The 7th edition of the Gozo Film Festival will get underway next week in Victoria.

The organisers said that the festival promises to be yet another extraordinary celebration of cinematic art, creativity, and cultural exchange.

From Friday, the 23rd, to Sunday, the 25th of August, cinema lovers and filmmakers from near and far will be able to gather at the Gozo Citadel, in the heart of the island’s capital, for an unforgettable three-day cinematic journey.

Filmmaking and cinema take centre stage with open-air, under-the-stairs screenings of local and international features and short films, with workshops for adults, children and teenager and loads of quality cinema.

The Gozo Film Festival said that it proudly promotes and showcases local (Gozitan and Maltese) and international productions.

The festival kicks off on Friday, the 23rd with a screening of The Emperor’s New Clothes. This film, partially shot in Malta in 2001, features the legendary actor Ian Holm, known for his iconic role as Bilbo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. This witty comedy offers an imaginative take on Napoleon’s life, adding a historical twist to the festival’s opening night.

On Saturday, 24th August, the spotlight will shine on Uwijja (Whatever), a Maltese indie film directed by the talented Keith Albert Tedesco. This film, deeply rooted in Maltese culture, explores the trials and tribulations of a university student during exam season, offering a relatable and emotional narrative. The film stars Kim Camenzuli, Clare Agius, Chris Dingli, and Michela Farrugia, and is a must-see for anyone interested in local cinema.

The festival closes on Sunday, the 25th with Song of the Sea, an Oscar-nominated animated film by Irish director Tomm Moore. This enchanting film, co-produced by several European countries, is a beautiful and magical tale set in Ireland. Perfect for a family night out, Song of the Sea will captivate audiences with its stunning animation and haunting soundtrack.

Short Films: A Showcase of Talent

In addition to the feature films, the Gozo Film Festival will present a diverse selection of International and local short films, each offering a unique perspective and storytelling style. Highlights include:

Cookie Box (Malta/Ghana) by Adam ?urawiecki: A poignant look at the life of a Ghanaian migrant in Malta.

Sign Language (United Kingdom) by Oscar Sharp: Meet Ben – he holds a sign for a living, and he loves his job more than almost anything. But today is his last day.

Nailed it! (Malta) by Maria Laura Vella Clark & Luke Vella Clark: A hilarious short about the unexpected visit of a childhood friend to a quiet ironmongery.

Son of God (Malta) by Bruce Micallef Eynaud: A twisted plot to steal artwork that takes an unexpected turn.

Thereafter (Australia) by Matthew Bugeja, Lucas Bugeja: a combination of visual imagery telling a story centered around internal struggle.

Workshops and More

For those interested in the art of filmmaking, the festival will also offer a series of Free workshops catering to various ages and skill levels.  “Ready … Action!” for the younger audience from 5 to 11, “Crafting a 60-Second Video” a must for any teenagers interested in filmmaking or video making and “Think it, Plan it ,Shoot it.” a filmmaking workshop aimed at adults. The latter two require a registration, so book ahead to reserve a space.

Additionally, Pioneer Maltese filmmaker Frans Attard will present two of his short films from the 1960s and share insights into the 8mm and Super 8mm filmmaking techniques, offering a glimpse into the creative processes of a bygone era.

Admission to all screenings and events is free of charge For more information and updates, follow Gozo Film Festival on the website.

This event is being brought in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Directorate within the Ministry for Gozo

To view the full programme please click here.

File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary

Permalink: 7th edition of Gozo Film Festival at the Citadel next week