The director of Midnight Express is to return to Malta for a special screening of the 1978 classic at Fort St Elmo, where parts of the film were shot.

Sir Alan Parker – whose other hits include Evita and The Life of David Gale – will be in Malta on June 4 as part of the Valletta Film Festival.

Over 40 international films will have their Maltese premieres during the festival, as the capital turns into a celluloid city between June 3 and 11.

Films will be screened at open-air venues such as Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Fort St Elmo and St George’s Square, with Spazju Kreattiv and Embassy Cinemas also hosting several screenings.

Sir Alan Parker is to return to St Elmo.

“Following the success of the first edition, this year, VFF will include more films, more events and a new sidebar section entitled ‘Teens Only’, showcasing films for teenagers from the ages of 13-18,” festival director Oliver Mallia said.

Opening night will be held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, with the premier of Inhebbek Hedi, a Tunisian film by Mohammed Ben Attia. The film’s two leading actors, Majd Mastoura – winner of the Best Actor award at the 66th International Berlin Film Festival - and Rym Ben Messaoud will attend.

Seven feature films, seven documentaries and 26 short films will be competing for the Triton Awards in Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Actor and Actress, Best Documentary and Best Short Film. The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday 11 June at Fort St Elmo.

Budding filmmakers will be able to attend masterclasses on ‘Directing Actors’ and ‘Writing the Short Film’ as well as the Conference of Small Nations, which are supported by the Malta Film Commission.

Tickets can be bought online. Festival passes allowing access to all the screenings, masterclasses and events, are also on sale.