Old Maltese film to be released on DVD

Malta's first 8-mm feature film, Il-Gagga, shot 32 years ago, has been dusted down and is expected to be released on DVD in the coming months.

The film is being resurrected at Studio 7 by Maltese-Canadian filmmaker Mario Azzopardi, its original co-producer.

Mr Azzopardi, who is in Malta for today's European premiere of his award-winning film Savage Messiah at Eden Century Cinemas, was yesterday working with the studio's experts to "marry" the sound and vision of the original film.

Il-Gagga, produced by Sammy Cremona, was based on a novel by Frans Sammut about how Maltese society has been blinded by politics.

The film had won the International Film Festival for Student-Made Films in Amsterdam, among other trophies.

"I am very excited about this project since it will be the first-ever Maltese 90-minute feature film to come out on DVD," he said.

Mr Azzopardi, who leaves on Sunday, is currently on a high after Savage Messiah clinched three prestigious Genie Awards in Canada.

Savage Messiah is a powerful psychological film about cult leader Roch Thèriault. It is based on the true story of one of the most sensational cases of brainwashing and manipulation in rural Quebec and Ontario in the 1980s.

Proceeds from the premiere, which takes place today at 8.30 p.m., will go towards the YMCA Valletta Homeless Project for abused woman and children.

People are encouraged to book their tickets instead of buying them at the door, by calling Eden Century Cinemas on tel. 2137 6401. Tickets cost Lm5.

This event is under the patronage of President Guido de Marco.