If you search for ‘Malta videos’, you will find a raft of material – from the amateur camera shake to the sugary ‘tourist-friendly’ pieces with equally sugary soundtracks, normally commissioned by some entity in the tourism sector. Sometimes it seems that the only Malta we can convey to the external world has to be postcard-friendly and palatable to a businessman, or the MTV or bucket-and-spade type visitors.

The way we see it – there is a great need for some ‘real-life’ spapshots of living and working on the islands. In the meantime, here are four examples we found as we start the online video trawl in search of the real Malta and Gozo.

Please refresh this page until you see all the videos load up.

TOURIST LOVE LETTER

COFFEE DRINKER

RAMBLING RAMBLER

ALTERNATIVE

Today, I finally had some time to catch up on in boxes on various social media, and browse around – to learn, research, and think about what we should have more of on Malta Inside Out. I am glad I did. Because I came across a message from the British Council, Malta, about a competition they ran last summer under the Council’s Inclusion and Diversity in Education project (INDIE) for schools. If you haven’t heard about this yet, do read on…

The Council had asked anyone who felt inspired by INDIE, to use their mobile phone cameras to make a three-minute film about the meaning of ‘diversity’. This was music to my ears. Malta is so often characterised as a society that relishes tradition, homogeneity and uniformity and one increasingly intolerant. So I did read on…

Malta was active in competing in its INDIE country cluster, which includes young people from the UK and Spain. Marlon Formosa from Kirkop Boys Secondary School won second prize. I clicked through to watch a wonderfully moving, sensitive piece of film about a boy called Deemar who suffers from a very rare condition called Metatropic Dysplaysia.

About the film
This is what Marlon says about his friend and his film: “I like him [Deemar] because in him I don’t see any disability but a great ability to fight against his physical limitations and have a positive attitude towards life. When the head of school told us about the INDIE Goes Mobile short film competition, Deemar came into my mind straight away.

“In creating this short film I found great help from his Learning Support Assistant, teachers and students altogether. But the main protagonist was Deemar himself.

“The first part of the video is about Deemar thinking about the problems he encounters in everyday school life. On the other hand, during the second part Deemar realises that he can be, and is a part of the school family.”

If you haven’t seen it, take three minutes out to watch Marlon’s film ‘Deemar’ below. He, Deemar and countless other young people like them are the people Malta can be proud of.

Read more about the winning entries.

Photo: Walter lo Cascio

Ramon Mizzi is a film maker, currently reading for an MA in TV & Interactive Content at Birmingham City University, UK. In October 2009, his short film ‘In the End’ won Best International Contemporary Short in the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival. His brother Alexis was Director of Photography and co-producer of the film.

How did your interest in film start?
Our interest in film started way back as kids, when we used to go to the cinema on a weekly basis. Our grandfather Nenu owned Warner Theatre cinema in Qormi and we watched all the classics on the big screen there. In 2002, we decided to drop our current jobs and move to Sydney to get film training and after four years we graduated in Film Making with Honours.  Our thesis film won three awards in Malta and the protagonist was Jon Siveright from ‘Home & Away’ fame.  He just loved the script. The antagonist is Cristie Giordimania, a brilliant Maltese-Australian actress. ‘Moving On’ can be viewed here.

Where has your career taken you so far?
After finishing our course of study, we moved back to Malta and in 2007 we were employed by the Ministry of Education at the National TV Archives at PBS (Malta’s public broadcasting service). Our duties included restoring, archiving and sorting out the Maltese national treasure found at PBS.  Six months into our contract, we were commissioned to produce a daily five-minute feature for TVM called MILL-ARKIVJI.  We are proud and lucky to be able to show our country’s historical and cultural content to Maltese viewers. We loved working on it. Working with distinguished talent like Charles Abela Mizzi among others increased our knowledge and skills to be better broadcasters.

In May 2008, we were commissioned to work for KOPIN a Maltese NGO Platform to work on the GLOBAL ACTION SCHOOL MALTA VIDEO 2008 project. We wrote the script, filmed and edited it. It was so cool to work with teenagers and NGOs, exposing youngsters to the world of video making, and we involved them as much as we could.  The video was seen in the 27 EU Countries and Thailand and we produced it in such a way to promote Malta as a holiday destination.

Between April and August 2008, we were commissioned to work on a Wedding Documentary. Since weddings are not our cup of tea, we decided to jazz it up and steer off from the run-of-the-mill boring wedding videos. Luckily the couple involved are artists too and quickly took on board our idea. The finished product is an awesome off-the-wall wedding that they will cherish all their life.

2009 started as a slow year, because of the world crises, so Alex and I decided to do something, and came up with the concept for a contemporary short film

What was the inspiration for ‘The End’? How important is Malta as a backdrop for your work? And why did you select your father for the main role?
In December 2008, our last grandfather passed on. We couldn’t help noticing our big family gathering around him on his death bed, and I found myself asking whether I’d be as lucky at his age, to have so many and so caring a family around to say goodbye. Probably not, since I don’t plan to have 11 kids! Suddenly, the concept for ‘In the End’ was born. From the first draft to the 15th, I was continually twisting and turning, researching issues related to the elderly, until both Alex and I were happy with it.

Malta has excellent locations (although our film is mostly interiors). The weather is film-making friendly with continuous sunshine, not much rain and most of all the Maltese people are very accommodating when coming to film in houses or private properties. That is extremely helpful for us film makers. Something I experienced in Malta is the ease of access to locations compared to other countries.

Casting was easy since while writing as I had the actors in mind. Paul was portrayed by Philip Mizzi, my dad. We have known dad as an actor since we were kids and wanted to cast him in a film of ours. We talked about this from Australia while at film school, so finally the chance popped up.

You’ve just won a major award. What does this mean for you (and your brother) professionally?
To keep doing what we are doing and building on what we’ve got!! Winning in the US especially, is very encouraging as we know that we are on the right track. We have to improve a lot of things to reach higher levels, but at least it’s a start, considering that this is our second short film. Also maybe this award will help us tap into more funding and contacts to put Malta on the film-making map worldwide.

Do you think that creatives have to leave Malta to ‘make it’?
Well, this is a hard question. I can say Yes and No, because it’s a double edge sword. Leaving Malta will get Maltese talent exposed to the professional practices that professionals overseas abide by, like a bible. While in Malta, since film training amongst other things is lacking, things are done, let’s say differently or inappropriately. But it is easier today than say 10-15 years ago to get a Maltese film recognised and promoted overseas what with social media networks, interactivity and cheap flights. So long as you have a good story. With hard work, persistence and dedication, a Maltese short film can easily make it to any film festival overseas. On the other hand, Malta offers a lot of great things to film makers; I’ve worked on productions in Sydney and now in the UK and things that are easy to get in Malta are very difficult or costly in these countries.

What do you miss about Malta by being away?
The awesome Maltese weather and the beautiful Mediterranean sea, since currently I reside in the UK. I miss also the typical Maltese bread (being from Qormi) and friends that have always supported us in whatever we did.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Keep on dreaming, because those who dream achieve, we wish to say to young Maltese film makers, never quit and follow where your heart wants to go. Work your networks well and ask for help when you need it. If you are true to yourself you will make it.

Ramon Mizzi
You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/Ramsku
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ramonmizzi
Twitter: Ramsku
LinkedIn: http://uk.linkedin.com/in/mizziramon

Alexis Mizzi
You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/LIXU72
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/alexmizzi
Twitter: Nelix72
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisjmizzi

We’re about to witness perhaps a ‘one of a kind’ in Maltese film-making with the arrival on screen of ‘Kont Diġa’ (‘I was, already’), a full-feature Maltese film with Maltese film-makers and a near totally Maltese cast. The film, shot in Maltese but showing with subtitles for non-Maltese speakers, premieres at St James Cavalier, 2 October.

The islands have long been recognised as a useful place to shoot films. Malta has seen the making of many international greats, and for good reason as it has excellent facilities. The Mediterranean Film Studios is renowned for its SFX water tank facilities, and Malta’s historic landmarks have served as locations for all manner of films from Midnight Express (1978) to Gladiator (2000) and the Da Vinci Code (2006).

Now, Malta is seeing its own film industry burgeoning, with Kont Diġa taking Malta down another avenue in its love affair with all things film. Director, Mark Dingli explains where Kont Diġa fits in the story of Maltese film-making: “This film is more comparable to older Maltese features than recent ones. Maybe what’s unique to it is that it’s not completely art house, neither is it a commercial popcorn flick. It has a clear narrative story, simple but present unlike the descriptive only nature of some early Maltese films. It’s easy to follow and everyone can relate to it in some way or another. But it’s definitely not a commercial film.

The Kont Diġa Storyline
The film’s storyline is one many returned Maltese migrants will no doubt associate with: it’s about a young free-spirited artist, Karl, who returns to his home island Malta after a long time away. It covers his personal journey discovering his roots. Reliving old habits with friends and memories from his childhood, this journey leads him to re-visit his past with his ex-girlfriend, and then with a new friend, Anna, through whom he visits his old home in Gozo, now a neglected house full of memories. Anna is his springboard for self reflection and becomes his reason for trying to start life again in Malta; a place he’s familiar with but is now seeing through different eyes.

The film-makers
‘Kont Diġa’ was directed by Mark Dingli and produced by Sascha Sammut using their own original screenplay. The film was independently funded and produced. It was made possible through international collaboration with young film-makers from the Netherlands, where Mark Dingli studied film for many years. The original soundtrack was written by Xavier Lopez from France and Marc Neyen from Germany. The film uses a nearly all-Maltese cast, with Karl Consiglio, Annabelle Galea and Marie Claire Camilleri taking the lead parts.

Premiere & Screenings
Kont Diġa was filmed in Malta last summer is now to premiere locally at St James Cavalier, 2 October, with further screenings on 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 16 and 18 October. For more information, see www.kontdiga.com. For booking contact St James Cavalier on +356 21232166 or send an email on info@sjcav.org.

Local film enthusiasts Joyce Grech and Tony Parnis have been working hard to put Malta on the map on the international short film circuit. After producing the Malta International TV Short Film Festival on TVM, they are now bringing the Manhattan Short Film Festival to the islands. The event is being sponsored by the Embassy of the United States of America in Malta and the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts.

This is a very special international film festival since it brings together audiences from all over the world for one week through an exhibition of the ten, most compelling short films submitted each year. The festival, now in its 12th edition, is particular since it is the audiences themselves who are the judges. This means that up-and-coming film-makers face the greatest test of all: to be judged in cinemas by a global audience!

Now a Maltese audience will be able to enjoy top quality short films on show from around the world, and voice their opinion by casting their votes for the best film of the festival. Because for the first time, Valletta will be joining the over 150 cities participating in the 2009 Manhattan Short (20-27 September) from across the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Australia. From 2010, the organisers are hoping to link up with venues in Africa – and in 2011, places as far away as ice stations in Antarctica!

All in all, the event is too good an opportunity to be missed if you like a good evening out at the movies!

When & Where in Malta
Local cinema-goers can attend one of the two nights available: Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September at 7.30pm at the cinema, St James Centre of Creativity, Valletta. The films will be repeated on each of the nights, giving a larger amount of the people the chance to participate in this international cinematic event.

Admission
The great news is that entrance is free of charge – to attend, you just need to reserve your seats by sending an e-mail: info@maltashortfilmfest.com or by calling 99425594, saying which night you’d like to go.

For more information on the Manhattan Short Film Festival, see the festival’s website

The Manhattan Short Film Festival is being made possible in Malta thanks to the support and sponsorship of:

     

Photo: Still from ‘Miente’, an entry from Spain. Director: Isabel De Ocampo

Many people love film, but only a select few are crazy enough to want to make films. And even a more select few do so in tiny Malta and with no budget to work from! While massive productions such as Gladiator, Munich and Troy have been filmed in part on our shores – hiring many local professionals and actors in the process – there is much less glamour surrounding the Maltese making films in Malta about the Maltese for the Maltese.

Over the past few decades, Tony Parnis has been one of the few to attempt making local films. His feature-length movie ‘Operation White Dove’, filmed on a zero-budget in the 1990s, has attained cult-movie status of a sort. His most recent movie, ‘Scrooge’ (an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic) was aired in local cinemas and on TV in late 2008 and is considered by some to be one of the best local productions ever.

Now, Tony’s passion for local film making has gone one step further. Together with TV producer and presenter Joyce Grech, a movie-lover herself who is just as passionate about local film productions, Tony got the idea of creating an international platform for local short films to compete with foreign ones, with a side aim of getting Maltese films to be seen by a wider audience.

It was this idea which drove Tony and Joyce to produce the first edition of the Malta International Television Short Film Festival. Apparently, there has never been such a festival on any TV station anywhere else in the world. So this makes it a first for Malta!

Armed with a zero budget and lots of enthusiasm, the two used the internet and fellow film lovers around the globe to attract film makers to send in their short films. The response was amazing: more than 120 films were sent for consideration from 14 countries. The majority were from Malta, of course, but, entries came as well from Europe and as far away as Canada, the USA, Australia and Zambia!

The result has been a 12-programme festival aired on the national Maltese TV station (TVM). Expert judges commented on the films they have just seen, while the public got a chance to vote for their favourite film. The programme is mainly in the Maltese but has subtitles in English.

The festival awards ceremony will be aired on TVM and on the net on 2 July, at 10pm local time (but can be seen at any time after that on the net). The level of some of the short films is very high. Malta will be proud to note that there are seven or eight local short films in the running for some of the awards … including one for Best Picture Overall.

Tony and Joyce’s experiment has been a success; it has provided an audience for often little-known film makers and it has provided also an impetus for other local film makers to produce their own short films.

Malta may not yet have its own film school, but, for now, this is probably the closest thing we’ve got. Will we see further editions of this Festival? Time will tell as finances haven’t been easy to come by. But where there’s a will, there’s a way, even when there’s not much money around