Nebrodi Cinema Doc International Festival

Cinema that tells the world's stories in Naso

The Nebrodi Cinema Doc International Festival is a documentary and short film showcase that brings the village of Naso—a charming spot in the Nebrodi Park in the province of Messina, Sicily—to life every year. Established in 2024 and organized by the URIOS APS Association, the festival has quickly become one of the most vibrant fixtures on the Sicilian independent film scene, attracting works and filmmakers from over fifty countries.

A festival with a social heart

The festival's motto, "a story to tell, a world to change," captures its core mission: using cinema as a tool for knowledge and transformation. The selection prioritizes works that explore local heritage, environmental protection, and social solidarity, featuring documentaries, narrative short films, animated works, and independent features from every continent.

Venues: Teatro Alfieri and the Convento dei Frati Minori

The heart of the screenings is the Teatro Alfieri in Naso, while the Convento dei Frati Minori Osservanti hosts conferences, masterclasses, and meetings with film industry professionals. Over the years, prominent directors have participated, and the jury awards the Nebrodi Cinema Doc Prize to the best work, alongside numerous category awards, special prizes, and honorable mentions.

More than just screenings

The program blends screenings with a rich calendar of activities: morning sessions for local students, thematic debates with industry experts, and excursions to discover the most fascinating sites in the Nebrodi area, from the Megaliths of Argimusco in Montalbano Elicona to Tindari and the local sanctuaries. The festival thus serves as a cultural and tourism promotion opportunity for the town of Naso and the entire Nebrodi region.

A growing event

The inaugural 2024 edition drew over a thousand spectators, with dozens of filmmakers and numerous schools in attendance. The 2025 edition saw over 316 entries from more than 50 nations, confirming the truly international scope of an event rooted in a small Nebrodi village but open to the world.