The Ethiopian Film Festival is set to return to Malta for its second edition next month, bringing two days of cultural celebration and cinema to Spazju Kreattiv at St James Cavalier. Scheduled for 10 and 11 December, the festival will present two acclaimed Ethiopian films, Jebina and Qalat, both screened with English subtitles. The event aims to further strengthen cultural links between Malta's local community and the Ethiopian diaspora.
Organised by Habeshaview, a leading international distributor of Ethiopian films, the second editopn of thr Ethiopian Film Festival is expected to highlight the growing visibility and global potential of Ethiopia's film industry. Organisers say this second edition reflects the increasing international interest in Ethiopian storytelling and filmmaking.
The festival will open on Wednesday 10 December with a VIP reception followed by the screening of Jebina at 7:30pm, a drama based on true events. The film tells the story of Gifti, a young woman from rural Ethiopia who is abducted and forced into marriage, triggering a series of emotional and social challenges that lead the community to turn to the traditional Oromo Geda system. The film is anticipated to resonate strongly with audiences for its powerful themes of justice, love, and women's rights.
On Thursday 11 December, audiences will be presented with Qalat, a contemporary drama exploring the friendship between two young men, Girum and Addis. Faced with an unexpected opportunity, the pair confront ambition, moral dilemmas, and a painful romantic setback. The film is expected to spark discussion for its universal themes of loyalty, integrity, and personal growth.
Habeshaview continues to play a central role in promoting Ethiopian cinema on the world stage through its streaming platform, its IPTV service in partnership with ethio-telecom and Safaricom, and its participation in international film events in cities such as London, Washington DC, Paris, and Berlin. The Ethiopian Film Festival in Malta is expected to attract VIP guests, cultural representatives, members of the Ethiopian diaspora, and the public.
A spokesperson for habeshaview noted that the festival aims not only to showcase film but also to deepen cross-cultural understanding: "Ethiopian filmmakers have powerful stories to tell. Bringing these films to global audiences strengthens our cultural footprint and creates bridges between communities." Anyone who'd be interested in attending this film festival at Spazju Kreattiv, St James Cavalier, are free to book the films they'd like to watch here.