Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546095
10 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 7 AUGUST 2026 CULTURE Matthias Sultana impresses in Spanish tests ahead of September races ANOTHER three-day test session in Spain concluded successfully on Sunday for Matthias Sultana, a young rider from Gozo and a promising talent for Team Pileri Terni. The next two races of the Mir Moto5 Trophy, scheduled for the first half of September, are drawing ever closer for this 11-year-old prodigy. The young rider from Gozo made his debut in December 2025, taking to the track for the final round of the year's Mir Moto5 Trophy at the Cartagena circuit in Spain. On that occasion, he demonstrat- ed his talent by lowering his lap times with every run and achieving an excellent race position for his debut. "I am very satisfied, - explains Francesco Pileri, team manager of Team Pileri Terni - with the maturity Matthias Sultana showed on the track—especially consid- ering he had to endure stifling heat. How- ever, thanks to precise and detailed phys- ical preparation, he was able to skillfully overcome this challenge". During the recently concluded three- day test, the young talent spent two days tackling the Aspar circuit in Valencia and one day at the Cartagena circuit, which will once again host the Mir Moto5 Tro- phy final this december. Matthias Sultana demonstrated great consistency on both tracks. The next objective is a track test starting August 22nd at the Ricardo Tormo cir- cuit in Valencia, the venue for the second Mir Moto5 Trophy race in September. Sultana spent two days tackling the Aspar circuit in Valencia and one day at the Cartagena circuit THE Gozo Film Festival returns from 21 to 23 August, with a blend of high-quality internation- al short and feature films with a strong focus on local productions from both Gozitan and Maltese filmmakers. The programme is carefully curated to showcase diverse storytelling, creative voices, and emerging talent from around the world. In addition to film screenings, the festival of- fers a rich lineup of activities, including dedicat- ed children's sessions, industry talks, and film- making analysis panels. These events provide valuable insights into the art and craft of cinema, encouraging dialogue between creators and au- diences alike. With its welcoming atmosphere and commit- ment to cultural exchange, the Gozo Film Festi- val continues to grow as a key platform for cine- matic expression in the Mediterranean, fostering creativity, collaboration, and a deeper apprecia- tion for film in all its forms. The festival kicks off on Friday with a line up of short films for 75 minutes followed by three Maltese shorts titled 'Wild Lands', 'Island of Oblivion' and 'Unur, Fama u Glorja', starting at 22:00. Do not miss the start of this exciting an- nual 3-day film celebration! Gozo Film Festival focuses on local productions from Gozitan and Maltese filmmakers