Sole Luna Doc Film Festival

A bridge between cultures in the heart of Palermo

The Sole Luna Doc Film Festival is one of Italy's premier events dedicated to international documentary cinema. Organized by the Sole Luna - A Bridge Between Cultures Association, led by founder Lucia Gotti Venturato, the festival takes place annually in Palermo, in the heart of Sicily, transforming some of the city's most evocative locations into open-air cinemas. The artistic direction is curated by Chiara Andrich and Andrea Mura.

History and Mission

Established in 2006, the festival has built a distinct identity over the years, rooted in intercultural dialogue and the defense of human rights. Through the "cinema of the real," the event highlights stories often overlooked by mainstream media, giving a voice to marginalized realities, environmental and social issues, and offering fresh perspectives on the contemporary world. Since 2014, activities have expanded nationwide, with screenings in schools and universities across Italy.

Sections and Awards

The core of the festival is the international competition, divided into sections for feature-length/mid-length documentaries and short documentaries. The international jury awards the Best Documentary Prize (3,000 euros) and the Best Short Film Prize (500 euros), alongside honors for cinematography, editing, sound, and original score. Particularly significant is the "A Bridge Between Cultures" Prize, presented personally by Lucia Gotti Venturato to the work that best promotes dialogue, solidarity, and connection between peoples. Alongside the international jury, a student jury and a "new citizenship" jury—composed of young migrants and cultural mediators—also participate.

Venues and Atmosphere

Screenings are held in the open-air spaces of the GAM - Gallery of Modern Art in Palermo, between the Sant'Anna cloister and the Bonet courtyard, and in the Sala dei 99 at Palazzo Branciforte, home of the Fondazione Sicilia. Each edition offers retrospectives, Q&A sessions with directors, concerts, and special events, creating a summer festival atmosphere that blends cinematic quality with civic engagement. Admission is free, in keeping with the event's inclusive and popular spirit.

A festival for the city and the Mediterranean

More than just a film festival, the Sole Luna Doc Film Festival serves as a privileged vantage point for Palermo and Sicily to observe the Mediterranean and its peoples. As a centuries-old crossroads of cultures, the Sicilian capital is the ideal setting for a festival that uses cinema as a tool for mutual understanding and building bridges between different worlds.