A week long programme of conferences, panel discussions and master classes (24-28 January 2022) with big name directors like Roland Joffe culminated in the Malta Film Awards gala night, which saw the top prize awarded to The Boat, a Malta/UK coproduction directed by Winston Azzopardi, which also won the award for Best Cinematography.

The gala awards ceremony was a dazzling two hour showcase of Maltese talent with music and special effects that were truly breath-taking. Awards were handed out to Maltese films and TV series in 18 categories. The show was hosted by UK celebrity David Walliams and featured video greetings from stars like Russell Crowe, who shot Gladiator in Malta. Crowe received the Malta Film Industry Honourary Award from Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech, who was the driving force behind the awards.

During the week-long Malta Film Week Commissioner Grech spoke about the 35m EUR government investment in the Malta Film Studios, known mainly for its water tanks and its ancient fortresses that formed the backdrop for films like Gladiator and Troy. The investment, that is already underway, will go to building three soundstages as well as production offices and other amenities at the studios.

The film week and awards ceremony showcased Maltese talent both on stage and in Maltese films. The commissioner hopes the awards will become an annual event that will kickstart Maltese film production and attract more investment to the local industry.

Prize Winners:

Best Film:
The Boat (Malta, UK)
Directed by Winston Azzopardi
Written by Joe Azzopardi, Winston Azzopardi
Produced by Latina Pictures (Malta), Hurricane Films (UK)

Best Short Film:
The Maltese Fighter
Directed by Joshua Cassar Gaspar

Best TV Series:
L-Għarusa
Directed by Justin Farrugia and Steven Dalli

Best Documentary:
Pass Pass għal Auschwitz
Directed by Jonathan Farrugia

Best Director:
Davide Ferrario for Blood on the Crown

Best Post-Production:
Aaron Briffa, Claudio Cormio, Nikita Argunov, Pedja Miletic and Vito Martinelli for Blood on the Crown

Best Cinematography:
Marek Traskowski for The Boat

Best Classic Film:
Scrooge
Directed by Alan Fenech and Tony Parnis

Best Classic TV Series:
Għeruq
Directed by Frida Cauchi and Hermann Bonaci

Best Costume Design:
Audrey Brincat Dalli and Angelle Farrugia for L-Għarusa

Best Hair and Makeup Design:
Christian Kotey and Jannie Stax for Blood on the Crown

Best Male Actor in a Leading Role:
Harvey Keitel for Blood on the Crown

Best Female Actor in a Leading Role:
Louise Doneo for Hemm Dar il-Qala

Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role:
Narcy Calamatta for Ħabbilni ħa nirbaħ

Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role:
Sarah Camilleri for L-iSpettur

Best Production Design:
Mela Melak for Blood on the Crown

Best Screenplay:
Jean Pierre Magro for Blood on the Crown

Best Musical Score:
Alexey Shor and Laurent Eyquem for Blood on the Crown

Lifetime Achievement Award:
Mario Philip Azzopardi

Crew Recognition Award:
Ino Bonello

Malta Film Commissioner’s Award:
Colin Trevorrow

The Malta Film Ambassador Award:
Sir Ridley Scott

Malta Film Industry Honourary Award:
Russell Crowe

Best Film Location Award:
Fort Ricasoli – Kalkara