The Mediterranean Film Festival in Malta is back for its third round, featuring over 40 films hailing from more than 20 different nations. From June 21st to the 29th, the festival will be held in the country’s capital, Valletta. The event has organized screenings for its Competition, Out of Competition, and Mare Nostrum categories.
Films in the competition category will feature “The Return” directed by Uberto Pasolini, starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche; “Hot Milk,” a debut film by Rebecca Lenkiewicz; “For the Love of a Woman” (Per amore di una donna) by Italian director Guido Chiesa; “Harvest” from Athina Rachel Tsangari; and “The Theft of the Caravaggio,” directed by Maltese filmmaker Joshua Cassar Gaspar.
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In the competition section, you’ll find “The Return,” a movie by Uberto Pasolini starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche; Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s first directorial effort, “Hot Milk”; Guido Chiesa’s Italian film “For the Love of a Woman” (Per amore di una donna); Athina Rachel Tsangari’s movie “Harvest”; and “The Theft of the Caravaggio,” directed by Joshua Cassar Gaspar from Malta.
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In the competition films lineup, we have Uberto Pasolini’s “The Return” starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche; Rebecca Lenkiewicz making her directorial debut with “Hot Milk”; Guido Chiesa’s Italian film “For the Love of a Woman” (Per amore di una donna); Athina Rachel Tsangari’s “Harvest”; and Maltese director Joshua Cassar Gaspar’s “The Theft of the Caravaggio.
Additional screenings outside the competition will feature films such as “Ira Sachs’ ‘Peter Hujar’s Day’,” starring Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall, the Malta-set thriller “Compulsion,” directed by Neil Marshall, “Four Letters of Love,” starring Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Gabriel Byrne, and “Time Travel is Dangerous,” narrated by Stephen Fry.
These extra screenings will showcase movies like “Ira Sachs’ ‘Peter Hujar’s Day’,” starring Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall, the thriller “Compulsion” set in Malta, directed by Neil Marshall, “Four Letters of Love,” featuring Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Gabriel Byrne, and “Time Travel is Dangerous,” narrated by Stephen Fry.
A segment titled FilmItalia Sidebar will showcase emerging female Italian directors, featuring films such as “Diva Futura,” “Gloria!”, and “Love and Glory – The Long Deledda.
The “Our Sea” segment, translated as “Mare Nostrum,” is back with a lineup of six movies delving into the climate crisis and environmental issues. These films include “Lowland Kids,” “How Deep is Your Love,” and “Transamazonian.
As a passionate cinephile, I’m thrilled to be part of the same event as film industry luminaries like Elli Griff, Rick Carter, Catherine Hardwicke, director Joe Carnahan, producer Jeremy Thomas, and Glenn Gainor, the head of physical production at Amazon Original Movies. Not only will they be serving on the jury, but we’ll also have the privilege of learning directly from them during Masterclasses at the festival!
On June 29, the Golden Bee Awards will honor a century of Maltese cinema at the historic Fort Manoel built in the 18th century. This year’s festival, overseen by Festival Director Ray Calleja and Festival Curator Mark Adams, is themed “We Are Film.
See the full film program below:
MAIN COMPETITION
In the footsteps of Homer’s epic tale, I found myself captivated by Uberto Pasolini’s masterpiece, The Return. This film brings together the exceptional talents of Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, both nominees for Academy Awards, in a unique and psychologically profound retelling of Odysseus’ journey. After two decades immersed in the horrors of war, a weary and unrecognizable Odysseus (Fiennes) returns to the shores of Ithaca. However, his homecoming is not as he left it; his wife Penelope (Binoche), once his beacon of love and strength, now finds herself a prisoner in her own palace, besieged by suitors vying for the throne and plotting the demise of Telemachus, their son unknown to Odysseus. Battered by the traumas of war, Odysseus must rediscover his resilience to reclaim all that he has lost.
In “Hot Milk,” directed by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, the story unfolds as Sofia and her ailing mother, Rose, embark on a journey to the coastal town of Almería, Spain. They are in search of Dr. Gómez, an enigmatic healer who could potentially unravel the mystery behind Rose’s illness. As they navigate their complex relationship, Sofia is drawn towards Ingrid, a captivating and free-spirited woman. The film is based on Deborah Levy’s acclaimed novel of the same name.
Under Guido Chiesa’s direction, we follow the story of a resilient and self-reliant woman, concealing a sorrowful history. ( For the Love of a Woman)
In the Realm of Harvest (directed by Athina Rachel Tsangari), I delve into a captivating tale spun by the skilled hands of this esteemed director, known for Attenberg and Chevalier. This film is an enthralling adaptation of Jim Crace’s celebrated novel, which unfolds in a serene, nameless village suspended in an undefined temporal and spatial landscape.
Over seven dreamlike days, this idyllic community, hidden from the world, begins to vanish. The characters we meet – Walter Thirsk, a once-townsman turned farmer, and Charles Kent, the enigmatic lord of the manor – are on the brink of an imminent invasion: the shockwave of modernity. As childhood friends, they brace themselves for the encroachment from the unknown world outside their haven.
The Stolen Caravaggio (directed by Joshua Cassar Gaspar)
Orpheus awakens to find a valuable Caravaggio painting missing from St. John’s Cathedral in Valletta, which he was supposed to be guarding. As the city is in turmoil, a detective is summoned from Washington to collaborate with the local police in resolving this art theft case.
The Origin of the Breeze (directed by Amel Guellaty)
Amel Guellaty’s long-anticipated first full-length film is an impressive and visually captivating spectacle. Born in Tunisia, this talented director, screenwriter, and photographer, who previously directed the critically praised short film Black Mamba, tells the story of Alyssa, a rebellious 19-year-old, and Mehdi, a shy 23-year-old, both yearning to break free from their current circumstances. When they learn about a competition that could provide an opportunity for flight, they set off on a journey through southern Tunisia, facing challenges and finding ways to overcome them together.
River or Death! (directed by Igor Bezinovic)
In 2025, this film won the Tiger Award at IFFR. Directed by Igor Bezinović, it’s a metadocumentary that reenacts an unusual event in Rijeka’s history. In September 1919, under the control of Italian nationalists led by the flamboyant and war-loving poet Gabriele D’Annunzio, Rijeka was occupied. A troop of approximately 300 soldiers, under D’Annunzio’s command, invaded the port town of Fiume, aiming to annex it to Italy. This event, considered one of the most bizarre military sieges in history, lasted for about 16 months. During this period, D’Annunzio’s official photography team captured over 10,000 images. Fast forward a century, Rijeka-native filmmaker Igor Bezinović, along with around 300 citizens, recreate an interactive history lesson about the siege and its contemporary relevance.
In the film titled “The Wound,” directed by Seloua El Gouni, we follow Leila, a young Moroccan woman embarking on her professional journey. She strives to fulfill her dreams and aspirations amidst the challenging societal norms that subtly restrict women, often disguised as tradition or cultural customs in her community. This compelling film earned the accolade of Best Debut Feature Film at the Athens International Art Film Festival held in Greece.
The Film: Mirroring in an Idle Gem (directed by Hélène Cattet, Bruno Forzani)
John D, a septuagenarian residing within a plush hotel on the French Riviera, finds himself captivated by his elderly neighbor who mirrors the thrilling escapades of yesteryears when he was an undercover agent amidst a world on the brink of transformation and brimming with hope. However, on one fateful day, his neighbor inexplicably vanishes, leaving John to confront his inner turmoil once more: could it be that his past enemies have returned to disrupt the tranquility of his perfect haven?
In this film titled “8,” directed by Julio Medem, we follow the lives of Octavio and Adela, who were born on the same day, April 14th, 1931. Over eight decades, their lives will become entwined through significant meetings and miscommunications in eight distinct chapters. This is a passionate love story between a strong-willed woman and a man grappling with his internal conflicts. They must navigate their families being on opposite sides of a country moving towards Civil War, while the history of Spain and Europe serves as a backdrop.
In the movie “8,” directed by Julio Medem, we witness the lives of Octavio and Adela, who share a birthday on April 14th, 1931. Over eight decades, their stories intertwine in eight different episodes marked by intense encounters and misinterpretations. This is a passionate love story featuring a resilient woman and a man wrestling with his own contradictions. They find themselves in families divided by a country on the brink of Civil War, while the broader history of Spain and Europe unfolds around them.
OUT OF COMPETITION
The movie “Peter Hujar’s Day,” directed by Ira Sachs, is a vivid cinematic interpretation of a conversation that took place in 1974 between photographer Peter Hujar and writer Linda Rosenkrantz. In this film, Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall portray the characters, recreating their conversation during a 24-hour period in the life of Hujar. He was a brilliant and unyielding artist who was a significant figure in downtown New York’s iconic cultural scene during the 1970s and 1980s.
In the heart of Malta, a duo of females find themselves entangled in a passionate relationship, a lethal game of cat-and-mouse, and a series of gruesome homicides (directed by Neil Marshall).
A Moving Adaptation on Screen (directed by Polly Steele)
This is a moving screen adaptation of Niall William’s bestselling novel, featuring Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Gabriel Byrne. The characters Nicholas (Fionn O’Shea) and Isabel (Ann Skelly) are seemingly meant for each other, but how can they discern this? As destiny draws them together, family ties, passion, and faith work to push them apart. Each embarks on their unique paths of sorrow and misguided affection, only for fate to eventually weave the strands of their lives closer. When they finally meet, it will be a remarkable occurrence.
Experiencing Time Travel Carries Risks:
Ruth and Megan, real-life pals who run a charming vintage store in Muswell Hill, accidentally find a time machine. Intrigued, they venture into the past to collect rare items for their shop without any intention of altering history or committing crimes. They’re after that elusive perfect vintage lamp while dodging the ominous time-space rift called The Unreason. The film showcases Ruth Syratt and Megan Stevenson as themselves, with their actual store, Cha Cha Cha, making an appearance. The film boasts a star-studded British comedy cast, including Johnny Vegas, Jane Horrocks, Sophie Thompson, Mark Heap, Brian Bovell, Tony Way, Guy Henry, and Tom Lenk, and is narrated by the illustrious Stephen Fry.
The Fascinating Life Story of Miss Flower (directed by Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard)
This film tells the extraordinary tale of Geraldine Flower, who was the recipient of a box filled with passionate love letters from the 1960s and 70s. These letters captivated the renowned Icelandic singer-songwriter Emilíana Torrini, prompting her to revisit the recording studio and create an entire album of fresh songs inspired by them. The film is a unique blend of cinema, theater, and dreamlike sequences, with Emilíana and her band delivering exceptional performances of these new compositions. Additionally, notable actors and musicians like Caroline Catz, Nick Cave, Alice Lowe, and Richard Ayoade read the letters aloud within the movie.
A Refreshing Redo – The Wedding Banquet (directed by Andrew Ahn)
More than simply remaking the 1993 blockbuster, The Wedding Banquet offers a delightfully modern and heartfelt reinterpretation of a classic tale filled with humor, love, and confusion as a family grapples with cultural identity, queer experiences, and familial obligations. Tired of his hesitant boyfriend Chris and running out of time, Min proposes an unconventional solution: a green-card marriage with their lesbian friend Angela, in exchange for her partner Lee’s costly IVF treatments. However, their elopement plans are disrupted when Min’s grandmother unexpectedly throws them a lavish Korean wedding celebration…
Starring an impeccable multigenerational ensemble led by the talented Lily Gladstone, The Wedding Banquet brims with laughter and emotion while offering a poignant lesson: being part of a family involves learning to both embrace and forgive.
In the 1980s and 1990s Italy, Riccardo Schicchi’s agency Diva Futura transforms free love into pornography, creating stars such as Ilona Staller, Moana Pozzi, and others. This fame later results in Cicciolina’s political election and Pozzi’s mayoral campaign.
Riccardo Schicchi’s agency Diva Futura, operating in Italy during the 1980s-1990s, converted free love into pornographic productions, making celebrities out of Ilona Staller, Moana Pozzi, and others. The fame they garnered eventually led to Cicciolina’s election and Pozzi’s bid for mayor.)
Gloria! (directed by Margherita Vicario)
This captivating and inspirational film by director Margherita Vicario brings to life a musical tale. In the confines of an 18th-century Venetian setting, a chorus of young women harness their melodious skills to break free from their constraints. Gloria! offers a heartwarming, uplifting retelling of history, where a group of gifted female musicians innovate pop music in the Baroque era’s Venice. The story unfolds within a convent boarding school, where Teresa, a visionary with an untapped musical talent, yearns for her voice to be heard. As the Pope prepares to visit the institution, Teresa plays a pivotal role in orchestrating a musical revolt that transcends time. She dares to defy the stale traditions of the past by creating a revolutionary, lively, and contemporary sound: pop music!
Love and Glory – Young Deledda (Love and Glory – La giovane Deledda) (directed by Maria Grazia Perria)
In this debut as a narrative feature director, screenwriter and documentary filmmaker Maria Grazia Perria presents a moving, thought-provoking, and compelling biographical drama about the early life and artistic struggles of Sardinian novelist Grazia Deledda. Known for being the first Italian woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, her portrayal here is filled with intensity by Marisa Serra.
The Tale of Isle Wallis (directed by James Griffiths) tells us about Charles (Tim Key), an unusual lottery victor residing secludedly on a far-flung island, yearning for the reunion of his beloved band, McGwyer Mortimer, comprising Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan. When he extends an invitation to his former bandmates and ex-lovers for a private concert at his Wallis Island abode, his dream becomes a tangible possibility. However, as the event unfolds, past conflicts reemerge as Charles struggles to maintain the harmony of his cherished gathering.
In the film titled “This City is a Battlefield,” directed by Mouly Surya, we follow the story of Isa, a quiet school teacher who works for the resistance. He’s given a mission to assassinate someone with the aid of Hazil, a charismatic rebel who develops feelings for Isa’s wife, Fatimah. This captivating period thriller skillfully combines the elements of sensual romantic drama and intense action sequences. Mouly Surya’s fifth film meticulously portrays life in Jakarta during colonial rule, revealing both its alluring and brutal aspects.
Unveiling a Hero (directed by Piotr Winiewicz)
Synopsis: In this intriguing documentary, the demise of a factory worker under enigmatic circumstances leads Werner Herzog to Getunkirchenburg for an investigation. However, as it turns out, Herzog is not who we think he is, and the film veers from its expected path. Unveiling a Hero is an adaptation of a script penned by AI, modeled on Herzog’s distinctive body of work. This groundbreaking production made its debut at the 2024 International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), featuring notable actors such as Vicky Krieps and Stephen Fry. The film ironically offers self-reflection, given its origins. As the plot unravels, director Piotr Winiewicz skillfully weaves actual interviews with artists, philosophers, and scientists discussing themes of originality, authenticity, mortality, and the soul in an era marked by AI technology.
MARE NOSTRUM
Delving into the Abyss: A Cinematic Journey into the Depths (Directed by Eleanor Mortimer)
As a movie reviewer, I’ve had the privilege of exploring many worlds through film. However, none have captivated me quite like this breathtaking journey into the heart of the ocean. Directed by the talented Eleanor Mortimer, ‘Delving into the Abyss’ takes us on an extraordinary expedition to the deep sea, where uncharted species and vibrant ecosystems flourish in the darkest corners of our planet.
However, this enchanting voyage is not without its shadows. The tantalizing prospect of deep-sea mining threatens this untouched wilderness, a reminder that the quest for resources can sometimes overshadow the inherent value of nature itself. As we traverse through this stunning realm, Mortimer’s masterful storytelling leaves us questioning – just how deeply do we love our world?
In essence, ‘Delving into the Abyss: A Cinematic Journey into the Depths’ is a mesmerizing exploration of the unknown depths and the delicate balance between progress and preservation. It’s a film that will leave you pondering – how deep is your love for our planet?
Stepping into the enigmatic tranquility of the sprawling Amazon rainforest, I found myself reborn as a young girl, saved by the welcoming arms of the indigenous tribe. Known as Rebecca (Helena Zengel), I was the solitary remnant of a tragic plane crash. Over the years, my father, an American missionary (Jeremy Xido), elevated me to the status of a faith healer with divine powers. However, as I matured and began questioning my role, another calamity loomed: illegal loggers threatened our land and way of life. This tumultuous situation forced us to grapple with emotional, familial, and racial realities. South African director Pia Marais masterfully crafted this thought-provoking, visually stunning moral story that leaves no simple answers, yet serves as a captivating coming-of-age saga.
David Baute’s captivating animated film, titled “Black Butterflies,” narrates the personal tales of Tanit, Valeria, and Shaila – women from distinct regions across the globe who share a common predicament: the destructive impact of climate change. Faced with the imminent loss of their homes due to global warming’s effects, they are compelled to migrate in order to secure their survival.
Documentary titled “Spirit of Nature” directed by Léo Favier, delves into the life and significant works of Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, renowned for movies such as My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away. The film highlights his deep-rooted passion for animation and his advocacy efforts towards the preservation of the natural world.
The documentary titled “Only on Earth,” directed by Robin Petré, focuses on southern Galicia, Spain, a region particularly susceptible to wildfires in Europe. For centuries, wild horses have inhabited these mountainous areas, contributing significantly to fire prevention by maintaining low levels of flammable vegetation. However, their population is diminishing. This film offers an engaging and visually captivating exploration through the scorching summer that broke records while uncontrollable forest fires persisted for days. “Only on Earth” highlights the delicate equilibrium in our natural environment and the interaction between humans and animals.
This movie titled “Lowland Kids,” helmed by director Sandra Winther, narrates the tale of the last two adolescents and their uncle on Louisiana’s Isle de Jean Charles – a once prosperous island that is now being overtaken by the sea. As part of a community considered America’s first Climate Refugees, they grapple with an uncertain future as the U.S. government endeavors to relocate their entire community before the island disappears beneath the waves. The film is spearheaded by Danish director Sandra Winther and co-produced by Darren Aronofsky.
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2025-05-31 04:19