festival is one of the most cherished cinematic events on the Sicilian Tyrrhenian coast. Every autumn, between late October and early November, the medieval town of Cefalù, in the Province of Palermo, becomes the stage for a true "celebration of the big screen," as the event's motto suggests. Public screenings, meetings with authors, and award ceremonies take place over several days in an intimate and engaging atmosphere.

Festival Venues

The festival takes place in two main locations in the town center: the Hotel Sea Palace, overlooking the Giardina seafront, which hosts the gala events and award ceremonies, and the historic Cinema Astro, the heart of the competition screenings. The days are punctuated by sessions dedicated to the public, featuring moments of discussion where directors present their works and engage with the audience, reflecting the spirit of "cinematic culture and dialogue" that defines the event.

Awards and Values of Peace

The most prestigious recognition is the "Pellicola e Libro della Pace" Award, presented to the best film in competition: the winning director is honored with a book that traces their career and commitment to spreading values of peace and solidarity. Alongside this, the festival presents numerous other awards and diplomas, including the Earth Day Award for cinema that explores the relationship between humanity, the territory, and responsibility, the "Peace Journalist" Award, the "City of Pollina" Award for Sicilian cinema, and the "School and Cinema" Award, which highlights projects created by students.

A Competition Open to Italy and Beyond

Each edition features dozens of works—including feature films, short films, and documentaries—from across the peninsula and, occasionally, from abroad. The selection ranges from fiction to auteur documentaries, with a particular sensitivity toward social, environmental, and human themes. A dedicated section is also reserved for schools, featuring screenings and workshops for younger audiences.

Cefalù, the Festival's Backdrop

The setting for the event is one of Sicily's most beloved locations: Cefalù, with its famous UNESCO-listed Norman Cathedral, the narrow streets of the historic center, and the golden beach. The combination of great cinema and the beauty of the territory makes the festival a cultural landmark for enthusiasts and visitors to the Madonie, helping to promote the image of Sicily through the lens of the seventh art.