Cannes, 20 May – Today, at an international briefing on the fringes of the 76th Cannes Film Festival, Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech announced the exciting details for the upcoming Mediterrane Film Festival. In attendance was Adrian Wootton OBE, CEO of Film London and the British Film Commission, who will also serve as the head of the jury for the festival. Johann Grech introduced the nine distinguished individuals who will serve on the main jury alongside Adrian Wootton.
JURY MEMBERS
Zlatko Burić Croatia
Award-winning actor (Best Actor at European Film Awards for Ruben Östlund’s Triangle of Sadness)
Tonia Mishiali Cyprus
Writer, director, producer and member of the Hellenic and European Film Academies (EFA) and the European Women’s Audiovisual Network
Vahina Giocante France
Actress and director
Amanda Livanou Greece
Producer and member of the EFA, Sundance Institute Alumni; former Hellenic Film Academy board of Directors
Boris Sollazzo Italy
Film critic and journalist: Deputy Director, Hollywood Reporter Italy
Mario Azzopardi Malta
Film analyst and critic
José Vieira Mendes Portugal
Journalist, film critic, film programmer and member of the Portuguese Film Academy
Tina Poglajen Slovenia
Film critic and journalist
Carlos Reviriego Spain
Film programming director and critic: El Cultural
Additionally, Johann Grech unveiled the nine selected films. These will be in competition for awards to be presented during the festival’s closing ceremony as well as being accessible to the public. The titles include official Academy Award submissions in the International Feature Film category, and the very best contemporary film selections from the respective *MED 9 countries.
OFFICIAL FILM SELECTION
Safe Place Croatia
Director: Juraj Lerotić
Cast: Juraj Lerotic, Snjezana Sinovcic, Goran Markovic
.dog Cyprus
Director: Yianna Americanou
Cast: Andreas Konstantinou, Dimitris Kitsos, Nikos Zeginoglou
Saint Omer France
Director: Alice Diop
Cast: Kayije Kagame, Guslagie Malanda, Valérie Dréville
Magnetic Fields (Magnitika pedia) Greece
Director: Giorgoa Gousis
Cast: Elena Topalidou, Antonis Tsiotsiopoulos, Nikos Spanides
Nostalgia Italy
Director: Mario Martone
Cast: Pierfrancesco Favino, Francesco Di Leva, Tommaso Ragno
Carmen Malta
Director: Valerie Buhagiar
Cast: Natascha McElhone, Michela Farrugia, Steven Love
Alma Viva Portugal
Director: Cristèle Alves Meira
Cast: Lua Michel, Ana Padrão, Jacqueline Corado
Orkester Slovenia
Director: Matevz Luzar
Cast: Gregor Zorc, Gregor Cusin, Jernej Kogovsek
Alcarràs Spain
Directors: Carla Simón
Cast: Josep Abad, Jordi Pujol Dolcet, Anna Otin
Johann Grech said, “We are proud to present such a diverse and powerful showcase of Mediterranean cinema at the Mediterrane Film Festival. We aim to foster collaboration with the MED9 nations. Although we are nine different nations, together we are greater. It’s also an honour to have Mr. Wootton as the head of our esteemed jury. Their collective expertise will undoubtedly enrich the festival.”
Adrian Wootton OBE added, “I’m delighted to serve as the head of the jury for the Mediterrane Film Festival. The selected films represent the vitality and diversity of Mediterranean cinema. This collaboration highlights the ongoing partnership between the British Film Commission, and the Malta Film Commission.”
Tourism Minister of Malta, Clayton Bartolo, also expressed his support: “The Mediterrane Film Festival shall re-enforce the notion of Malta being the place of opportunities. This festival is a testament to the cultural richness and diversity that our region has to offer.”
The festival welcomes film enthusiasts, international press and industry professionals to join for a unique and compelling cinematic journey.
For more information, please visit www.mediterrane.com.
Media enquiries:
Notes
*MED9 is an alliance of nine Mediterranean and Southern European Union member states: Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.
About Mediterrane Film Festival
The Mediterrane Film Festival is an annual event celebrating the diverse stories, talents, and cultures from nine Mediterranean countries. The festival aims to foster collaboration, growth, and opportunity for filmmakers while promoting Malta’s rich cultural heritage and its role as a world-class film hub.
The first edition of the Mediterrane film Festival will be held 25-30 June in Malta.
About the Malta Film Commission:
Established in 2000, the Malta Film Commission is a government organization dedicated to promoting and developing the Maltese film industry. With a rich history and stunning landscapes, Malta offers a unique filming destination for international productions. The Commission provides comprehensive support and assistance to filmmakers, including location scouting, financial incentives, and logistical services. Committed to fostering local talent and creating job opportunities, the Malta Film Commission also focuses on education and training programs to ensure the sustainable growth of the industry. For more information, visit www.screenmalta.com or contact [email protected].