From Mġarr to Hollywood: Maltese Horror Film Heads to Screamfest

Imagine this: a chilling Maltese horror film, shot in the quiet streets of Mġarr, is set to grace the screens of the prestigious Screamfest Horror Film Festival in Los Angeles. This isn’t a dream sequence from one of our local filmmakers’ scripts; it’s reality. ‘The Last Ones’, directed by Daniel Farrugia, is making waves across the Atlantic, putting Malta’s film industry on the map.

From Mġarr to the Big Screen

The story begins in the heart of Malta, where director Daniel Farrugia and his team transformed the peaceful village of Mġarr into a sinister setting for their film. The narrow streets, historic buildings, and the iconic Mġarr Church served as the backdrop for this gripping tale of survival. Locals might recall the unusual activity in their neighbourhood during the summer of 2020, as the crew brought the apocalyptic script to life.

‘The Last Ones’ follows a group of survivors after a mysterious outbreak, fighting to stay alive in a world overrun by creatures. The film is a testament to Malta’s versatility as a filming location, proving that our islands can double as a post-apocalyptic wasteland just as easily as they can stand in for ancient Rome or medieval times.

Malta’s Growing Film Industry

Malta’s film industry has been on the rise in recent years, attracting international productions with its unique locations, competitive incentives, and skilled workforce. From ‘Game of Thrones’ to ‘World War Z’, our islands have played host to a variety of blockbuster productions. However, ‘The Last Ones’ is a rare gem: a homegrown film with international appeal.

Daniel Farrugia, along with co-writer and producer Adrian Sciberras, has created a film that not only showcases Malta’s potential but also tells a gripping story that resonates with global audiences. Their success is a testament to the talent and dedication of Malta’s filmmakers, who are proving that you don’t need a big budget or a Hollywood studio to make a splash on the international stage.

Screamfest Bound

Screamfest, now in its 21st year, is one of the biggest and most prestigious horror film festivals in the world. Held annually in Los Angeles, it has launched the careers of numerous directors and actors, including Eli Roth and Jenna Fischer. This year, it will host ‘The Last Ones’, giving Maltese cinema a platform on the global stage.

For Daniel Farrugia and his team, this is more than just an opportunity to showcase their film. It’s a chance to put Malta on the map as a destination for horror filmmaking. They hope that ‘The Last Ones” success will pave the way for more local productions, inspiring a new generation of Maltese filmmakers to tell their stories and make their mark on the world.

As ‘The Last Ones’ prepares to make its US debut, Malta watches with bated breath. This is more than just a film; it’s a symbol of our growing film industry and a testament to the power of local talent. So, keep an eye out for ‘The Last Ones’ at Screamfest, and remember that the chilling scenes unfolding on screen were once filmed right here in Mġarr.