Turkish director Zeki Demirkubuz‘s drama Life clinched the prestigious Golden Bee award for Best Feature Film at the second edition of Malta’s Mediterrane Film Festival over the weekend. The festival, which took place in the historic capital of Valletta, showcased an array of Mediterranean cinema under the experienced eye of Italian film festival veteran Teresa Cavina.
This year’s festival presented 45 films connected to the Mediterranean region, with 15 films competing in the main competition. The selection underscored the rich cultural tapestry of the Mediterranean, drawing entries from diverse backgrounds and showcasing the region’s cinematic prowess. Life, which had its world premiere at the Filmekimi Festival in Istanbul last October and later screened at Rotterdam, captivated audiences with its compelling narrative.
Despite the festival’s success, it faced significant scrutiny regarding its budget. Leading English-language newspaper, The Times of Malta, questioned the justification for the event’s €3.9 million budget, especially given Malta’s population of just over 500,000. Last year, the festival was criticized for lavish spending on business class flights, luxury accommodations for guests, and an extravagant black-tie closing event led by UK star David Walliams.
In response, Malta Film Commission head Johann Grech defended the expenditure, emphasizing that the festival is integral to Malta’s strategy of attracting international film and TV productions. He highlighted Malta’s 40% rebate for film productions, positioning the island as a key Mediterranean filming destination.
The festival was marked by its inclusive and diverse programming. The screening of refugee drama The Strangers’ Case was particularly poignant, sparking an emotional dialogue between U.S. director Brandt Andersen, lead actress Yasmine Al-Massri, and Maltese attendees. The film resonated deeply, reflecting Malta’s own experiences as a gateway for migrants from North Africa to Europe.
Andersen received the Golden Bee for Best Director, and Al-Massri was awarded Best Actress. Other notable winners included Palestinian director Mahdi Fleifel, who won the Jury’s Choice award for To A Land Unknown, and France’s Stéphane Brizé and Marie Drucker, who received Best Screenplay for Out of Season. The Netherlands’ Myrte Beltman was honored for Best Production Design for her work on Sweet Dreams, and Carlos Alfonso Corral won Best Cinematography for The Damned.
Beyond film screenings, the festival hosted a comprehensive industry program with panels on screenwriting, distribution, and co-production. Masterclasses by Greek film editor Yorgos Mavropsaridis and UK director Mike Leigh provided valuable insights to aspiring filmmakers.
The festival culminated in an awards ceremony at the historic Fort Manoel, where David Walliams once again presided. Mike Leigh and veteran production coordinator Rita Galea received Career Achievement and Lifetime Achievement awards, respectively, celebrating their contributions to the film industry.
Despite the budget controversies, the Mediterrane Film Festival has established itself as a significant cultural event, drawing international attention to Malta’s burgeoning film industry. As the festival continues to grow, it promises to be a vital platform for Mediterranean filmmakers, fostering cultural exchange and cinematic excellence.
