Sicilia Queer filmfest

Sicilia Queer filmfest

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Sicilia Queer filmfest explores queer cinema through independent films and experiments in cinematic language, including work beyond explicitly LGBT subjects. Based in Palermo, Italy, and organised by the cultural association Sicilia Queer, it promotes emerging filmmakers and challenges social discrimination through cinema. Its international Nuove Visioni competition brings short, medium-length and feature films into a single selection, welcoming fiction, documentary, animation, music videos and experimental work.

The programme combines contemporary films with retrospectives, rediscovered cinema, visual arts and queer literature. Presenze focuses on an individual filmmaker, while Eterotopie examines cinema from a particular geographical context. The Nino Gennaro Prize recognises contributions to queer culture and rights. The dates of the seventeenth edition are 23–29 May 2027, with Cinema De Seta in Palermo listed as its venue.

Country

Italy

Focus

LGBTQIA+

Categories

Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Feature, Music Video, Short

Dates

23 May 2027 — 29 May 2027

Awards and prizes

The 2027 regulations provide for a €2,500 International Nuove Visioni Award for best film, decided by the International Jury, with possible non-cash special mentions. A separate jury of national and international festival representatives awards the €500 Circuito Festival Award to encourage further screenings of films with limited circulation. The annual Nino Gennaro Prize recognises an artist or intellectual for promoting queer culture, valuing difference and defending LGBT rights. In the 2026 edition, the Coordinamento Palermo Pride jury also awards the best short film across competitive and non-competitive sections.

Festival rules

The 2027 regulations describe one international Nuove Visioni competition for short, medium-length and feature films, focusing on first and second works, emerging filmmakers and innovative cinematic language. An explicitly LGBT subject is not required. The programme terms admit fiction, documentary, animation, music videos and experimental films, excluding commercials and television title sequences. A separate eligibility clause specifically lists fiction features and documentaries completed after 1 January 2025. Applications use FilmFreeway. Selected films require DCP, Blu-ray or HD video screening copies. Non-English-language films require English subtitles, and selected Italian films also require English subtitles. The festival provides Italian electronic subtitles where needed. Rights holders are responsible for copyright clearance. Confirmed films cannot be withdrawn; the regulations specify compensation of €2,000 for withdrawal after inclusion in the programme. In disputes, the Italian text of the regulations governs and the competent court is Palermo.

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