British & Maltese Film Commissions Sign ‘Memorandum of Understanding’

Jun 30 2023

Adrian Wootton, the CEO of the British Film Commission and Film London, and Johann Grech, the Malta Film Commissioner, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the collaboration between their respective film industries. The MoU aims to facilitate co-productions and attract inward investments to both countries.

Noteworthy recent film productions that have taken place in the UK and Malta include Ridley Scott’s Napoleon for Apple TV, Warner Bros’ Jurassic World: Dominion, and HBO’s Game of Thrones.

According to Wootton, the MoU with Malta provides an additional advantage for the UK when attracting American producers. If a production requires extensive bodies of water, the UK can now offer Malta as a viable option. Wootton explained, “We have the contacts and can connect them directly. From our perspective, it enhances the services we can provide to a company choosing to establish itself in the UK.”

The MoU also benefits independent UK producers by establishing effective channels of communication and collaboration with Malta. Wootton cited the successful cooperation between the BFC and Italy, which has resulted in co-productions and connections with regional Italian film commissions. He expressed that the MoU with Malta would offer similar access for UK producers seeking co-production opportunities or shooting locations in both countries.

While attending the Mediterrane Film Festival in Malta, Wootton highlighted the UK’s commitment to maintaining its presence in the European film industry landscape. He also acknowledged the significant role of film tourism in both countries’ economies.

This MoU follows similar agreements between the British Film Commission and Spain, Italy, Norway, and Austria.

#MaltaDaily

Local Blood Donors Thanked By President George Vella

Jun 30 2023

During a blood recognition ceremony on Wednesday evening at the Verdala Palace, President George Vella gave thanks to blood donors for their great act of charity and service.

‘Thanks to 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒔, hospital patients have greater hope of recovery and of a better life. I would like to congratulate the 25 donors who received recognition yesterday evening for their noble gesture. They set a clear example of how social awareness helps us to not only think of personal interests, but also consider the needs of the vulnerable and those in need’, the President wrote on social media.

The many donors were awarded with plaques to commemorate their selfless act whilst also encouraging anyone who might wish to donate to do so and encourage others around them to do so as well.

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‘Presumed Human Remains’ Found In Titan Sub Debris

Jun 30 2023

According to the US Coast Guard, debris discovered from the OceanGate submersible was very likely recovered human remains of the 5 men who boarded it on its maiden voyage.

The submersible was front and centre of international news for the majority of last week, after a failed rescue mission to save the men on board attempting to dive to the Titanic shipwreck.

Captain Jason Neubauer, chair of the Marine Board of Investigation (MBI), said that he is “grateful for the coordinated international and interagency support to recover and preserve this vital evidence at extreme offshore distances and depths”.

It was revealed that evidence in the form of debris was recovered from the seafloor at the site of the submersible on Wednesday and taken to St John’s Newfoundland.

The evidence provided evidence consistent with the catastrophic loss of the pressure chamber, with investigations continuing into the entire case.

The submersible was carrying 5 men, including Ocean Gate CEO and pilot Stockton Rush, along with a billionaire who had a Maltese citizenship Shahzada Dawood and his teenage son Suleman.

#MaltaDaily

Local Artist Creates Clay Figure Of Former ‘Maltese’ Seal

Jun 30 2023

Using the clay found on the Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, Raphael Mizzi recreated a figure of the ‘Bumerin’, a seal species which once beached on the Maltese islands.

The Mediterranean Monk Seal once inhabited our beaches, and was commonly known as the ‘Bumerin’ or the ‘Monka.’

“Interestingly, we still have caves named after it, and there’s even a Maltese saying, “Jorqod daqs Bumerin,” meaning “He sleeps like a monk seal”, explained Mizzi.

The last recorded sighting of the animal in Malta was back in 1974, but it is unfortunately listed as a critically endangered species in the Mediterranean Sea.

Mizzi urged everyone to reflect and possibly contribute directly to the conservation of aquatic ecosystems, especially on our islands to safeguard other life from becoming endangered or, worse yet, extinct.

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