Cannes Film Festival: Your Maltese Guide to the Red Carpet

Imagine this: the sun is setting over the Mediterranean, casting a golden glow on the Croisette in Cannes. The red carpet is rolled out, and the world’s film elite are gathering for the most prestigious film festival on the planet. But you don’t have to be in France to feel the buzz. Here’s your Maltese guide to the 75th Cannes Film Festival.

Malta on the Map

Malta might be a small island, but it’s no stranger to the silver screen. From ‘Gladiator’ to ‘Game of Thrones’, our historic streets and stunning landscapes have been the backdrop to countless blockbusters. This year, Malta’s film industry is stepping into the limelight at Cannes. Keep an eye out for ‘The Malta Film Commission’ pavilion at the Marché du Film, where our local talent will be networking and showcasing our unique locations.

And if you’re planning a visit to Cannes, why not make a detour to Malta first? Our film commission is offering a special ‘Cannes to Malta’ package, giving you a taste of our cinematic heritage before you hit the red carpet.

Malta’s Homegrown Talent

Cannes is not just about the big names. It’s also a platform for emerging talent, and Malta’s filmmakers are making waves. Alex Camilleri’s ‘The President’s Visit’ is in the running for the prestigious Caméra d’Or, awarded to the best first feature film. The film, shot entirely in Malta, is a dark comedy about a presidential visit gone wrong. It’s a must-watch for any Maltese film buff.

Also on the radar is ‘Lilium’, a short film by Matthew Attard. It’s a poignant story about a young boy’s struggle with grief, shot in the quiet streets of Żurrieq. It’s a reminder that great cinema can come from the most unexpected places.

What to Watch

With over 50 films screening, it’s hard to know where to start. But here are a few must-sees:

• Top of the Lake: China Girl – Jane Campion’s follow-up to her acclaimed miniseries is a must-watch. It’s a gripping crime drama set in Sydney, but with a Maltese connection – it was co-produced by our very own David Scerri.
• Sorry Angel – This French drama is a heart-wrenching love story between a young man and an older writer. It’s a beautiful exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time.
• The Wild Goose Lake – This Chinese thriller is a gripping tale of a gangster on the run. It’s a visual feast, with stunning landscapes and high-octane action.

And if you’re a fan of documentaries, don’t miss ‘For Sama’, a powerful film about a young woman’s journey through love, war, and motherhood in Syria.

How to Watch

Even if you’re not in Cannes, you can still be part of the action. Many of the films screening at the festival will be available to stream online in the coming months. Keep an eye on platforms like Mubi, Curzon Home Cinema, and BFI Player for updates.

And if you’re feeling nostalgic, why not host your own Cannes film festival at home? Invite some friends, roll out the red carpet (or a blanket), and enjoy some of the best cinema from around the world.

As the sun sets on another Cannes Film Festival, remember that the magic of cinema is not confined to the Croisette. It’s here in Malta too, in our historic streets, our homegrown talent, and our love for a good story.

So, grab your popcorn and get ready. The show’s about to start.