Maazzeni Film Festival – Etna Vision

An independent film festival at the foot of Mount Etna

The Maazzeni Film Festival – Etna Vision is one of the most distinctive film events in Eastern Sicily, dedicated entirely to independent short and medium-length films. It is held in Ragalna, a small town in the province of Catania nestled on the southern slopes of Mount Etna, attracting directors, actors, and film enthusiasts from across the island and beyond every summer.

The Palmento Arena, a unique setting

Screenings take place at the Teatro Comunale Palmento Arena, located at Via Paternò 30: a historic late-19th-century palmento, a rural building once used for grape pressing and wine production, now converted into an open-air arena for performances and cultural events. Its atmosphere, characterized by volcanic stone and starry skies, gives the festival evenings a unique charm, deeply rooted in the winemaking tradition of the Etna region.

A festival born from the Maazzeni experience

The festival is organized by the Maazzeni Association of Paternò, heir to the "O Maazzeni" cultural space, which was born from the conversion of an old agricultural warehouse into a hub for artistic experimentation by Luigi Virgillito. From that legacy of creative workshops and theater groups, a festival has grown that is now in its thirteenth edition and has earned the patronage of the Municipality of Ragalna and regional cultural institutions.

Competition, awards, and guests

The program alternates competition screenings with opportunities to meet authors and cinema protagonists, award ceremonies, and side events. Awards include the First Prize, the Special Jury Prize, the "History and Traditions of Sicily" award, and the Municipality of Ragalna Prize, in addition to a Lifetime Achievement Award dedicated to figures of Sicilian cinema. Independent short and medium-length films, including animated works, are eligible.

Within the Ragalna summer

The Maazzeni Film Festival is a highlight of the "Ragalna Summer" calendar, which enlivens the town with shows, music, cabaret, culture, and traditions. The festival confirms the cultural vitality of this corner of the province of Catania and Sicily, where independent cinema finds an authentic stage and a passionate community.