Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545122
8 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 29 MAY 2026 CULTURE Maltese film illusion of faith receives five nominations at Los Angeles Film Festival THE Maltese independent fea- ture film Illusion of Faith will premiere at the Hard Faith Fest in Los Angeles on 25 June 2026, where it will compete with five major nominations. The production is a collabo- ration between Maltese and in- ternational filmmakers based in Malta, led by established Mal- ta-based and internationally rec- ognised filmmaker Aleksa Ris- tović and his production house Ristones Movies. Illusion of Faith is also a highly international production, bring- ing together artists and filmmak- ers from Malta, Serbia, Macedo- nia, Bulgaria, Venezuela, Brazil and Poland, reflecting the film's multicultural spirit and broad creative collaboration. Described as a mystery dra- ma exploring the boundaries between faith, reason and the unknown, the film follows a fu- gitive whose arrival draws a de- tective into a case that challeng- es logic, belief and reality itself. The film received nominations in the following categories: • Best Feature Film • Best International Film • Best Script / Writing • Best Direction • Best Production International and Maltese Cast The film features a large and diverse cast combining Maltese and international talent, includ- ing: Henry Zammit Cordina, Alek- sa Ristović, Jaimie Busuttil, Frida Cauchi, Hristijan Hrist Kostovski, Vladimir Čabak, Mikhail Basmad- jian, Josette Ciappara, Kat Bokity Lazarević, Marcelo Castelo, Jo- hana Sepúlveda, Paul Sant, Clara Sciberras, Francesco Borg, Jeremy Vella, Doroteja Ristović and Jessi- ca Jane Cassar among others. The filmmakers also highlight- ed the powerful performance of Henry Zammit Cordina, whose role brought emotional depth and authenticity to the film. The film is directed by Aleksa Ristović, who also played a major role in the production process through writing, editing and cine- matography. The production makes extensive use of Malta's religious locations, historic chapels and coastal land- scapes, giving the film a distinctive visual atmosphere that strength- ens its spiritual and mysterious themes. Malta itself becomes an essential part of the film's storytelling and identity. Five cinematographers contrib- uted to the production, with the work of Vangel Pandeliev stand- ing out through his collaboration with director of photography Al- eksa Ristović. The original soundtrack was composed by several composers, including Aleksandar Zavišin, Craig Saliba, Mark Farrugia and Conrad Dimech. The music ranges from emo- tional orchestral themes to more intense and dramatic composi- tions, playing an important role in reinforcing the tension and spiritual atmosphere of the story. The film also has a strong con- nection to the United States through its executive producer Chris Johnson, whose generous support helped make the pro- duction possible.