David Bridges
The Mediterranean Movie Competition in Malta is making a grand return for its third edition, showcasing a remarkable selection of over 40 films hailing from more than 20 countries. Scheduled to run from June 21-29 in the picturesque capital of the island, Valletta, the festival has meticulously curated programming across its various sections, including the Competition, Out of Competition, and Mare Nostrum segments, promising an exciting experience for cinephiles and casual viewers alike.
The films participating in the Competition category feature a stellar lineup that includes Uberto Pasolini’s “The Return”, featuring acclaimed actors Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche. Other notable entries are Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s directorial debut, “Hot Milk”, “For the Love of a Girl” (Per amore di una donna) directed by Guido Chiesa, “Harvest” from Athina Rachel Tsangari, and the captivating “The Theft of the Caravaggio” by Maltese director Joshua Cassar Gaspar. Each film promises to engage audiences with its unique narrative and thematic depth.
The Out of Competition segment is set to feature special screenings, including Ira Sachs’ “Peter Hujar’s Day”, starring Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall. Additionally, the festival will showcase the Malta-based erotic thriller “Compulsion” directed by Neil Marshall, alongside “4 Letters of Love”, featuring talents like Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Gabriel Byrne. Another highlight is “Time Travel is Dangerous”, narrated by the charismatic Stephen Fry, providing an engaging array of films that challenge and entertain.
A fantastic sidebar program in partnership with FilmItalia will shine a spotlight on the creativity and innovation of new Italian women filmmakers. This special feature will include exciting titles such as “Diva Futura”, “Gloria!”, and “Love and Glory – The Young Deledda”, showcasing diverse stories that highlight the unique perspectives of female directors in the film industry.
The Mare Nostrum section, translating to “Our Sea,” will return, offering a selection of six thought-provoking films that delve into the pressing issues surrounding the climate crisis and various environmental themes. Notable titles in this section include “Lowland Children”, “How Deep is Your Love”, and “Transamazonia”, each designed to raise awareness and provoke discussions about the future of our planet.
Prominent figures in the film industry, such as Elli Griff, Rick Carter, and Catherine Hardwicke, will serve as jury members and engage in informative Masterclasses throughout the festival. The lineup also includes acclaimed director Joe Carnahan, renowned producer Jeremy Thomas, and Glenn Gainor, the head of physical production at Amazon Original Films, providing attendees with unique insights into the filmmaking process.
The prestigious Golden Bee Awards, taking place on June 29, will commemorate a century of cinema in Malta. This gala event will be hosted at the historic Fort Manoel, a stunning 18th-century venue. The festival is under the new creative leadership of Festival Director Ray Calleja and Festival Curator Mark Adams, with this year’s theme being “We Are Film,” celebrating the rich cinematic heritage and vibrant future of filmmaking in the region.
Discover the complete film program below:
MAIN COMPETITION
The Return (dir. Uberto Pasolini)
In Uberto Pasolini’s “The Return”, the powerful narrative reunites the acclaimed stars Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, delivering a unique and psychologically profound adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey. After two decades of absence, Odysseus (Fiennes) arrives on the shores of Ithaca, appearing haggard and unrecognizable. The once-great king returns from the Trojan War, but his kingdom has drastically changed. His beloved wife, Penelope (Binoche), is now a prisoner in her own home, besieged by suitors vying for her hand, while plotting the demise of their son, Telemachus, whom he has never known. Haunted by the horrors of war, Odysseus must rebuild his strength to reclaim all that he has lost, making for a gripping emotional journey.
Hot Milk (dir. Rebecca Lenkiewicz)
Adapted from the acclaimed novel by Deborah Levy, this directorial debut from Rebecca Lenkiewicz presents the poignant journey of Sofia and her ill mother, Rose, as they travel to the enchanting Spanish seaside town of Almería. Their quest is to seek help from the mysterious Dr. Gómez, whose enigmatic healing abilities may hold the key to Rose’s unexplained illness. As unresolved tensions simmer between mother and daughter, Sofia finds herself irresistibly drawn to the free-spirited Ingrid, adding layers of complexity to their emotional struggles.
For the Love of a Girl (Per amore di una donna) (dir. Guido Chiesa)
Written and directed by Guido Chiesa, this film tells the compelling story of a strong and independent woman harboring a painful past, capturing her journey as she navigates the complexities of love and loss.
Harvest (dir. Athina Rachel Tsangari)
In Athina Rachel Tsangari’s</b) striking adaptation of Jim Crace’s acclaimed novel, an idyllic rural community faces an existential threat from outside forces. Over the course of seven hallucinatory days, a nameless village in an indeterminate time and place grapples with an impending disappearance. The townsman-turned-farmer Walter Thirsk and his childhood friend, the befuddled lord of the manor Charles Kent, must confront the invasion that modernity brings, leading to a haunting exploration of trauma and identity.
The Theft of the Caravaggio (dir. Joshua Cassar Gaspar)
In this gripping narrative, Orpheus awakens to find a priceless painting by Caravaggio missing from St. John’s Cathedral in Valletta, under his watch. With the city on high alert, a detective is summoned from Washington to assist local authorities in solving this high-stakes art heist, escalating the tension and intrigue surrounding the theft.
Where The Wind Comes From (dir. Amel Guellaty)
Marking her feature debut, Amel Guellaty crafts a powerful cinematic narrative that follows rebellious 19-year-old Alyssa and shy 23-year-old Mehdi, both yearning to escape their harsh realities. Upon discovering a contest that offers a chance for freedom, they embark on an adventurous road trip to southern Tunisia, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way, making for a compelling story of resilience and hope.
Fiume o Morte! (dir. Igor Bezinovic)
Winner of the IFFR 2025 Tiger Award, this meta-documentary by director Igor Bezinović revisits a peculiar chapter in Rijeka’s history, where it was under nationalist occupation by the Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. On September 12, 1919, a troop of 300 soldiers led by the flamboyant poet invaded the port city of Fiume, eager to annex it to Italy. Over 16 months, his official photography team captured over 10,000 images. A century later, Bezinović, along with 300 residents, orchestrates a direct-action historical lesson centered on this siege and its contemporary implications, blending art, politics, and history.
The Wound (dir. Seloua El Gouni)
Leila, a young Moroccan woman entering the workforce, strives to pursue her passions and ambitions while grappling with the societal constraints imposed on women under the guise of tradition and cultural norms. This film, which won the award for Best Debut Feature Film at the Athens International Art Film Festival, powerfully highlights the challenges faced by women in contemporary society.
Reflection in a Dead Diamond (dir. Hélène Cattet, Bruno Forzani)
In this intriguing narrative, John D, a septuagenarian residing in a luxurious hotel on the French Riviera, becomes captivated by his female neighbor, who reminds him of the wild times he experienced during the 1960s, when he was a spy in a world brimming with promise. However, one day, his neighbor mysteriously disappears, forcing John to confront his past demons and question whether his former adversaries have returned to disrupt his idyllic life.
8 (dir. Julio Medem)
The film follows Octavio and Adela, who were born on the same day, April 14, 1931. Over the course of the next eight decades, their lives intertwine through intense encounters and misunderstandings across eight episodes. This passionate love story explores the tumultuous journey between a brave woman and a man grappling with his contradictions, set against the backdrop of a nation spiraling toward civil war, with the rich history of Spain and Europe providing context for their struggles.
“Gloria!”
nikos nikolopoulos
OUT OF COMPETITION
Peter Hujar’s Day (dir. Ira Sachs)
This film presents a richly cinematic portrayal of a conversation recorded in 1974 between the celebrated photographer Peter Hujar and writer Linda Rosenkrantz. Starring Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall, it reimagines the events of that day, providing a glimpse into Hujar’s life as an influential figure in the vibrant cultural landscape of downtown New York during the 1970s and 1980s.
Compulsion (dir. Neil Marshall)
Set against the stunning backdrop of Malta, this gripping thriller follows two women embroiled in an intense affair, leading to a deadly game of cat and mouse intertwined with a series of horrifying murders that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
4 Letters of Love (dir. Polly Steele)
This heartfelt adaptation of the bestselling novel by Niall Williams features an all-star cast, including Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Gabriel Byrne. The story revolves around Nicholas (Fionn O’Shea) and Isabel (Ann Skelly), who are destined for each other but are pulled apart by circumstances. As they navigate their individual journeys of heartache and lost love, fate ultimately brings them together in a miraculous reunion.
Time Travel is Dangerous
This comedic adventure follows the real-life best friends Ruth and Megan, who run a vintage shop in Muswell Hill. When they stumble upon a time machine, they embark on whimsical journeys into the past, “borrowing” unique items to sell in the present. Their intentions are lighthearted, seeking vintage treasures, but they must navigate the terrifying time-space vortex known as the Unreason. The film features a star-studded British comedy cast, including Johnny Vegas, Jane Horrocks, and Stephen Fry, who lends his voice as the narrator.
The Extraordinary Miss Flower (dir. Iain Forsyth, Jane Pollard)
This film tells the remarkable story of Geraldine Flower and the discovery of a suitcase filled with passionate letters of love from the 60s and 70s. These letters inspired acclaimed Icelandic singer-songwriter Emilíana Torrini to return to the studio and create a complete album of new songs. Blending film and theater, this unique narrative features specially designed performances of these songs by Torrini and her band, interspersed with dramatic readings from the letters by renowned actors and musicians, including Nick Cave and Richard Ayoade.
The Wedding Banquet (dir. Andrew Ahn)
More than just a remake of the 1993 hit film, The Wedding Banquet offers a contemporary and joyfully loving reimagining of a classic comedy of errors. The narrative explores the complexities of cultural identity, queerness, and familial expectations as the characters navigate love and conflict. Frustrated with his commitment-phobic boyfriend Chris, Min proposes a green-card marriage with their lesbian friend Angela, leading to unexpected twists, especially when Min’s grandmother surprises them with an extravagant Korean wedding banquet, blending humor and heart in a celebration of family.
Diva Futura (dir. Giulia Louise Steigerwalt)
Set in Italy during the 1980s and 1990s, this film chronicles the rise of Riccardo Schicchi’s agency, Diva Futura, which transformed free love into pornography, catapulting stars like Ilona Staller and Moana Pozzi into fame, ultimately influencing political landscapes including Cicciolina’s election and Pozzi’s mayoral campaign.
Gloria! (dir. Margherita Vicario)
In this uplifting musical film by singer-songwriter Margherita Vicario, a group of confined young women in 18th century Venice harness their musical talents to break free. Gloria! reimagines history through the lens of a group of young female musicians who innovate pop music in a convent boarding school. The narrative centers on Teresa, whose visionary musical abilities remain unrecognized until she helps ignite a musical rebellion just before a visit from the Pope, creating a fresh and modern sound that defies the conventions of their time.
Love and Glory – The Young Deledda (L’amore e la gloria – La giovane Deledda) (dir. Maria Grazia Perria)
In her directorial debut, documentary filmmaker Maria Grazia Perria delivers a heartfelt and insightful biopic about the early life and artistic struggles of Sardinian novelist Grazia Deledda, the first Italian woman to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature. The film passionately portrays her journey as an artist, highlighting the challenges she faced and her indomitable spirit.
The Ballad of Wallis Island (dir. James Griffiths)
This charming narrative follows Charles (Tim Key), an eccentric lottery winner living alone on a remote island. He dreams of reuniting his favorite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer (Tom Basden & Carey Mulligan), for a private concert at his home. As the bandmates, who are also former lovers, accept his invitation, old tensions resurface, complicating Charles’s idyllic vision of a dream gig.
This City is a Battlefield (Perang Kota) (dir. Mouly Surya)
In this striking period thriller, Isa, a taciturn teacher working for the resistance, faces a mission to carry out an assassination with the help of Hazil, a captivating rebel who unexpectedly falls for Isa’s wife, Fatimah. The film masterfully intertwines sensual romantic drama with thrilling action, recreating the complexities of life in Jakarta under colonial rule, showcasing its seductive yet brutal textures.
A Few Hero (dir. Piotr Winiewicz)
After a local factory worker dies under mysterious circumstances, Werner Herzog embarks on an investigation in Getunkirchenburg. However, Herzog, our narrator, proves to be not who he seems, and the film defies expectations. A Few Hero is a unique documentary adaptation of a script created by AI, trained on Herzog’s extensive body of work. Opening the prestigious 2024 International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), this self-reflective narrative intertwines the unfolding mystery with interviews from artists, philosophers, and scientists, exploring themes of authenticity and creativity in the age of AI.
MARE NOSTRUM
How Deep is Your Love (dir. Eleanor Mortimer)
In this captivating documentary, scientists venture into the enigmatic deep sea to discover and catalog undiscovered species. As they unveil mesmerizing creatures and ecosystems thriving in darkness, a looming threat emerges: the possibility of deep-sea mining encroaching on this pristine wilderness. Eleanor Mortimer masterfully weaves wonder with urgency, challenging viewers to strike a balance between the pursuit of resources and the intrinsic value of our ecosystems. As we journey through this breathtaking realm, we are left to reflect – just how deep is our love for nature?
Transamazonia (dir. Pia Marais)
In the eerie stillness of the vast, verdant Amazon jungle, a young girl named Rebecca stirs to life after being rescued by a local Indigenous tribe, the sole survivor of a plane crash. Over the years, Rebecca (played by Helena Zengel) becomes something of a local celebrity, as her father, an American missionary, casts her as a miraculous faith healer. Just as she begins to assert her own identity, conflict arises when illegal loggers threaten the tribe’s land, forcing a reckoning of emotional, familial, and racial dynamics. Pia Marais creates a mesmerizing, visually stunning moral tale that serves as a unique coming-of-age fable.
Black Butterflies (dir. David Baute)
In this beautifully animated film, director David Baute shares the poignant stories of three women: Tanit, Valeria, and Shaila, each hailing from different corners of the globe but united by a common struggle against climate change. As they confront the harrowing consequences of global warming, these women grapple with the impending loss of everything they hold dear, ultimately being forced to migrate to ensure their survival.
Miyazaki: Spirit of Nature (dir. Léo Favier)
This insightful documentary explores the life and influential works of renowned Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, celebrated for his masterpieces such as My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away. The film delves into Miyazaki’s passion for animation and his unwavering advocacy for the natural world, offering a glimpse into his creative process and the themes that permeate his storytelling.
Only on Earth (dir. Robin Petré)
Focusing on Spain’s Southern Galicia, one of Europe’s most wildfire-prone regions, this documentary highlights the vital role of wild horses in fire prevention by keeping flammable undergrowth in check. However, their populations are dwindling. Robin Petré takes audiences on an immersive journey through the hottest summer on record as relentless forest fires rage, exploring the fragile balance of our natural world and the interconnectedness between humans and animals in this urgent narrative.
Lowland Children (dir. Sandra Winther)
This poignant film follows the last two children and their uncle on Isle de Jean Charles, Louisiana, once a thriving community now at the mercy of rising seas. As part of the first climate refugees in America, they face an uncertain future as the government embarks on an unprecedented effort to resettle their entire community before the island is submerged. Directed by Danish filmmaker Sandra Winther and executive produced by Darren Aronofsky, the film sheds light on the human stories behind the climate crisis.
Clara Hastings
Cameron Steel
