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Malta Youth Film Festival 2025 Announced

Jan 21 2025 Share

During a press conference, Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti, in collaboration with the Malta Film Foundation and Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, announced the launch of the Malta Youth Film Festival 2025 (MYFF). The annual event provides a platform for young filmmakers to express their ideas and showcase their talents through short films. This year, the festival is set to take place in June 2025. 

The initiative reflects a commitment to promoting creativity among youth, while supporting their personal and professional development, and fostering a new era of creative innovation in Malta. 

Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti expressed his satisfaction with the project. “The Youth Film Festival is more than just a competition. It is an opportunity for our young filmmakers to tell their stories, develop their skills, and contribute to Malta’s creative sector. We are creating a space for them to grow as individuals and professionals,” he said. 

Joyce Grech, President of the Malta Film Foundation, emphasized the festival’s role in strengthening youth creativity. “This festival is a way for us to help young filmmakers build their future while making a positive impact on our culture,” she added. 

The MYFF is part of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ’s Arts and Culture programme, in collaboration with the Malta Film Foundation and the Malta Film Commission. The festival offers awards in various categories, including best script, direction, cinematography, and a public vote award. The winner of the Best Film category will receive a €600 prize. 

Young people between the ages of 16 and 30 are invited to participate by submitting their short films by April 25, 2025. Further details and guidelines can be found on youth.gov.mt. 

Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti encouraged all youth to seize this opportunity. “This festival is a tool for you to express yourselves, explore your potential, and contribute to the creative world, so that together we can cultivate a future filled with more talent and creative expression,” he concluded. 

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President Myriam Spiteri Debono Embarks on Official Visit to Italy and the Vatican

Jan 21 2025 Share

President Myriam Spiteri Debono has embarked on an official visit to Italy and the Vatican, marking a significant moment for Malta’s diplomatic ties. Her itinerary includes a private audience with Pope Francis and a meeting with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. These pivotal encounters are scheduled for Friday, January 24, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Dr. Ian Borg, joining the delegation.

The President will also meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella at Palazzo Quirinale, further strengthening bilateral relations. Additionally, discussions with the Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Fra John T. Dunlap, are set to take place at Palazzo Magistrale.

During her visit, President Spiteri Debono is set to tour the Vatican’s Madre di Misericordia Clinic and the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, renowned for its specialized care for children, including Maltese patients. The President will also attend the art exhibition A Maltese Artist in Rome, showcasing Antonio Sciortino’s work, and connect with the Maltese community in Italy.

Following her engagements in Italy, the President will travel to Poland to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation. She is expected to return to Malta on January 28, with Dr. Francis Zammit Dimech acting as President in her absence.

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Dog Walker Reportedly Assaulted & Injured By Illegal Bird Trapper

Dog Walker Reportedly Assaulted & Injured By Illegal Bird Trapper
Jan 21 2025 Share

A dog walker was allegedly assaulted by a bird trapper at an illegal trapping site, suffering grievous facial injuries, including fractures, as reported by the Malta Ranger Unit (MRU).

The incident occurred in December, where Golden Plovers were being trapped illegally, accompanied by the use of banned bird callers. The MRU released footage showing the trapper, dressed in camouflage, aggressively confronting the victim before a struggle ensued off-camera.

The MRU explained that the dog walker began filming to protect himself after the trapper exhibited prior aggressive behaviour.

After the altercation, the trapper gave his name and left the scene. Medical examinations revealed the victim might require surgery for proper recovery.

The MRU stated the same trapper was previously caught “red-handed” by police for illegal activities and now faces court proceedings, risking fines and license revocation.

The rangers released the footage, with the victim’s consent, to highlight the “impunity” environmental criminals often enjoy due to inaction by decision-makers.

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Ian Borg Meets Musk, Ramaswamy & World Leaders In US

Ian Borg Meets Musk, Ramaswamy & World Leaders In US
Jan 21 2025 Share

After posting stories on his social media after he was seated a few seats away from Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg shared more encounters with some big names at the Trump inauguration.

Borg met up with the world’s richest man Elon Musk as well as American politician Vivek Ramaswamy, with the latter having been set to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Borg also met with Argentinian president Javier Milei and Vice President of China Han Zheng.

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