The official trailer of the film Simshar, rooted in one of the biggest tragedies in Malta in recent years, was released today.
It recalls the dramatic events in the summer of 2008 when the fishing boat Simshar blew up. Its crew of four and a young boy who was with them survived, but all succumbed to the sea and the scorching sun except one, Simon Bugeja who was rescued, barely alive,after an intensive search
The film has been produced by Kukumajsa Productions Ltd and is aimed for a worldwide audience.
Written by Rebecca Cremona and David Grech and directed by Rebecca Cremona 'Simshar' will be a feature-length fiction film and not a documentary, the producers stressed.
"The project is a precedent for the indigenous film industry and showcases our island's abundant talent as well as its rich culture. This film is as much about the culture and traditions of Maltese people, as it is about the triumph of the will to persevere," Ms Cremona said.
‘Simshar’ was shot over 29 days between November 2012 and April 2013. It was filmed entirely on location in Malta - at the Mediterranean Film Studios water tanks, in open water and on 21 locations around the island.
‘Simshar’ revolves around the story of a Maltese fishing boat which blows up leaving its crew stranded in open water
Also in the Mediterranean, a medic is kept hostage on a vessel harbouring rescued African migrants, which Malta and Italy refuse access to.
The stories unravel in parallel and culminate in tragedy when the fishermen are spotted but not rescued, being mistaken for African boat people.
Simon Bugeja was rescued, barely alive, seven days after Simshar blew up in mysterious circumstances. His father Karmenu, 61, Noel Carabott, 33, Somali Abdulrahman Abdala Gedi, 21 and Simon Bugeja's 11-year-old son Theo perished at sea.
The film was shot in Maltese and English and stars both local and foreign actors, with Tunisian award-winning Lotfi Abdelli playing the lead role of Simon Bugeja.
He is known for his roles in film and television, which have garnered recognition and awards worldwide. Some of his awards include: Best Actor in a Narrative Feature Tribeca Film Festival 2007, Prix de la meilleure interpretation masculine Journées Cinématographique de Carthage 2006, Prix de meilleur acteur masculin Festival internationale de Muscat 2008, Prix du meilleur comédien FIFA 2007, Festival internationale du film d'amour Mons 2007, Prix de la meilleur interprétation masculine FESPACO du Burkina 2007, Mention special, Festival international du cinéma méditerranéen de Tatouan 2007, Prix de meilleur interprétation masculine Taormina Film Festival 2007, Major Actor Mostra de Valencia du Cinéma 2007, Best Actor Award Asian & Arab Competition New Delhi 2007
Other cast members include: Sekouba Doucoure as Moussa, Clare Agius as Sharin, Simon's wife, Laura Kpegli, Chrysander Agius, Mark Mifsud, Jimi Busuttil, Adrian Farrugia as Theo the boy who was among the victims, Kurt Zammit and Pierre Stafrace.
The film will premier on April 27 for national release on April 30.
Speaking after the launch, Home Affairs Minister Manuel Malliasaid the ministry is in talks with the Faculty of Arts about introducing a Masters degree in film at the University of Malta.
Dr Mallia pledged his support to similar productions, noting that €1 million were secured in the budget for this year for co-productions.
He insisted on the importance of the film industry in Malta which had the potential to attract investment from abroad.
Unfortunately, the film facilities at Rinella had been abandoned and not taken care of in the past years, and if they were handed over to the government, it would make the best use of them, he said.
Also present for the launch, Film Commissioner Englebert Grech urged more people to give a creative input in the industry.
See the trailer above and a Behind the scenes video below.