Buġibba’s Story Unfolds in Peter Sant’s ‘Żafżifa’
Under the Spotlight: Buġibba’s Unseen Story in Peter Sant’s ‘Żafżifa’
Ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of Malta’s bustling Buġibba? Peter Sant, a name synonymous with local cinema, invites you to peer into the heart of this coastal town with his latest film, ‘Żafżifa’. Shot in the narrow streets and vibrant squares of Buġibba, this isn’t just a movie; it’s a love letter to a place we think we know, but perhaps don’t.
From Buġibba’s Streets to the Big Screen
Peter Sant, a seasoned filmmaker with over a decade of experience, chose Buġibba as the backdrop for his fifth feature film. “I’ve always been drawn to Buġibba,” he says, sipping coffee at Il-Għawdex, a bustling café on Triq San Pawl. “It’s a town that’s constantly evolving, yet it retains its charm. I wanted to capture that essence on film.”
‘Żafżifa’, which translates to ‘whisper’, is a drama that weaves together the stories of several Buġibba residents. It’s a tale of love, loss, and the unspoken words that bind us. The film was shot entirely on location, with local actors and extras adding an authentic touch.
Buġibba’s Stars Take Centre Stage
Sant cast local talent for the leading roles, including Maria Ellul, a Buġibba native, who plays the lead character, Maria. “Maria’s performance is exceptional,” Sant says. “She brings a depth of emotion that only a local could.” Ellul, a nurse by day, is thrilled to be representing her hometown. “Buġibba might be small, but it’s full of stories waiting to be told,” she says.
The film also features Malta’s iconic Il-Ballut (the promontory) and the bustling Triq San Pawl, where the town’s pulse can be felt. Sant believes that these locations are as much characters in the film as the actors. “Buġibba’s streets have a life of their own. They tell a story of their own,” he says.
Premiere and Beyond
‘Żafżifa’ premieres at the Eden Cinemas on the 15th of October. Sant is excited but also a bit nervous. “This is my baby,” he laughs, “I hope Buġibba loves it as much as I do.”
After the premiere, Sant plans to take the film to local festivals and schools. “I want to inspire young filmmakers,” he says. “I want them to see that you don’t need big budgets or fancy equipment to tell a story. You just need a good story and the courage to tell it.”
