Cemetery photo shoot: Department explains

Anthony Micallef

Oct 26th 2009, 18:40

Dear Mr. Mizzi and Motion Blur (PART 2) 4) Along the way as you can imagine the ‘infarfar’ process was triggered. You said who issued the permits knew what the photo shoot contained and gave you the permits, this further confirms that all this was triggered because of event 1. 5) In between event 1 and 4 the Maltese attitude of conservationism, backwards mentality, and “scandalisation” took over. I have seen posts here of people commenting without actually having seen the program and photos. I’m sure that you will eventually get penalized someway or another even if you’re not fined. Remember that the opinion of a judge is considered by many as law. While some may look at this as a deserved spank, it will eventually be another victory to the incense stoned society. You got very good material, the program is good and innovative. Don’t be put off by this ridicules chain reaction. “Playing leap frog is fun.. till a unicorn joins the game.”

C Galea

Oct 26th 2009, 14:52

In all honesty the photo looks real artistic and classy to me. What is all the fuss about? Maltese; OLD FASHIONED ONES ;please do get over it and make sure that you think well before you make such unreasonable complaints. When dead I would not object to anyone using the cemetery I am buried at as a place of beauty so to speak.

J Theuma

Oct 26th 2009, 10:09

Well done Mr. Mizzi for your beautiful work !!!

Pule' Carmel

Oct 25th 2009, 18:38

Well, I think my father and mother who are burried there, would like any company, if it does not disturb their peace, in any way.

Pierre Zammit

Oct 25th 2009, 15:18

Joseph Galea Debono, St Julians described the models as, "Tartly Clad", in a letter posted on the 13th of October. In my opinion the photos are nothing short of artistic. Congrats to Bernard Polidano and the rest of the team for doing such a good job!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30737070&id=1030397165&subject=32039397610&ref=nf

G. Attard

Oct 25th 2009, 14:17

There is something very beautiful, serene and peaceful about a cemetery. I've always been interested in photography of models in cemeteries ever since looking on the album cover of Ravel's Bolero that my father had. There was something both haunting and peaceful about the picture of a young girl in a long dress standing melloncollie next to a tombstone with the overcast sky giving the picture even more meaning.

I recently was up in Scotland near the Lochness and upon passing a cemetery on a desserted road, stopped and had a look. I went in and found someone there and it was then that I asked permission to take some shots. I felt that was needed as I felt I would be intruding if I hadn't.

Joe Xuereb

Oct 25th 2009, 12:33

The Maltese, bless their white cotton socks, have problems to many to list to sweat over. So they sweat over little 'perceived' problems. They behave like the people that govern them. They detract them from big problems by feeding them little sops.
I have parents and others buried at the magnificent - I am told - Addolorata. I do not know where the graves are. I do not care. My parents are long gone. Dead. Buried. They brought me into this world of ours (big deal) and for that I am grateful-ish. That is my candid thought on them. I think they would be well-pleased. What else would they want? Bouquets of flowers that are costly and make no sense. And ageing photographs? And messy candles? If they are worth remembering, they will be. Punto e bast.
Hi ma. Hi pa. You gave me life but you caused me pain too at times. That's OK. It is about being human ma. Nobody's perfect pa. Sorry we'll never meet again. You know that now. Sorry you cannot send a message. You cannot. I understand that. C'est la vie as they say in gay Paree!

David Degiorgio

Oct 25th 2009, 11:02

I really think that we really need to grow up and open our minds in this country. A couple of photos in our architecturaly beautiful cemetry in my opinion is of no offense to anyone dead or alive.

D Cassar

Oct 25th 2009, 10:15

The thing is that that the scope for this photo shoot was ultimately money. God money. A "new fresh modern and different idea" to make some more money. Heh "to highlight the beautiful gothic architecture" MY FOOT !! Now, I am not a religious person myself so I am no bigot, but man some things are black and some are white and you just cannot call them any colour you like. Come on, using this place dedicated to our beloved dead ones - this beautiful place of quietness, reflection and peace - to make some more money - is just improper that's all. IT IS WRONG. Now have a nice Sunday :)

Jos Vella

Oct 25th 2009, 09:15

A photograph does not harm or damage the tombs; there is no vandalism or rampages, no black masses have taken place. If one has to surf the internet and search for photos of cemetries, will get a full load of pictures.
I feel the Maltese are getting so depressed, lack ideas lack of arguments, that we are starting looking around us, using religion once again to justify the mud that we are throwing. I only condemn photoshoots if they are profane. In my eyes the picture have several interpretations.

simon cutajar

Oct 25th 2009, 09:02

I used to take photographs at the addolorata cemetry and in my opinion it's one of the best sites to take photographs , especially in black and white , and why not , we go and take photographs of , unless theye're decent ones !

Silvana Briffa

Oct 25th 2009, 07:48

This looks like a great photo shoot, what is the problem, there is no disrespect at all. The cemetery is a beautiful place with marvellous architecture and ideal for photo shoots. I love photography myself and I understand why this choice of location been taken, this photo here tells it all. Different opinions I guess but please don't mix this with a party....... Well done Mr.Mizzi.

Stephen Abela

Oct 25th 2009, 07:09

I ' ve known Adrian Mizzi for a long time , practically since we were four years old , he was my best friend at that time and he is eversince . Adrian is very creative and is very talented .
I hope that artist like him are given the possibility to work and give way to their creative inspiration .

victor vella

Oct 25th 2009, 07:02

Not withstanding the permit issued by the Health department, was a permit sought by the owners of the graves thmeselves.I have not seen the film but am told that models were photographed on graves and near tombstones.I feel this is not right and that it is very insensitive to say the least.

Joe Xuereb

Oct 24th 2009, 23:51

At the root of all this nonsense - because that is what it is - is the macabre relationship that the Maltese have with the dead and where they are buried. Fine, it is a cultural thing but reviewing such would not be amiss. All this reminds me of North American Indians (according to Hollywood westerns) and Shamanism elsewhere. And the sacred river Ganges. Now, if Malta is happy being associated with these fine examples, then I rest my case. I have seen people picnicking in Tunisian cemetries. And Cairo, being starved for space, allows a cemetery to house entire communities. In UK (in London) we use inner-city cemetries for burying people but more often corpses are being cremated. But we use them too as tranquil retreats from the hustle and bustle of the city. We read and chat there, we take babies in their prams for some fresh air, we take short-cuts through them, we sunbathe in some, we sketch and paint, we take photographs. Never forgetting of course that it is a place where people who came before us are buried. Very contemplative. But not obsessively so. Why does everything in Malta have to be so detrimentally dramatic?

William P Flynn

Oct 24th 2009, 22:00

What if the shoot happened at the Neolithic Temples, Mnajdra or the Pyramids? They are all "sacred places".

Why is it OK to show angels and madonnas with breasts hanging out and half naked women in the Sistine chapel and other churches but not lovely, living girls at the cemetery?

This event brought the place back to life ..so to speak.
We used to play in that cemetery as kids all the time sometimes after dark; to us it was just a big park with trees and flowers and hiding places and where we could get lots of tips in November carrying wreathes for people visiting graves.

That could be a tourist attraction - a scary walk through the cemetery after dark. Anything that puts the place to good living use I say.

Alan Agius

Oct 24th 2009, 21:49

@ Franco Farrugia: You said "NB There is also the question of the commercial aspect! I am sure that these photos mean money, somehow! So, was money made from a public place? A question to be asked." Well if take a photo of the grand harbour you will make money aswell. So could you please be so kind and illuminate me and tell me whats your point?

daniel Borg

Oct 24th 2009, 21:30

I find it more disrespectful that MEPA under the Gonzi administration allowed for such a grotesque sky scraper to be built next to the addolorata.

Keep up the sterling work Adrian Mizzi, your artistic flair elucidates the true spirit of such a sacred place.

Adrian J. Mizzi

Oct 24th 2009, 21:25

@Jevon Vella. I think you wrote your comment before mine was published. So I think there is no doubt about me saying that they knew what was going to be shot there. On Monday things will be sorted with the authorities concerned and will bring all witnesses to testify. My team don't need to lie.
@Franco Farrugia. Re Commercial Aspects. This was not an advert for some particular company. This was a behind the scenes. If we wanted it to be commercially viable, rest assured we would have chosen a venue where the owner would have paid us for indirect advertising, like most local tv programmes do..in today's programme we did the shoot at the aviation museum..why not..yes we promoted this venue too. The wrong thing about the above article is that they are not saying the truth, but this will be handled with the authorities concerned first thing Monday morning.

Joseph Vella

Oct 24th 2009, 21:25

@Jevon Vella
Your immense knowledge in architectural jargon surely illuminates the narrow mind of us common mortals. We'll be eternally grateful towards you for sharing with us such uniquely priceless vocabulary.

Your logic and argumentative technique, though, seem to belong to another person, far from the one possessing such a huge knowledge of architectural jargon.

"Everybody knows that photographic cameras and equipment are disallowed within Addolorata. " - You can't be more wrong Mr. Vella. This shoot was actually given permission as even the department of health states in this article. Your friends foreign and local must indeed have been very unlucky since all friends of mine, local and foreign, who have applied for permission, had it granted.

Unfortunately your idea of television programmes seems quite linear, uncreative and passe'. In an entertainment programme we cannot make cultural reference. No the only way to do it is to have a full fledged documentary with history and old professors having their say. Wow that's entertainment! How I wish you owned all TV stations and maybe even youtube!

R.Bezzina

Oct 24th 2009, 21:07

Disgusting, bad taste, and disgraceful. The photographer may have filed an application with the Burials Administration Unit, but did the photographer ask for the permission of all the families of all the dead?

charmaine mangion

Oct 24th 2009, 20:46

Who knows Mr Mizzi like I do will surely never thought of any disrespect. Keep up the good job you're doing Mr Mizzi!!!!!

Franco Farrugia

Oct 24th 2009, 20:41

@ Adrian J. Mizzi - Pleased to make your acqaintance.
Without in any way wishing to somehow bring you to my way of thinking, I have this to say:
You cannot use a sacred place as a backdrop for photo-shoots and things like that. A sacred place means that it is used exactly for that. We will otherwise soon be having parties, there. ...and other events which in themselves, are not wrong. However, the fact remains that it is in very bad taste to use a cemetery, for such events.
The 'beautiful gothic architecture of the cemetery' is dedicated to the sacred, not to the profane. If we lose sense about the difference between the sacred and the profane, then, ... something is wrong with society - and there is, in fact!
This incident does not need to be blown out of proportion - it is enough for one and all to come to the conclusion that certain things are not done. Bil-Malti, le, mhux kollox permess!
NB There is also the question of the commercial aspect! I am sure that these photos mean money, somehow! So, was money made from a public place? A question to be asked.

Kevin Cassar

Oct 24th 2009, 20:29

We really are living in the age of stupid and I'm really bothered that there does not seem to be any sign that we shall get out of it any time soon. So condition no 2 deems that the photos or filming shall not contain anything that may be deemed objectionable. HAHA.....there you have it!!! Everything in this world can be deemed objectionable. The unveiled faces of women are deemed objectionable by muslims, the photography of models near graves are deemed objectionable by Catholics and I personally find all this ignorance by bigoted religious people extremely objectionable.

A. Gauci

Oct 24th 2009, 19:41

I really can't get the point of why a permit is needed to take photos of the Addolorata Cemetery. It's a beautiful place to take some unique photos. The atmosphere there is amazing because of all the statues and architecture.

Jevon Vella

Oct 24th 2009, 19:15

Sensationalism at its best and unethical disrespect for protocol. If the production company wanted to truly highlight the beauty of Addolorata then it would have been more appropriate for them to run a documentary on its layout and design, and on the other works of its architect E.L. Galizia, including what are colloquially referred to as the Jewish and Turkish cemeteries. (In fact this fact beggars the question whether photoshoots here will be commisioned to complete the series).
-
Everybody knows that photographic cameras and equipment are disallowed within Addolorata. Without going into the merits whether this regulation makes sense or not, the production company should have known better than mislead the authorities. I know of may (locals and foreigners alike) who have expressed the wish to take serious documentary shots of the cemetery (for scholarly purposes and without models of course) but were politely told this was disallowed and respected the law nevertheless.
-
And incidentally, this Cemetery is not any more Gothic as the Houses of Parliament in Britain are. The style is referred to as Historicist or Eclectic, perhaps Neo-Gothic at most but certainly not Gothic!

Michael Busuttil

Oct 24th 2009, 18:50

I have actually been to a party in a cemetery in Malta. Din l-Art Helwa takes care of this cemetery, The Msida Bastion Cemetery in Floriana, and obviously gave this permission for this event. Alternative music was playing loudly, there were food stalls, videos projected, lights and it was a great event. I came across a number of influential Maltese persons and politicians. Mikiel Anton Vassalli, considered the father of the Maltese Language, is buried there. Was that lack of respect towards him? What about his descendents? What did the authorities do then? Didn't the judge who sparked this sorry discussion, write anything then? Sometimes it is really easy to draw comparisons between Malta and Islamic fundamentalist countries like Iran. Why don't we reintroduce the inquisition whilst we're at it? I'm sure that with some furniture the palace in Birgu will gladly take up it's old role again. Pity the torture machines exhibition is no longer there.

James A. Tyrrell

Oct 24th 2009, 18:05

Cemeteries are beautiful places and I don't see it as disrespectful to use them as a backdrop for beautiful photographs.

Adrian J. Mizzi

Oct 24th 2009, 17:43

Jien wiehed mill producers tal Programm Venere. S'issa qadt kwiet naqra l-opinjonijiet tal pubbliku b'interess. Ma ktibt xejn ghax dehrli li ma kellix ghalfejn. Issa illi qed isiru allegazzjonijiet ma nistax ma niktibx. Min hareg il permess kien jaf bic car ghalxiex kienet is shoot. Kien jaf li kienet ser issir fuq 2 mudelli u li ser isirilhom make-up u xaghar qabel ma jigu hemm. Min hareg il permess staqsa jekk hux ser ikunu bil malja. Qalilna li basta ma jippozawx ma ritratti u ma jigux jidhru ritratti ta mejtin. Jekk xi hadd mill awtoritajiet tas sahha irid jaghmel kuntatt mieghi jien lest nahti l-ispjegazzjonijiet kollha.

Alan Agius

Oct 24th 2009, 17:14

@ Joseph Sammut: Actually this party that I am mentioning was organized to promote the Maltese culture and music which was organized by Din L-Art Helwa back in 2008 in a cemetery in Floriana and no one made this fuss.

@ Mario Sant: I never said that we should stop respecting the place where we laid our loved ones but a photo shoot is not lack of respect.

M Mifsud

Oct 24th 2009, 16:33

I'd be only too happy, when I'm dead and buried (at Addolorata) to be visited by an angel like this.

Andrea Portelli

Oct 24th 2009, 16:28

If foreigners were to read this stuff they laugh.

Only in bigotry-land (aka Malta) would people stay whining and crying over stuff like this!!

A. Borg

Oct 24th 2009, 15:55

Gravi hafna .Ahjar ingibu lis-scotland Yard biex jinvestigaw dan il-Kaz!! Allura bil-kaccaturi jisparaw left right and centre hemm gew mhux rispett? Qatt ma smajt lil hadd jiftah halqu. Ahjar nara krejatura sabiha hajja hemm gew mhux krejaturi jigu maqtulin!

Sergio Galea Vincenti

Oct 24th 2009, 15:53

Calling this a case of very bad taste coupled with infantile ill judgement would be an understatement.

One thing which is not clear from the statement of the Department of Environmental Health is whether its officials were misled by the applicant and if this is the case, what are the steps which are being considered.

Whilst our cemetries are indeed public spaces, a certain level of respect and dignity has to be retained: These places cannot be used for commercial or artistic ventures of any nature whatsoever and I personally feel that a photo-shoot of this nature should have never been allowed to take place in this place.

Joseph Sammut

Oct 24th 2009, 15:53

@Alan Agius: hello, Alan, how does it feel to be awake in 2009, grown up and not a fool: gee, I wonder! You must be special. Tell me, how can a dead person be still alive? A party in a cemetry - must be very 2009, grown up and no fooly-fool eh? I suppose a few coffins in a disco would be ok too, eh? Yeh, very 2009 and grown up. No wonder we are in this %$&£@$ mess!

Mario Sant

Oct 24th 2009, 15:46

@ Mr. Aguis....With reference to your last sentence.....So what do you suggest? We stop respecting the place where we laid our loved ones to rest?! Is that what you saying?!

Ian England

Oct 24th 2009, 15:29

Last week naked dummies, this week this!! These stories are the lines of a comedy sketch!

Alan Agius

Oct 24th 2009, 14:32

Wake up people we are living in the 2009 not the 1800's. And for those of you think that this is some kind of lack of respect to the dead. What would you say above a party in a cemetery? Which I actually attended one and was pretty good. So please stop acting like fools and grow up. We need to respect the dead when they are still alive and not when they are gone.

h abela

Oct 24th 2009, 14:26

I really think the whole photo shoot.. looks tacky.. models, make up, hair, clothing, location...

it looks like something typically maltese actually, the typical "look at me im trying to be original" type of thing.

hah.

only in malta, as they say

A.Magri

Oct 24th 2009, 14:16

Only boring people would complain about this.