The documentary film The Phoenicians produced by Chris and Maurice Micallef was awarded two Awards of Excellence for documentary and script/writer in The Accolade Competition held in San Diego, USA earlier this month. The detailed documentary focuses on this sea-faring nation that established trading and commercial routes across the Mediterranean and which eventually challenged the Roman Empire.

It then delves into the Phoenicians’ influence on the Maltese Islands. Partly shot in Lebanon, the documentary also includes the re-enactment of the third Punic war, in which the Carthaginians were crushed by the Roman soldiers.

The Accolade Awards recognise film, television, videography and new media professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity. The same documentary was awarded the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature and Best Cinematography at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival in 2005 and the Rising Star Award in the Canada International Film Festival held in Vancouver earlier this year.