Fourth award for local documentary

The documentary The Phoenicians – produced by Chris and Maurice Micallef – was awarded the Award of Excellence for documentary and the Award for Merit for script/writer held in The Indie Competition held in the United States last February.

The detailed documentary focuses on the sea-faring nation that established trading and commercial routes across the Mediterranean and which eventually challenged the Roman Empire.

It then delves into the Phoenicians’ influence on the Maltese islands. Partly shot in Lebanon, the documentary also includes the reenactment of the third Punic war, in which the Carthaginians were crushed by the Roman soldiers.

Indie awards go to those filmmakers who produce fresh, standout entertainment, animation and compelling documentaries, and particularly acts as a showcase for cinematic gems and unique voices. The award recognises filmmakers who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity.

The festival judges felt that The Phoenicians was among the very best amongst the productions submitted from different countries around the world. 

The same documentary was awarded the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature and Best Cinematography at the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival in 2005, the Rising Star Award in the Canada International Film Festival held in Vancouver in 2010 and two Awards of Excellence for documentary and script writer in the Accolade, Film Television, New Media & Videography Awards held in San Diego, United States last December.