Kinemastik Film Festival spreads its wings

Kicking off on July 27 with a joint exhibition by British photographer and Deejay Ali Tollervey and East London based collective Bare Bones at the Porte des Bombes gate in Floriana, the upcoming edition of the Kinemastik Film Festival was announced last Thursday to more fanfare than usual... suggesting that the small independent event has grown substantially since its first edition.

In press conference attended by Minister for Culture Mario de Marco, representatives of the Kinemastik NGO said that this year's edition will continue to screen interesting short films from all over the globe, while also providing a platform for up-and-coming Maltese filmmakers to showcase their work.

In addition, Kinemastik president Slavko Vukanovic said, the festival also serves an educational function, with workshops and talks being given by an international spate of filmmakers, some of which will be aimed at teenagers and younger children.

Following the party on July 27, the festival will continue with a live performance from London alternative rock band Dark Horses at the Portes des Bombes venue. The band will be accompanied by fellow UK artiste Capitol K and Maltese band Dolls for Idols.

THE WORKSHOPS

WIZ: THE LAST APOSTLE OF MUSIC FILM

As part of the festival, British film director WIZ will hold a series of workshops and talks on film direction. WIZ has made a number of music videos for a string of world-renowned artists include David Bowie, Marilyn Manson, Massive Attack, Oasis, Chemical Brothers, Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys and Dizzee Rascal. The events will take place at the British Legion, in Valletta from July 31 to August 2. WIZ's work will be screened at 19:30 on July 31, and will be followed by a Q&A.

A second screening will be held on August 1 at 19:30, while the workshop will take place on Thursday August 2, from 15:00 to 17:00.

The event shall conclude with the projection of works created during the workshop. For more information, or to book a place, email [email protected].

MATT LAMBERT: THE WORDS AND WORK OF MATT LAMBERT

Kinemastik is also giving audiences the opportunity to attend a master-class with American filmmaker and artist Matt Lambert. Currently based in Berlin, Matt Lambert is a filmmaker, artist and head of video for London-based, multidisciplinary art collective, Bare Bones.

He is also actively operating out of LA, NYC and London.Matt also acts as Editor-at-Large of Motionographer as well as a contributor to other industry publications and lecturer at various universities, art/design/film festivals and conferences around the world.A screening of Lambert's work will be followed by a talk by the filmmaker himself and Q&A session. The event will be held on August 3 at 19:30pm at the British Legion, in Valletta.

A DOCUMENTARY WORKSHOP FOR TEENAGERS

Kinemastik also seeks to link young filmmakers in Malta to the world of cinema and provide them with a platform for their work, through local screenings as well as through the exhibition of their work. This year we are giving 8 teenagers between the ages of 13 - 17, the chance to attend a three-day Documentary Workshop with Carla MacKinnon at St. James Cavalier, from 1st to 3rd August. Carla has been producing international film festivals, curating arts programmes and creating illustrative and moving-image work for over 10 years. The course is designed to provide a detailed practical guide to producing a short documentary, from development through to production. To apply, or for more information, email [email protected]. The course is free, but spaces are limited.

CHILDREN'S FILM FESTIVAL

Kinemastik has a special selection of films exclusively for kids. The Kinemastik Children's Film Festival will take place on August 5 from 20:30 to 21:15 at the Herbert Ganado Gardens. Comprising of a carefully curated selection of films and animations designed to pique the interest of kids and adults alike. This year children (and adults) will meet a colourful array of characters including a pink meteorite, a lonely bear, a wet skateboarder, and John Lennon.

AND FINALLY...THE KINEMASTIK INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

For the 8th consecutive year, Kinemastik brings you the Kinemastik International Short Film Festival (KISSF), on August 4 and 5 at the Herbert Ganado Gardens, Floriana. This two-day open-air event will showcase Maltese and International filmmaking talent. A variety of short films, covering a wide variety of genres and styles, will be competing for the much sought-after Jury prize,the Kinemastik Golden Dot.The jury will be comprised of directors Wiz, Carla MacKinnon, Matt Lambert and local filmmaker Kenneth Scicluna, but the public will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite film. The festival's opening night will be followed by an after-party at The Lido in Marsamxett, Valletta, where international deejays Capitol K, Phil Adams, Uncle Al and Dj Abu will be playing an eclectic selection of music.