The Department of Information has issued a unique film on DVD depicting the last farewell given to Dun Gorg Preca in July, 1962.

The film is a historical documentary that was produced by the DOI for broadcasting on the national television station. It depicts the deep loss felt in the country on the death of this much-loved priest, who will be canonised on Sunday week.

It is also a good opportunity to observe various aspects of the Maltese way of life in the early 1960s. It shows the buildings, streets, shops, dress and customs of the time and features well-known personalities, most of whom have passed away.

This footage is the very first to be digitised from a 16mm film, as part of the project embarked upon by the DOI to conserve and transfer to digital format its archived films, which date back to the pre-1960s.

A copy of the DVD was presented to Archbishop Mgr Paul Cremona OP yesterday by Director of Information Emanuel Abela (photo).

Copies can be purchased from the DOI sales office, 3 Castille Place, Valletta, the Banca Giuratale, Victoria and the Preca Library, Blata-l-Bajda, for Lm2 (EUR4.66) each.