Magma – International Short Film Festival
The international short film festival between Catania and Acireale
About Magma
A short film festival in the heart of Sicily
Magma – International Short Film Festival is one of the longest-running and most renowned Italian festivals dedicated to short films. Organized by the Scarti Cultural Association, it takes place between the municipalities of Catania and Acireale, in the province of Catania, in the heart of eastern Sicily at the foot of Mount Etna. Since its inception in 2002, it has built an international network that has brought over 9,400 short films from 92 different countries to the island.
Competition sections
The Magma program revolves around several competitive sections that showcase diverse perspectives and cinematic languages:
- International Competition: the international contest open to short fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental films from around the world (maximum duration 20 minutes).
- Insula – Impressions of Sicily: the section dedicated to short films by Sicilian directors or set in Sicily.
- Eksperimenta: the showcase for video art and experimental cinema.
- Magma Debut: the spring competition reserved for international feature film debuts, featuring a Summer School dedicated to screenplay development.
- Magma Youth: the educational path involving local schools with screenings and practical workshops.
Awards
The main honor is the Lorenzo Vecchio Award for the best short film, accompanied by the Audience Award voted on by the public, special jury mentions, and section awards such as the Insula Award for the best Sicilian film.
Between historic theaters and open-air arenas
Magma stands out for its venues: the Arena Argentina in Catania and the Margherita Multisala in Acireale are the main hubs, complemented by cultural spaces such as the Academy of Fine Arts and Scenario Pubblico. Free admission makes it a popular, high-quality event that brings together cinephiles, students, and curious audiences around the short format. For Catania and all of Sicily, Magma represents an annual window into emerging auteur cinema from every continent.
Magma — edition 2026
For its twenty-fifth anniversary, Magma confirms the two-phase formula that has characterized recent editions. The spring part, Magma Debut (June 15-19, 2026), features five international debut films in competition; the autumn part, from November 2 to 7, 2026, hosts the International Competition with short films selected from around the world, along with the Insula – Impressions of Sicily, Eksperimenta, and Magma Youth sections. Screenings take place between Catania and Acireale, in the province of Catania, with free admission.
Programme Magma 2026
Magma Debut — June 15-19, 2026 (debut films in competition)
Five international debut films compete for the Debut Award, awarded by an international jury composed of Silvia Brunelli (director and screenwriter), Elina Losa (producer), and Manuela Ventura (actress). Screenings are held at the Arena Argentina in Catania and the Margherita Multisala in Acireale.
- June 15 — Nino by Pauline Loqués (France), Arena Argentina, Catania
- June 16 — Muy lejos by Gerard Oms (Spain)
- June 17 — Backstage Madness by Amanbek Azhymat (Kyrgyzstan), Arena Argentina, Catania
- June 18 — Filipiñana by Rafael Manuel (Philippines)
- June 19 — Gioia mia by Margherita Spampinato (Italy), Margherita Multisala, Acireale
Concurrently with the screenings, a Summer School dedicated to screenplay development for debut works is held.
International Short Film Competition — November 2-7, 2026
The International Competition, open to short fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental films from around the world (maximum duration 20 minutes), takes place between Acireale and Catania from November 2 to 7, 2026, alongside the Insula – Impressions of Sicily, Eksperimenta, and Magma Youth sections. The detailed program of the competing shorts and guests will be announced on the official website in the preceding weeks.
Highlights Magma 2026
Prices Magma 2026
Practical information — Magma
Getting there
Screenings take place between Catania and Acireale. In Catania, they are easily accessible by car and public transport; Acireale is about 17 km north of Catania, connected by the SS114 road and the regional railway line. The reference airport is Catania-Fontanarossa.
Admission
Admission to screenings is free until capacity is reached.
Information
The full program, schedule, and updated venues are available on the official website magmafestival.org and the festival's social media channels.
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Where does it take place — Magma
Arena Argentina, Margherita Multisala (Acireale)
Via Kennedy 68, 95121 Catania