Telling our own story : a snapshot of contemporary Maltese filmmakers : a film document

Abstract

Maltese film lovers often ask themselves in frustration why we hardly have any Maltese cinema to speak of. This study has decided to tackle this question by creating a documentary in which local filmmakers attempt to answer this question. What is keeping us from telling our story on film? Several possibilities are looked at including education, lack of a dedicated film school, history of colonial subjugation, small internal market or fear of ruffling feathers. A number of respected experts in the field are asked the same questions and they give their opinion about what is missing and what needs to be done to breathe life into the industry. Footage from their films is used to illustrate their words while at the same time acquainting the viewer with some of the little known film images that actually do exist, hoping to whet the appetite for more. There is also behind the scenes footage from some local films including Simshar.