From Attic to Archives: Méliès’ Lost Film Found in America, Malta Celebrates

Imagine this: a dusty, forgotten film reel, tucked away in an attic in the heart of America. Now picture it being discovered, unspooling to reveal the lost work of a cinematic pioneer. This isn’t the plot of a film, but the remarkable reality of Georges Méliès’ ‘The Eclipse: Courtship of the Sun and the Moon’.

Méliès: Malta’s Forgotten Filmmaking Son

Born in Paris in 1861, Méliès was a magician, a stage designer, and above all, a filmmaker. His influence on cinema is immeasurable, yet his name often slips under the radar. Little known is his connection to Malta, where he spent time in the late 1890s, captivated by the island’s unique landscapes and history. It was here that he shot scenes for his 1905 film ‘Barber of Malta’, a testament to our islands’ early role in the cinematic world.

Lost and Found: The Rediscovery of ‘The Eclipse’

Fast forward to 2019. In an attic in Pennsylvania, a film reel was found, labeled ‘The Eclipse’. The film was in poor condition, but the name ‘Méliès’ on the label sparked curiosity. After painstaking restoration by the Library of Congress, ‘The Eclipse’ was revealed to be a lost Méliès masterpiece, believed destroyed in a 1923 fire.

Shot in 1907, ‘The Eclipse’ is a visual feast, typical of Méliès’ fantastical style. It tells the tale of the Sun and Moon’s courtship, complete with mythical creatures and special effects that were state-of-the-art for its time. The film is a testament to Méliès’ creativity and technical prowess, and its rediscovery has the film world.

Malta Celebrates: Screenings and Exhibitions Ahead

News of ‘The Eclipse’s’ rediscovery has reached Malta, and the cultural scene is abuzz. The Malta Film Commission is planning a series of screenings and exhibitions to celebrate Méliès’ work and Malta’s role in it. The National Museum of Fine Arts in Valletta is set to host an exhibition dedicated to Méliès, featuring rare posters and photographs from his time in Malta.

Dr. Stephen Cutajar, film historian and curator of the exhibition, shares his excitement: “Méliès’ connection to Malta is a fascinating part of our cinematic history. With ‘The Eclipse’ rediscovered, we have a unique opportunity to celebrate this forgotten chapter.”

The first screening of ‘The Eclipse’ in Malta is set for November at the Eden Cinemas in St. Julian’s. Tickets are expected to sell out fast, so mark your calendars and get ready to step back in time to the dawn of cinema.