Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1292560
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 SEPTEMBER 2020 7 FILM tion, as well as provide much needed exposure to independ- ent film production. Creating a short film is the genesis of all further cinematic production. The trajectory of all directors begins here, and short film fes- tivals are often the first time that creatives test the waters with their concepts and aes- thetics. This year, Kinemastik has five Maltese productions in the programme, which are shown alongside award-win- ning shorts selected at pres- tigious film festivals such as Clermont Ferrand, Rotter- dam, Berlinale and Locarno. The decision to mix the films within a programme is based on a belief that the local film- makers will be able to critique their work, as well as process how to evolve in their trajec- tories as filmmakers and script developers. This is preferable to isolating the films and per- petuating self-reference. This year's selection is divid- ed into two programmes, both approximately 100 minutes in length. The prevalent themes in the selection include men- tal health, race, limbo, agency versus inertia, and as always, a touch of surrealism. Selected during the first wave of Cov- id-19 that led to a national lockdown, the films examine choice, escapism and rein- vention of oneself; unable to travel and work, our minds are the stage and the battlefield of our uncertain futures. Faced with limitations, imagined or real, these short films reveal resilience and resourcefulness, against the odds. Even more pressing is the need for plurality of voice; as current global political trends alienate our societies, expe- riencing films from places such as Scotland, Sweden, Ukraine, France, New Zea- land, USA, Austria, Romania and the occupied territories, gives perspective and allows for connection, rather than divisiveness. As always Kin- emastik will be awarding the Golden Dot Audience Award, as well as the Jury Award, with this year's jury consisting of Sarah Chircop, Pauline Serra- no and Brandon Calleja Shaw. Tickets are available to pur- chase directly from the vari- ous cinema platforms, Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta, Eden Cin- emas in St. Julian's and Citadel Cinema in Gozo. Individual tickets are priced at €7 for one programme, or €12 to watch both pro- grammes. For the full pro- gramme and more informa- tion visit www.kinemastik.org. 'GENIUS LOCI' directed by Adrien Merigeau 'But Love Left no Room for Hydration' directed by Roxman Gatt "Creating a short film is the genesis of all further cinematic production. The trajectory of all directors begins here, and short film festivals are often the first time that creatives test the waters with their concepts and aesthetics"