https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147025 2026-09-21T18:59:58Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149253 Title: How can Maltese films be sold internationally : a qualitative approach to distribution research Abstract: This study explores fundamental topics that serve as the foundation on how Maltese films can be sold abroad. Three crucial research questions emerged from the literature analyzed which shape the direction of this study: what are the distribution channels open to Maltese filmmakers internationally?; how do sales agents facilitate the sales of films from small countries?; and what do Maltese films require to be sold abroad? In-depth semi- structured interviews were carried out with both Maltese filmmakers and foreign sales agents to identify whether their expectations correlate. The findings of this study confirm that multiple distribution channels are accessible to Maltese filmmakers, with sales agents utilizing key strategies, such as film festivals, diverse markets - including VOD, and non- commercial opportunities, to maximize their effectiveness. Furthermore, the results highlight that while there is no specific criteria Maltese films must follow to be sold abroad, there are factors which contribute to making such efforts a reality, such as following certain legalities. This notion further adds weight to why attaching a sales agent to a film production is crucial since they hold the necessary knowledge and expertise that guide filmmakers through unfamiliar territories. This study’s research also outlines other elements which contribute to the necessity of global distribution for Maltese films, including the enrichment of the indigenous film industry, a widening of opportunities for Maltese cinema, and the resulting understanding in the difference of local and global distribution dynamics. Description: B.Comms. (Hons)(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149247 Title: The influence of film adaptations on book cover design : a qualitative study on readers and non-readers Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between film adaptations and book cover design, to address how film imagery influences the perceptions readers and non-readers have of the original literary works. It takes a look at Frankenstein (1818), Dracula (1897), and The Phantom of the Opera (1909)—three frequently adapted novels—in order to confirm whether visual changes made from book to screen have been conflated with what was originally written. It also addresses how these visual changes printed on book covers affects consumer expectations and purchasing behaviour. Qualitative methods were used, including a semiotic analysis on some of the OFCs (outer front covers) belonging to the aforementioned novels; and focus groups divided between readers and non-readers. The semiotic analysis guided the selection of covers presented in the focus groups, which allowed the participants to engage with the discourse surrounding book cover design, and to gain a deeper insight into their thoughts and opinions. This helped to establish the symbiotic relationship shared between film and book cover design; and how certain imagery impacts recognition, perceived accuracy, and purchase appeal. The results indicate that both reader and non-reader perception of the novels is notably influenced by film imagery; and that the most significant difference between the two groups is in their book cover design preferences: although both favoured accuracy, the reader group preferred having a vague representation of a book’s content. However, design was noticeably favoured to accuracy on a case-by-case basis, even though what they often all considered to be accurate was also what they thought had the best design. This could provide a reason for why film imagery continues to be reused in both new film and TV adaptations, and on book covers, in spite of its tentative connection to the original work. Description: B.Comms. (Hons)(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147396 Title: A visual exploration of cultural identity and belonging in Malta Abstract: This research offers an insight into cultural identity and sense of belonging of Malta’s inhabitants through photography, and public engagement. The practical project investigates how visual storytelling and individual experiences contribute to the understanding of cultural identity. Data has been collected through qualitative interviews and a dedicated Instagram account, @portraitsofmalta. Photographs captured as part of the practical segment of this research were shared on the aforementioned Instagram account. Public polls were created to encourage reflection on cultural identity and sense of belonging and allowed the researcher to gather further insights on the subject in question. Ultimately, this study demonstrates how photography and social media are powerful tools for capturing and understanding cultural identity in Malta’s increasingly diverse community. Description: B.Comms. (Hons)(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147395 Title: Communication through a combination of art and poetry Abstract: This project dissertation investigates how the combination of visual art and poetry can enhance communication and emotional expression. Motivated by my personal passion for both painting and writing, the research aims to demonstrate that pairing these two artistic forms creates a powerful and clear communicative experience. The study begins with a literature review that examines the dynamic relationship between poetry and visual art, including the psychological and cognitive effects of imagery, colour, and nonverbal cues. It explores the concept of ekphrastic poetry – where poets respond to visual art – and the narrative power of illustration, drawing on works by key scholars and examples from notable artists and poets. The practical component consists of a creative project: a book pairing original paintings with thematically linked poems, reflecting personal experiences and emotions. This is supplemented by interviews with local artists working at the intersection of art and poetry, whose insights enrich the understanding of the creative process. A reflective journal documents the evolution of the project, detailing inspirations, techniques, and challenges encountered. Findings from the research and inferences of the project suggest that the interplay between visual and verbal media deepens audience engagement, clarifies meaning, and evokes stronger emotional responses. The dissertation concludes that integrating art and poetry not only enhances the communicative power of each medium but also fosters richer, more immersive experiences for both creator and viewer. This project-led inquiry highlights the value of interdisciplinary approaches in contemporary artistic expression. Description: B.Comms. (Hons)(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z