Malta film commissioner networks at Cannes

The Malta Film Commission as part of its programme of initiatives to market Malta as a unique and dynamic film location is currently present at the 65th Festival de Cannes.

The film commissioner, Peter Busuttil is and has been meeting with a number of producers and directors to talk about the variety of tax and financial incentives that are available and how the Malta Film Commission can help put productions together with the right people at the right time.

In addition, the commissioner will also be participating in a number of seminars to ultimately raise the profile of Malta amongst key stakeholders involved in the international film industry.

The film festival in Cannes is one of the world's most prestigious and publicised film festivals. In addition to international film stars, it attracts professionals from the film industry, the advertising and PR-industry and the media.

Malta Film Commissioner Peter Busuttil at Cannes

The first film to be screened in Competition and opened the 65th Festival de Cannes was Moonrise Kingdom directed by Wes Anderson; present for the screening was the Italian President of the Jury, Nanni Moretti and the eight jury members.

The day ended with a performance by Beth Ditto, from the American group The Gossip, who performed Candle in the Wind.

A number of films were presented at Cannes yesterday, among them: Jacques Audiard's De Rouille ed d'os (Rust and Bone); Student by Omirbayev - an adaptation of Fyodor Dostoyevsky's Russian literature classic Crime and Punishment. Youstry Nasrallah presented a fictionalised work on the Egyptian Revolution, entitled After the Battle, while American documentary filmmaker Robert Weide joined the fray with Woody Allen: A Documentary.

Lou Ye presented Mystery at Un Certain Regard - after a five-year ban on filming, this Chinese director defies the censors.

Agent 007 will also be on the big screen at the Cinema de la Plage where five open-air screenings will take, commencing this evening with Dr No followed by Casino Royale.

Laurent Bouzereau presents his film Roman Polanski, a film memoir - a documentary on the life of the Franco-Polish director.

In addition, today, The World Cinema Foundation founded by Martin Scorsese will be presenting two restored films one from India and the other from Indonesia: Kalpana (1948) and After the Curfew (1954).

Visit www.mfc.com.mt for daily updates of the Malta Film Commission at Cannes Festival 2012.