Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1533839
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 30 MARCH 2025 2 FILM Ciao Ciao: Bold new Maltese film hits local cinemas Following a sold- out premiere and glowing reviews, the highly anticipated Maltese feature f ilm Ciao Ciao is set to open in selected cinemas across Malta and Gozo this Friday 28 March. DESCRIBED by some critics as "one of the best Maltese films ever made," Ciao Ciao has been met with enthusiastic respons- es from both audiences and re- viewers. With its striking black- and-white cinematography, gripping storytelling, and un- expected twists, the film offers a refreshing take on Maltese cinema and promises to be an unmissable experience for film lovers. The exclusive premiere screening in St Julian's last week saw a packed cinema of excited viewers, including filmmakers, film enthusiasts, and members of the local creative communi- ty. The event concluded with a lively Q&A session featuring the cast and crew, during which attendees expressed curiosity about the creative choices made throughout the film. Topics in- cluded the decision to shoot in black and white, the unique visual style, and the real-life inspirations behind the charac- ters. At the heart of Ciao Ciao lies a simple yet fascinating aspect of Maltese culture: the tendency for goodbyes to stretch on end- lessly. This observation, made by director Keith Tedesco's Dutch wife, sparked the initial idea for the film. What began as a light-hearted comment soon developed into a full-fledged feature film. Working closely with a talented group of actors, Tedesco co-wrote the screen- play alongside Chris Dingli, Mikhail Basmadjian, and An- tonella Axisa, shaping a series of interwoven scenes that explore this local custom in a dramatic and thought-provoking way. The film opens with what ap- pears to be an ordinary dinner gathering between two couples. However, as the evening pro- gresses, the dialogue reveals that not everything is as it seems. What starts as casual conversa- tion soon unravels into tension, hidden truths, and unexpected revelations, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats, and yet with a constant smile on their faces. To bring his vision to life, Te- desco made bold artistic choic- es, including shooting the en- tire film in full-frame black and white, using rehoused vintage Mamiya photo lenses. This ap- proach amplifies the film's con- trast and atmosphere, enhanc- ing its emotional depth. Another defining feature of Ciao Ciao is its authentic depic- tion of Maltese speech patterns. The dialogue is structured with approximately 80% in Maltese and 20% in English, mirroring the way locals naturally switch between the two languages in daily conversations. The film also includes English subtitles, making it accessible to a wider audience. Ciao Ciao brings together an exceptional ensemble of Mal- tese actors, including Mikhail Basmadjian, Antonella Axisa, Chris Dingli, Simone Spiteri, Kevin Naudi, Ruth Borg, Ryan Mark Debattista, Katrina Lu- pi, and Matthew Sant-Sultana. Their performances lend depth and authenticity to the film, drawing audiences into its world of intrigue, humour, and unex- pected emotional turns. The film is directed by Keith Tedesco and produced by Lam- pa Stampa Films in collabora- tion with RoughCut Pictures, with the support of Arts Council Malta. The film's post-produc- tion was led by co-producer and editor Fabrizio Fenech, ensuring a visually and narratively com- pelling final product. Ciao Ciao is a 95-minute fea- ture film in black & white in- cluding 80% Maltese and 20% English dialogue, with English subtitles. It will be released at Eden Cinemas St Julians, Em- bassy Cinemas Valletta and Cit- adel Cinemas Gozo on Friday 28 March for a limited run. Details can be found on the cinemas' re- spective websites. For more de- tails please visit www.facebook. com/ciaociaomovie and www. instagram.com/ciaociaofilm. Details: • Ciao Ciao (95 minutes, Maltese & English with English subtitles) will be screening at the following cinemas: • Eden Cinemas, St Julian's • Embassy Cinemas, Vallet- ta • Citadel Cinemas, Gozo • The film opens on Friday, 28 March, for a limit- ed run, so don't miss the chance to watch it on the big screen! • For tickets and showtimes, please visit the cinemas' official websites. Stay updated by following Ciao Ciao on social media: Facebook: @ciaociaomovie Instagram: @ciaociaofilm All photos by Lorella Castillo