Valletta, Malta – The Mediterrane Film Festival is gearing up for its 2025 edition, set to take place from June 21 to June 29. This year’s festival, the third iteration, promises a star-studded jury that includes renowned filmmaker Catherine Hardwicke, Oscar-winning production designer Rick Carter, and standout talents such as costume designer Charlese Antoinette and set decorator Elli Griff. The jury will play a pivotal role in selecting the recipients of the coveted Golden Bee Awards, which will be announced during a gala event on June 29.
Under the leadership of festival director Ray Calleja and curator Mark Adams, the Mediterrane Film Festival emphasizes three key programming areas: a main competition featuring films from the Mediterranean, an out-of-competition selection that includes global entries, and Mare Nostrum, which focuses on sustainability and environmental storytelling. The jury for Mare Nostrum includes notable figures like Grainne Humphreys, the longtime artistic director of the Dublin Film Festival, and Ania Trzebiatowska, who is a senior programmer at the Sundance Film Festival.
In addition to the film screenings, attendees can look forward to an array of panels, roundtable discussions, and masterclasses with industry luminaries. Hardwicke will not only serve on the jury but also lead a filmmaker discussion in honor of the 20th anniversary screening of her iconic film, “Lords of Dogtown.” Previous speakers have included acclaimed filmmaker Mike Leigh and notable contributors to films such as “Poor Things,” “Top Gun,” and “Avatar: The Way of Water.”
The festival’s theme for this year, “We Are Film,” reflects its mission to bring together creators and audiences alike. Coinciding with a significant milestone for Malta, 2025 marks a century since the nation produced its first feature film, 1925’s “Sons of the Sea.” Over the past hundred years, Malta has emerged as a vital film production hub, attracting filmmakers with its stunning architecture and landscapes. Iconic titles such as “Gladiator,” “Troy,” “Game of Thrones,” and “Napoleon” have all been shot in the region, showcasing its cinematic potential.
Calleja expressed excitement about the festival, stating that the diverse jury reflects the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary cinema. Together with Adams, he hopes to curate a program that honors Malta’s rich cinematic heritage while also highlighting emerging talents from the wider Mediterranean region.
Malta’s film commissioner, Johann Grech, emphasized the festival’s foundational mission to foster connections among creative minds within the Mediterranean and beyond. He noted the festival’s ambition to serve as a platform for creativity, collaboration, and opportunity.
As the countdown to this prestigious event begins, the Mediterrane Film Festival looks to further engage audiences and filmmakers, promising an enriching celebration of cinema in the heart of the Mediterranean.
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