On Air Festival

An audiovisual festival in the heart of Palermo

The On Air Festival is an event dedicated to the audiovisual world, held in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Established in 2024, the festival brings together some of the most beloved figures from Italian and international cinema and TV series each year, alongside personalities committed to social causes. The goal is clear: to use the language of visual storytelling as a tool for reflection on current topics such as inclusion, identity, sustainability, and social responsibility.

Venues between heritage and the sea

A hallmark of the festival is its choice of hosting meetings in iconic city landmarks. Editions have taken place at Palazzo Bonocore, overlooking Piazza Pretoria, the striking Molo Trapezoidale at the port, and the nautical headquarters of the Club Canottieri Roggero di Lauria in the seaside setting of Mondello. In the past, talks have also been held inside the Palazzo dei Normanni, the oldest royal residence in Europe, and the "A. Salinas" Regional Archaeological Museum. This scenic choice inextricably links the festival to the historical and landscape heritage of Palermo.

Talks, screenings, and guests

The heart of the event consists of public meetings with actors, directors, and screenwriters, accompanied by film screenings and discussions with third-sector organizations. Over the years, the Palermo stage has welcomed top-tier names from the television and film landscape, ranging from familiar faces of mainstream fiction to stars of cult series. Alongside entertainment guests, activists and social representatives participate in a dialogue that adds depth to the program.

A free and accessible event

On Air Festival is defined by its inclusive nature: admission to all events is free, subject to availability, upon registration on the official festival website. This free-access model reflects the educational and civic vocation of the project, designed to introduce a broad and diverse audience to the themes of cinema, TV series, and social engagement.

A landmark event for Sicily

Supported by the patronage of the Regional Department of Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity and the Regional Department of Tourism, the On Air Festival has established itself as one of the most popular spring cultural events in Palermo, successfully combining quality entertainment, regional promotion, and collective reflection on major contemporary issues.