Two Maltese films showcases during EU film festival in China

The festival, financed by the Delegation of the European Commission to China and supported by the Belgian Presidency, presented films from the twenty-seven EU member states to Chinese audiences.

For the first time this year Malta was able to present two films, .303 and Kont Diga, written and directed by David Serge and Mark Dingli respectively. .303, a short film, is a fictionalised account of a British paratrooper landing behind enemy lines into Nazi occupied Sicily, while Kont Diga portrays the story of a Gozitan artist who returns to Malta after many years abroad. The films were shown in theatres at the German Embassy School and the Cervantes Institute in Beijing.  Each film was shown twice.

Prior to each showing, a prize-giving competition was held during which the audience was asked two questions about Malta.  Winners were awarded a book which vividly documented, in words and pictures, Malta’s entry into the European Union in 2004.

Attendance at showings of Malta’s films was such that theatres were filled to capacity and the audiences’ enthusiasm for the Maltese films, and those submitted by other countries, was palpable.  Finally, on the 30 November, the conclusion of the festival was marked by a gala held at the Polish Embassy.