The Head of the European Commission Representation in Malta, Dr Joanna Drake yesterday launched the ninth edition of the European Film Festival, being held between Saturday 3 March and Saturday 24 March.
As in the past the festival is being organised in collaboration with the Embassies of the EU Member States to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome which was signed on 25 March 1957.
The ninth edition will feature a variety of films from 21 member states including Malta. Nineteen films are being presented at the Eden Cinemas, St George’s Bay and two at the Citadel Theatre, Victoria, for Gozitan audiences.
This year’s festival features a number of innovative elements. A full-length feature film in Maltese (with English sub-titles) will be screened on the first night. The film Gagga, based on Frans Sammut’s novel Il-Gagga was directed by Mario Philip Azzopardi over 35 years ago. Even though this film was a product of University students in 1971, it remains topical and influential. It is also one of Malta’s first cinematographic masterpieces, which involved a long list of local talent. The 75-minute film was transferred to digital format and enhanced by Studio 7 Productions.
The second is an evening of Maltese short, recently produced films followed by a discussion on how the EU can help catalyse a film production industry in Malta. Only last week, the EU launched its new MEDIA 2007 programme which provides a e755m boost to Europe’s film industry over the next seven years.
The festival also includes a film for children, Two Brothers, to be screened during school hours. This is being presented in collaboration with KRS Film Distributors Ltd. The screening will be followed by a session on film appreciation animated by MA graduate students from the University of Malta. This will provide schoolchildren with an opportunity to be introduced to the appreciation of the art and science of cinematography at an early age.
As in previous editions, the European Film Festival will also be contributing to raise money for a good cause. This year’s proceeds will be in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust which provides information, advice, support and, where appropriate, financial assistance to anyone affected by cystic fibrosis.
Entrance tickets against a contribution/entrance fee of Lm1 for each show will be available at the box office of both venues as from 23 February.
A souvenir booklet of the festival is available on demand at the EC Representation Office in Malta, Ta’ Xbiex (telephone 2134-5111).