Coming fresh off its celebrated world premiere at Cannes, Yorgos Lanthimos’ psychological drama “Kinds of Kindness” is among the major titles set to screen at the 2024 Mediterrane Film Festival in Malta this June.
Newly appointed Artistic Director Teresa Cavina unveiled a preview of the festival’s compelling lineup during a Croisette event this week. The selections represent her vision to celebrate top cinema from the Mediterranean region while also showcasing acclaimed international films.
“This year’s program will demonstrate our commitment to fostering a slate that celebrates the best of cinema from the Mediterranean and beyond,” Cavina stated. “We have some incredible directors and creatives in this lineup, across both established and emerging talent.”
In addition to Lanthimos’ latest Greek feast for the senses, other high-profile attractions include Jane Schoenbrun’s Sundance breakout “I Saw the TV Glow” and Tunisian director Meryam Joobeur’s “Who Do I Belong To” fresh from its Berlinale competition premiere.
The festival’s sophomore edition also sees a brand new section called Mare Nostrum or “Our Sea” focused on films dealing with environmental themes and sustainability – a key priority for the small Mediterranean island nation hosting the event.
Cavina has reorganized the overall program into four distinct strands: In Competition (Mediterranean films), Out of Competition (international), Mare Nostrum, and Future Visions (experimental VR projects).
“The selection will offer something for all audiences—expansive international dramas, captivating psychological horrors and emotional human stories from around the world,” Cavina promised.
One major get for the festival is securing British auteur Mike Leigh as the recipient of the inaugural Golden Bee Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cinema. His longtime celebrated body of work makes him an honorary beacon for Mediterrane’s mission.
During the fest’s Cannes event, Maltese Film Commissioner Johann Grech emphasized the unique role the young festival can play in “promoting unity through film” at a time of global division.
The Artistic Director echoed that sentiment, expressing her desire for Mediterrane to “put Malta and its people on the agenda” by acting as a platform to “share their talents and stories with Mediterranean counterparts.”
With an exciting blend of recognized masters like Lanthimos alongside fresh voices from the region and beyond, this year’s Mediterrane Film Festival is shaping up to be a true cosmopolitan cross-section of essential cinema. The showcased titles indicate Cavina is wasting no time making her mark.
