International Film Community Gathered in Malta for Festival’s Opening Night.
The Mediterranean Island of Malta celebrated the opening of its second annual Mediterrane Film Festival on June 22. The festival welcomed the international film community and local cinema lovers to its second edition, which is running through June 30, in the archipelago’s enchanting and historical capital, Valletta. The festival opened with the International Premiere of a new film adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo – which was partly shot in Malta.
The Count of Monte Cristo was shot in key locations across Malta, including tourist attractions like the Birgu Waterfront and Church Wharf. Local Maltese talent who worked across the film’s production – including the producers Pierre Ellul and Anika Psaila Savona, along with many of the crew – attended the screening.
Johann Grech, Malta Film Commissioner, added:
“The Mediterrane Film Festival shows the world just how much Malta has to offer and what a world-class film industry we are building together.”
“This week there will be 45 films to enjoy, from 35 countries across five continents, kicking off tonight with a screening of The Count of Monte Cristo, shot here in Malta last year, employing around two hundred local crew and showing the positive impact film has on our island’s economy – inspiring young Maltese talent to see just what an exciting and sustainable career film can offer. Let us stand united – beyond all borders – in sharing stories of our shared humanity in the way that only film can. Let us stand truly united through film.”
The Mediterrane Film Festival program will present 15 films in its competition, and seven out-of-competition films. Seven films are competing in its environment-themed Mediterranean Sea Section. It is all tied together by 14 immersive projects selected by interactive story architect, Michel Reilhac.
Additionally, a series of panels and masterclasses featuring industry experts from around the world will be held. They will be covering topics ranging from globalization in the entertainment industry, film circulation and co-production among Mediterranean countries and beyond, emerging storytelling trends, immersive technologies, and the animation landscape, to career-specific discussions hosted by acclaimed experts in their respective fields and crafts.
About Mediterrane Film Festival
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The Mediterrane Film Festival is a celebration of film and creativity that brings together the best of the Mediterranean region and beyond. Established in 2023, the annual event takes place in the beautiful islands of Malta and aims to unite countries to foster collaboration, opportunity, and a shared love for film.
The festival showcases exceptional films from the region and serves as a platform for filmmakers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts to connect, exchange ideas, and create partnerships for future projects.
For registration and full details about the festival’s program, please visit: https://mediterrane.com/
About Malta
The sunny islands of Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, are home to a most remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state anywhere. Valletta, built by the proud Knights of St. John, is one of the UNESCO sites and the European Capital of Culture for 2018. Malta’s patrimony in stone ranges from the oldest free-standing stone architecture in the world to one of the British Empire’s most formidable defensive systems and includes a rich mix of domestic, religious, and military architecture from the ancient, medieval, and early modern periods. With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife, and 8,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do.
For more information on Malta, visit www.VisitMalta.com.
SEEN IN MAIN IMAGE: The Count of Monte Cristo International Premiere at the 2024 Mediterrane Film Festival – image courtesy of MTA
