From 2 to 6 June 2025, Malta celebrated 100 years of filmmaking with “Frames of Malta”, the second cultural event under the Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe. Held at the historic Cosmos Cinema in Strasbourg, one of France’s oldest cinemas, this Film Festival marked a significant cultural milestone while spotlighting the voices and visions of Maltese filmmakers.
The week-long programme was dedicated to showcasing the creativity our island’s films across generations. It also reaffirmed Malta’s growing involvement in the European film industry.
On Monday, Hon. Minister for Culture, the Arts and Local Government, Dr Owen Bonnici, attended the event and announced Malta’s active progress toward joining Eurimages – the Council of Europe’s cultural support fund for the co-production of independent films across the continent. While on Wednesday, the Hon. Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, Dr Jonathan Attard, joined the audience.
Throughout the week, five feature films were screened, each reflecting the diversity of Maltese cinema. These included Castillo by Abigail Mallia, Carmen by Valerie Buhagiar, Is-Sriep Reġgħu Saru Velenużi by Martin Bonnici, Luzzu by Alex Camilleri, and Ciao Ciao by Keith Tedesco. All films were presented in Maltese with French subtitles, offering Strasbourg audiences a rare opportunity to experience the sounds and stories of the Maltese language.
Complementing the feature presentations, each screening was preceded by a short film from Malta’s cinema pioneer Cecile Satariano – and one of the founding fathers of auteur cinema in the Mediterranean.These works, newly restored and aesthetically enhanced with help from Dr Charles Farrugia at the National Archives of Malta, gave further depth to the historical arc of the week.
By bringing Maltese cinema to a French audience in a landmark venue, “Frames of Malta” celebrated our film heritage while fostering meaningful cultural exchange. Viewers were invited not only to watch the films but also to take part in engaging post-screening discussions with Maltese ministers, filmmakers, and project directors who travelled for the occasion. These rich conversations added depth to the evenings. Audiences also enjoyed a taste of Maltese treats, with Kinnie, Twistees and bites from Sunshine Snacks on hand to complete the experience.
This celebration on screen continues the Maltese Presidency’s six-month cultural programme.
