SHORTini Film Festival

SHORTini Film Festival: Short films light up Augusta

The SHORTini Film Festival is an international short film showcase that brings Augusta, a city in the province of Syracuse in the heart of Eastern Sicily, to life. The festival uses Piazza D'Astorga, located in the town's historic center, as its natural stage, turning it into an open-air cinema arena under the stars for a few days in early September.

An international short film competition

The heart of the event is the international short film competition: a selection of short works by Italian and international directors, screened over several evenings and subjected to an audience vote, which helps determine the winners. The announcement and screening of the winning works traditionally close the final evening, turning the square into a small, popular, and engaging red carpet event.

Much more than just screenings

SHORTini is not just about cinema: the program blends different artistic languages and caters to all ages. Each edition features:

• Apericinema: lounge-style meetings and dialogues with directors, authors, and Italian festival organizers;
• Workshops for children dedicated to art, imagery, and creativity;
• Live music, with concerts and sets accompanying the evenings;
• Book presentations and meetings with authors;
• Special screenings, including silent films with live musical accompaniment.

A festival that tells the story of the territory

Bringing a film festival to the squares of Augusta means returning a space of shared, free culture to the community. The event aims to grow and establish itself as a benchmark among Italian film festivals, while simultaneously promoting the historic center of the city and its bond with the Sicilian public. Admission is free for all events, confirming the popular and inclusive spirit of the festival.