DEC 14-16, 2018
VALLETTA, MALTA
The first edition of the Malta India Film Festival is aimed at bridging the creative gap between the two countries. The festival, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Malta, intends to encourage the exchange of art, culture and entertainment between the two countries.
It is open to filmmakers across the globe, who have either a Maltese or an Indian element in their films. The festival is launched and vetted by the Malta India Film Academy, which has been established to cross-promote film talent from either side, talent that is not necessarily in the big league as far as budgets go. Apart from film screenings, there will also be discussions on cinema and films. The festival had invited entries across genres of films in categories such as Feature Film, Short Film and Documentaries.
Actress Vidya Balan has been appointed as the brand ambassador. She is also part of the jury which includes Vijay Krishna Acharya, Zoya Akhtar and Engelbert Grech.
SPECIAL SHOWCASE
Thugs Of Hindostan (Opening Film)
Directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, Thugs Of Hindostan is a period drama set in the East India Company era. A thug of the seas, to liberate his country from British rule, fights against a con artist pitched by the British. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh.
Raazi
The film, starring Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, traces the journey of a female Indian spy who is married to a Pakistani army officer. She sets out on a secret mission to foil Pakistan’s plans to attack India and collect intel information to protect her own country. The film is directed by Meghna Gulzar.
Sanju (Closing Film)
The Rajkumar Hirani directorial details the controversial life of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt and his personal dilemmas. Ranbir Kapoor leads the cast. The film also stars Vicky Kaushal, Anushka Sharma, Dia Mirza, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Boman Irani, Jim Sarbh, Paresh Rawal and Manisha Koirala.
SHORT FILMS
Marbut
Rammat-Gammat
Everything Is Fine
Svah:
Toxicity
Identity
Plus Minus
PARTICIPATING FILMS
Indian
Nhamdev Bhau
Nude
The Sound Man Mangesh Desai
Aruvi
Bird Of Dusk
Hamid
Sir
Laila Majnu
Tumbbad
Bhonsle
Kannizzati Fishing
English
Lovesick
The Boat
Maltese
The Weeping House Of Qala
Id-Destin
Tibetan
The Sweet Requiem
Q&A SESSIONS
Following the movie screenings, Q&A sessions will take place that will help connect audiences to filmmakers, artistes and their process of work. Directors Mark Doneo, Sangeeta Datta, Subhash Chandra Sahoo, Antonella Axisa, Angelique Muller, Mikael Zarb, Winston Azzopardi, Sajid Ali, Dar Gai, Ann Kim and Aijaz Nazar Ahmed Khan; producers Shrihari Sathe, Suprava Sahoo and Siddharth Anand Kumar; and actors Avinash Tiwary and Vivek Gomber will take part.
AWARDS
The awards that will be conferred include Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Script, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Soundtrack, Best Short Film, Best Documentary Film, Best Cinematography and Best Editing. The award ceremony along with the felicitation will take place on the closing day.
MASTERCLASS
In a special segment, master classes will be held by Thugs Of Hindostan director, Vijay Krishna Acharya; Director of the Malta India Film Academy, Engelbert Grech; and Malta Film Commissioner, Johann Grech.
– Titas Chowdhury