Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1522936
MARIELLA CALLEJA mcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt 5 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 JUNE 2024 A large parcel of land designated for industrial development in Ħal Far may potentially be re-zoned to become a buffer zone to safeguard the adjacent Natura 2000 area after the Planning Authority issued a draft policy review for the site. The primary purpose behind this policy review is to keep harmful industrial development as distant as possible from the area of high environmental value. The Authority is also proposing that a small area of land will be designated for low-impact sports. The site lies adjacent to the western coastal cliffs of the Maltese Islands near Wied Żnuber. These cliffs, including Wied Żnuber, are part of a larger Natura 2000 site, which area is protected for its Ecological Importance and High Landscape Value. Through the partial review of the South Malta Local Plan, the Authority is proposing that the area of the site which lies adjacent to the Natura 2000 site, and which overlaps the scheduled archaeological buffer zone, will be rezoned from industrial to an 'Area to be Conserved and Restored' while the remaining portion of the site adjacent to the existing committed industrial facilities, away from the coastal cliffs, is being rezoned from industrial to an 'Area for Low Impact Sports with Green Open Space'. The proposed policy review of the South Malta Local Plan for the industrial area of Ħal Far together with the submissions received for Phase 1 may be viewed on the Authority's website www.pa.org.mt/consultation The PA invites individuals and organizations to send their representations on this policy review through email address: halfar.review@pa.org.mt Submissions must reach the Authority by not later than the 24th July 2024. www.pa.org.mt PLANNING AUTHORITY HAVE YOUR SAY OPEN PUBLIC CONSULTATION Partial Local Plan Review of the SMLP for Ħal Far (Phase 2) Mediterrane Film Festival is back with a cinematic splash GUESS what? The Med- iterrane Film Festival is back for round two, and it's bigger and better than ever. Taking place from 22 June to 30 June in the capital Valletta. Get ready for a jam- packed event with more screenings, discussions, and even some sailing ac- tion. This festival has it all—family-friendly fun, career-boosting masterclasses, and chill vibes in the beautiful setting of Valletta. Here's your guide to what's going down at the Mediterrane Film Festival 2024 edition. For kids and families The festival offers several family-friendly screenings and events. Animated films and in- teractive projects like "Wallace and Gromit" will surely delight young audiences. The immersive "Future Vi- sions" section also includes crea- tive projects that blend storytell- ing and technology, providing an engaging experience for kids. But what will surely captivate the young ones is the David Walliams Book Show on Friday the 28 at Fort St Elmo, Valletta. For aspiring filmmakers Dreaming of a career change? This festival is your golden ticket! The Mediterrane Film Festival boasts an array of masterclass- es by acclaimed professionals throughout the week. Learn from the best, including editor Yorgos Mavropsaridis (Kinds of Kindness, Poor Things), produc- tion designer Nathan Crowley (Wonka, Dunkirk), casting di- rector Margery Simkin (Avatar, Top Gun, Mamma Mia), and composer Simon Franglen (Ava- tar: The Way of Water, Ocean's Eight), among others. For movie buffs What's a film festival without screening some of the greats? The programme will feature 15 films in its Competition section, seven Out of Competition films including The Count of Monte Cristo, and seven films compet- ing in the environment-themed Mare Nostrum section. Addi- tionally, there will be 14 im- mersive projects selected by in- teractive story architect Michel Reilhac. The festival will also pay tribute to David Bowie with screenings of The Man Who Fell to Earth. For networkers The industry programme fa- cilitates networking through masterclasses and panels. Nota- ble sessions include discussions on the Mediterranean's cultural heritage, the dynamics of film circulation, and co-production opportunities. The festival's focus on "Unity through Film" fosters an environment for in- ternational dialogue and collab- oration. For those who want to chill The Mediterrane Film Festival provides ample opportunities for relaxation. Set against the backdrop of Malta's historic capital, attendees can explore Valletta's cultural sites, enjoy local cuisine, and participate in informal social events. The Count of Monte Cristo (left) will kick off the second Meditterane Film Festival • The David Walliams Live Book Show (centre) will take place on Friday, 28 June 28 • The programme will present 15 films in its competition including the recently released Kinds of Kindness, by Yorgos Lanthimo (right) Mediterrane Film Festival kicked off yesterday and will run until 30 June in Valletta