Maltese Film ‘Żejtune’ Heads to Tribeca: A Pride for Local Cinema

Imagine this: a small Maltese film, shot in the narrow streets of Żejtun, now set to grace the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in New York. This is not a dream, but a reality for ‘Żejtune’, a Maltese film that has just been selected for the 2023 Tribeca Festival. This is more than an achievement; it’s a testament to the growing prowess of Malta’s film industry on the global stage.

From Żejtun to Tribeca: The Journey of ‘Żejtune’

‘Żejtune’, directed by Steve Hili, is a poignant tale of a young woman’s struggle with identity and belonging in a traditional Maltese village. The film has already made waves locally, winning the Best Maltese Film award at the Malta Film Awards. Now, it’s ready to take on the Big Apple. The Tribeca Film Festival, co-founded by Robert De Niro, is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, and ‘Żejtune’ will be screening as part of its World Narrative Competition.

For Steve Hili, this is a moment of immense pride. “To have ‘Żejtune’ selected for Tribeca is a huge honour,” he says. “It’s a validation of the work we’ve done and a testament to the power of Maltese stories.” The film’s selection is also a boost for Malta’s burgeoning film industry, which has seen a surge in international productions in recent years, thanks to incentives like the Malta Film Fund.

Malta’s Growing Film Industry

Malta’s film industry has come a long way. From being a backdrop for international films like ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Gladiator’, Malta is now producing its own stories that are resonating globally. The Malta Film Commission has been instrumental in this growth, providing support and incentives for local filmmakers.

“We’re seeing a new wave of Maltese filmmakers telling their stories with confidence and skill,” says Antonella Gauci, Director of the Malta Film Commission. “The selection of ‘Żejtune’ for Tribeca is a proud moment for us, and we hope it inspires more local filmmakers to tell their stories.”

What’s Next for ‘Żejtune’ and Maltese Cinema?

After Tribeca, ‘Żejtune’ will return to Malta with newfound international recognition. For Steve Hili, the next step is to secure distribution deals that will bring the film to wider audiences. “I hope ‘Żejtune’ will inspire more people to watch Maltese films,” he says. “Our stories are unique, and they deserve to be told.”

As for Malta’s film industry, the future looks bright. With more local films gaining international recognition and more international productions choosing Malta as their backdrop, the industry is poised for further growth. As Gauci puts it, “We’re just getting started.”

So, keep an eye on the Tribeca Film Festival this year. You might just catch a glimpse of Malta on the big screen. And who knows? You might even see a few familiar faces from Żejtun.