FILM
FILM IN THE CITY THE FOURTH EDITION OF THE VALLET TA FILM FESTIVAL WORDS SARAH CHIRCOP
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he month of June sees the fourth edition of the Valletta Film Festival, Malta’s most important cinematic event showcasing a programme of quality films including feature films, documentaries and shorts. The ten-day event, organised by the Film Grain Foundation, sees the programme of films and other events hosted in various indoor and outdoor locations around the city of Valletta, which this year holds the title of European Capital of Culture. I sat down with one of the festival’s directors, Oliver Mallia, to tell me more about what goes on behind the scenes when transforming a city into a cinema. HOW WOULD YOU INTRODUCE THE VALLETTA FILM FESTIVAL?
The Valletta Film Festival is a celebration of independent cinema that in just a few years became Malta’s largest cinematic event. It is a festival organised by a number of film professionals and tens of volunteers that dedicate time every year to make it happen. In 2015, Malta was the last EU country without a feature film festival and in 3 years we have already attracted over 23,000 patrons and showed
over 120 independent features and 75 short films. Between 8 and 17 of this month, we will present another 40 feature films and 24 short films as we look forward to welcome another 10,000 people to the festival. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A YOUNG AND INTIMATE FESTIVAL AND WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE FEATURES OF THIS EVENT?
I think many that attend the festival comment positively about the enthusiasm, energy and passion that drives us to plan and execute the festival. Every year there is a good vibe surrounding the city and the festival - one sees many young people, many nationalities and a lot of participation. The relaxed atmosphere of the festival is something that people really enjoy. Being a young festival means we are still in our formative years - we are still learning what audiences like and dislike. We have been changing a few things every year and we will probably continue doing so for a few more years. Time will tell if we manage to make the Valletta Film Festival an important film festival in the Mediterranean or Europe. However, it’s always great
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