The highly anticipated Mediterrane Movie Pageant in Malta is making a grand return for its third edition, showcasing an impressive lineup of over 40 films from more than 20 countries. Scheduled to take place from June 21-29 in the stunning island capital of Valletta, the festival promises a rich and diverse programming experience across its Competition, Out of Competition, and Mare Nostrum sections, captivating film enthusiasts from around the globe.

The Competition category will spotlight remarkable films such as Uberto Pasolini’s gripping “The Return,” featuring acclaimed actors Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche. Other notable entries include Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s directorial debut, “Hot Milk,” the Italian film “For the Love of a Girl” (Per amore di una donna) directed by Guido Chiesa, “Harvest” by Athina Rachel Tsangari, and the Maltese film “The Theft of the Caravaggio” by director Joshua Cassar Gaspar.

In the Out of Competition screenings, audiences can look forward to special presentations such as Ira Sachs’ intriguing “Peter Hujar’s Day,” featuring performances by Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall. The festival will also showcase the Malta-set erotic thriller “Compulsion” directed by Neil Marshall, “4 Letters of Love” starring Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Gabriel Byrne, and the thought-provoking documentary “Time Travel is Dangerous,” narrated by the esteemed Stephen Fry.

A special sidebar section titled FilmItalia will celebrate the emergence of new Italian women filmmakers, showcasing films including “Diva Futura,” “Gloria!,” and “Love and Glory – The Young Deledda.” This initiative aims to highlight the significant contributions of female directors in the film industry and to promote their innovative storytelling.

The Mare Nostrum section, translating to “Our Sea,” returns with a compelling selection of six films that explore pressing themes related to the climate crisis and environmental issues. Among these films are “Lowland Children,” “How Deep is Your Love,” and “Transamazonia,” each offering unique perspectives on the relationship between humanity and the environment.

Distinguished jury members including Elli Griff, Rick Carter, and Catherine Hardwicke will not only judge the films but will also participate in a series of Masterclasses throughout the festival. Renowned director Joe Carnahan, producer Jeremy Thomas, and Glenn Gainor, head of physical production at Amazon Original Films, will share their insights and experiences in these engaging sessions.

On June 29, the festival will host the prestigious Golden Bee Awards, celebrating 100 years of cinema in Malta at the historic Fort Manoel, a stunning 18th-century venue. Under the leadership of the new creative team, Festival Director Ray Calleja and Festival Curator Mark Adams, this year’s theme is “We Are Film,” emphasizing the collective power of storytelling through cinema.

Explore the complete film lineup below to discover the exciting offerings of this year’s festival:

MAIN COMPETITION FILMS TO WATCH

The Return (dir. Uberto Pasolini)
Uberto Pasolini’s “The Return” reunites the talented actors from “The English Patient,” Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes and Academy Award winner Juliette Binoche, in a powerful and emotionally charged adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey. After being away for two decades, Odysseus (Fiennes) washes ashore in Ithaca, weary and unrecognizable. The King has returned from the Trojan War, but his kingdom has changed dramatically. His beloved wife, Penelope (Binoche), is trapped in her own home, pursued by suitors and facing threats against their son, Telemachus, whom Odysseus has never met. Haunted by his war experiences, Odysseus must reclaim his lost strength to restore what he once held dear.

Hot Milk (dir. Rebecca Lenkiewicz)
Adapted from the acclaimed novel by Deborah Levy, this directorial debut by Rebecca Lenkiewicz follows Sofia and her ailing mother, Rose, as they journey to the scenic Spanish coastal town of Almería seeking the help of the enigmatic healer, Dr. Gómez. Amidst the backdrop of the vibrant seaside, long-buried family tensions surface, and Sofia finds herself irresistibly drawn to the charismatic and free-spirited Ingrid, complicating their search for healing and connection.

For the Love of a Girl (Per amore di una donna) (dir. Guido Chiesa)
Written and directed by Guido Chiesa, this film tells the poignant story of a strong and independent woman grappling with a painful past that she struggles to overcome. As she navigates her life, the film explores themes of resilience, love, and the quest for identity in a world that often challenges her spirit.

Harvest (dir. Athina Rachel Tsangari)
In this striking adaptation of Jim Crace’s acclaimed novel, Athina Rachel Tsangari presents a haunting tale of an idyllic rural community threatened by outside forces. Over the course of seven surreal days, an unnamed village in an indeterminate time period faces impending destruction. Walter Thirsk, a former townsman turned farmer, and his childhood friend, the bewildered lord of the manor, Charles Kent, must confront the encroaching trauma of modernity as their peaceful existence hangs in the balance.

The Theft of the Caravaggio (dir. Joshua Cassar Gaspar)
In this thrilling narrative, Orpheus awakens to discover a priceless Caravaggio painting has been stolen from St. John’s Cathedral in Valletta while under his watch. As tensions rise in the city, a detective is summoned from Washington to assist local authorities in solving the high-profile case, leading to a gripping investigation filled with twists and turns.

Where The Wind Comes From (dir. Amel Guellaty)
The long-awaited feature debut from Amel Guellaty offers a powerful cinematic experience. The Tunisian-born director, renowned for the critically acclaimed short film Black Mamba, follows rebellious 19-year-old Alyssa and shy 23-year-old Mehdi as they aspire to escape their harsh reality. When they discover a contest that promises a chance for freedom, they embark on an exhilarating road trip to southern Tunisia, facing numerous obstacles and challenges along the way.

Fiume o Morte! (dir. Igor Bezinovic)
Winner of the IFFR 2025 Tiger Award, director Igor Bezinović presents a meta-documentary that reenacts a bizarre episode from Rijeka’s history when it was under nationalist occupation by the Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. On September 12, 1919, a group of approximately 300 soldiers, led by the flamboyant poet, seized the port city of Fiume, now Rijeka, seeking to annex it to Italy. Over a 16-month period, what is considered one of history’s most bizarre militant sieges unfolded, with a dedicated photography team capturing over 10,000 images. A century later, Bezinović, alongside 300 local residents, orchestrates a direct-action historical lesson focusing on the siege and its contemporary relevance.

The Wound (dir. Seloua El Gouni)
In this compelling narrative, Leila, a young Moroccan woman newly entering the workforce, strives to pursue her passions and ambitions while navigating the constraining societal norms imposed on women under the guise of tradition and cultural expectations. This poignant film, which received the award for Best Debut Feature at the Athens International Art Film Festival, highlights the struggles and triumphs of women seeking liberation.

Reflection in a Dead Diamond (dir. Hélène Cattet, Bruno Forzani)
In this intriguing storyline, John D, a septuagenarian residing in a luxurious hotel on the French Riviera, becomes fascinated by his female neighbor who reminds him of his adventurous past as a spy during the transformative 1960s. When his neighbor mysteriously disappears, John is forced to confront his demons and question whether his former enemies have returned to disrupt his idyllic life.

8 (dir. Julio Medem)
In this captivating film, Octavio and Adela are born on the same day, April 14th, 1931. Over the next eight decades, their lives intertwine through intense encounters and misunderstandings across eight episodes. Their passionate love story unfolds against the backdrop of a country on the brink of civil war, exploring the complexities of love, identity, and the historical context of Spain and Europe.

OUT OF COMPETITION FILMS TO DISCOVER

Peter Hujar’s Day (dir. Ira Sachs)
This film is based on a richly cinematic recreation of a conversation recorded in 1974, between the renowned photographer Peter Hujar and author Linda Rosenkrantz. The narrative, featuring Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall, reimagines their dialogue, encapsulating a transformative 24-hour period in the life of Hujar, a pivotal figure in the vibrant cultural scene of downtown New York during the 1970s and 1980s.

Compulsion (dir. Neil Marshall)
Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Malta, this intense thriller follows two women entangled in a passionate affair that spirals into a deadly game of cat and mouse amidst a series of horrifying murders. The film delves into the complexities of desire, obsession, and the darker aspects of human nature.

4 Letters of Love (dir. Polly Steele)
This heartfelt adaptation of Niall Williams’ bestselling novel stars Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Gabriel Byrne. The story revolves around Nicholas (Fionn O’Shea) and Isabel (Ann Skelly), two individuals seemingly destined for each other. However, as fate pulls them together, their own journeys of heartache, family dynamics, and lost love create barriers. In their individual quests, they experience the trials of life before their paths serendipitously cross again, leading to a miraculous reunion.

Time Travel is Dangerous
In this unique narrative, real-life best friends Ruth and Megan operate a vintage shop in Muswell Hill. When they stumble upon a time machine, they embark on short trips into the past to ‘borrow’ rare vintage items for their shop. Their intentions are innocent, focusing on finding the perfect vintage lamp, rather than altering history or committing crimes. However, they must navigate the frightening time-space vortex known as the Unreason. The film features an all-star cast of British comedic talent, including Johnny Vegas, Jane Horrocks, and Sophie Thompson, with narration by Stephen Fry.

The Extraordinary Miss Flower (dir. Iain Forsyth, Jane Pollard)
This film brings to life the remarkable story of Geraldine Flower and the discovery of a suitcase filled with heartfelt love letters sent to her during the 1960s and 70s. These letters inspired acclaimed Icelandic singer-songwriter Emilíana Torrini to return to the studio and create a new album. The film merges elements of cinema, theater, and dreamlike sequences, featuring performances of new songs by Emilíana and dramatic readings of the letters by well-known actors and musicians, including Caroline Catz, Nick Cave, Alice Lowe, and Richard Ayoade.

The Wedding Banquet (dir. Andrew Ahn)
More than just a remake of the 1993 classic, “The Wedding Banquet” is a modern reimagining of a beloved comedy of errors. It follows a family navigating issues of cultural identity, queerness, and familial expectations. Frustrated with his commitment-averse boyfriend, Min proposes a green-card marriage with their lesbian friend Angela in exchange for her partner Lee’s costly IVF treatment. However, their elopement plans are thrown into chaos when Min’s grandmother surprises them with an extravagant Korean wedding banquet. With a vibrant multigenerational cast led by the talented Lily Gladstone, this film overflows with humor and heart, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and forgiveness within family dynamics.

Diva Futura (dir. Giulia Louise Steigerwalt)
Set in Italy during the 1980s and 90s, this film chronicles how Riccardo Schicchi’s agency, Diva Futura, transformed free love into a mainstream phenomenon, launching the careers of stars like Ilona Staller and Moana Pozzi. Their rise to fame significantly influenced the cultural landscape, culminating in Cicciolina’s election and Pozzi’s run for mayor.

Gloria! (dir. Margherita Vicario)
In this inspiring musical film, singer-songwriter Margherita Vicario tells the story of a group of confined young women in 18th-century Venice who use their musical talents to break free. “Gloria!” is an uplifting reimagining of history, illustrating how these young female musicians invented the early form of pop music. Set within the confines of a convent boarding school, the narrative follows Teresa, a gifted musician whose talents remain unrecognized. Leading up to a visit from the Pope, Teresa orchestrates a musical revolution, defying the traditional norms of her time by creating a fresh and modern sound.

Love and Glory – The Young Deledda (L’amore e la gloria – La giovane Deledda) (dir. Maria Grazia Perria)
This narrative feature debut by documentary filmmaker Maria Grazia Perria offers a poignant and intelligent biopic focusing on the early life and artistic struggles of Grazia Deledda, the first Italian woman to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature. Portrayed with passion by Marisa Serra, the film delves into Deledda’s journey, revealing the challenges she faced in pursuing her literary ambitions.

The Ballad of Wallis Island (dir. James Griffiths)
In “The Ballad of Wallis Island,” Charles (played by Tim Key), an eccentric lottery winner living alone on a secluded island, dreams of reuniting his favorite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer (portrayed by Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan). When his invitation is accepted, old tensions resurface as Charles desperately tries to make his dream concert a reality.

This City is a Battlefield (Perang Kota) (dir. Mouly Surya)
Set in Jakarta during colonial occupation, this film follows Isa, a taciturn school teacher involved in the resistance, as she is tasked with carrying out an assassination with the help of Hazil, a charming rebel who finds himself falling for Isa’s wife, Fatimah. This visually stunning period thriller masterfully blends romantic drama with action, vividly recreating life in Jakarta while exploring themes of love, loyalty, and the impacts of war.

A Few Hero (dir. Piotr Winiewicz)
Following the mysterious death of a local factory worker, Werner Herzog journeys to Getunkirchenburg to investigate the perplexing circumstances surrounding the incident. However, Herzog’s narrative as the narrator unfolds in unexpected ways, revealing that he might not be who he appears to be, while the film itself defies conventional expectations. “A Few Hero” is an innovative adaptation of a script generated by AI trained on Herzog’s extensive body of work. Opening the prestigious 2024 International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), the documentary intertwines the unfolding mystery with real interviews featuring artists, philosophers, and scientists pondering themes of originality, authenticity, mortality, and the essence of the soul in the age of AI.

MARE NOSTRUM: FILMS ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

How Deep is Your Love (dir. Eleanor Mortimer)
In this captivating documentary, scientists delve into the mysterious depths of the ocean to discover and name previously unidentified species. As they uncover mesmerizing creatures and ecosystems thriving in the darkness, a pressing threat looms: the potential for deep-sea mining in this pristine wilderness. British director Eleanor Mortimer masterfully combines wonder with urgency, challenging viewers to consider the balance between resource exploitation and the intrinsic value of fragile ecosystems. As we traverse this breathtaking marine realm, we are compelled to reflect: how deep is our love for the ocean and its inhabitants?

Transamazonia (dir. Pia Marais)
In the tranquil yet eerie expanse of the vast Amazon rainforest, a young girl named Rebecca awakens, having been rescued by a local Indigenous tribe after surviving a plane crash. As the sole survivor, Rebecca (played by Helena Zengel</b) becomes a local celebrity, cast by her father (played by Jeremy Xido</b), an American missionary, as a faith healer. Just as Rebecca begins to assert her own identity and question her father’s intentions, another crisis arises when illegal loggers threaten the tribe's land, forcing emotional and racial reckonings. This mesmerizing film, directed by South African filmmaker Pia Marais, weaves a captivating coming-of-age tale with complex moral dilemmas and rich visual storytelling.