Natascha McElhone to Attend The Mediterrane Film Festival in Malta

Jun 23 2023

The Mediterrane Film Festivall, an annual convention celebrating film and creativity, is set to take place in Malta from the 25th until the 30th of June, 2023.

The event aims to foster collaboration and create opportunities for future film projects among the MED9 countries, which include Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Croatia. With a focus on Mediterranean cinema, the festival also seeks to strengthen ties with European partners, including the United Kingdom.

One notable attendee at the festival will be British actress Natascha McElhone. Born Natascha Abigail Taylor on December 14, 1971, she is a graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. McElhone has made a name for herself in both film and television.

In the world of film, McElhone is recognised for her roles in notable productions such as “Ronin” (1998), “The Truman Show” (1998), and “Solaris” (2002). Her talent and versatility have garnered critical acclaim and established her as a respected actress in the industry.

On television, McElhone has portrayed various compelling characters. She is perhaps best known for her portrayal of Karen van der Beek, the long-time partner of Hank Moody, in the Showtime comedy-drama series “Californication” (2007–2014). Her performance in the ABC political drama “Designated Survivor” (2016–2017) as Alex Kirkman, the First Lady of the United States, further showcased her acting prowess.

Additionally, McElhone portrayed Laz Ingram in Beau Willimon’s science-fiction series “The First” (2018) on Hulu. Her talent and dedication to her craft have garnered her widespread recognition and acclaim.

In 2021, McElhone starred in the Maltese/Canadian production titled “Carmen.” Filmed in the picturesque island of Gozo, the film showcased her ability to bring complex characters to life and further solidified her connection to Malta.

With her impressive body of work and notable performances, Natascha McElhone’s presence at The Mediterranean Film Festival is sure to add excitement and prestige to the event.

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UEFA and UNHCR Join Forces for Second Edition of Unity EURO Cup

Jun 23 2023

After the resounding success of last year’s inaugural event, the Unity EURO Cup returns for its second edition, as UEFA and UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) utilise the unifying power of football to strengthen bonds between host communities and displaced individuals. The tournament will take place at the UEFA Respect Forum in Frankfurt, Germany, on June 28 and 29, showcasing the transformative impact of sports in promoting integration and well-being.

As part of the UEFA Football Sustainability Strategy 2030, UEFA actively promotes the inclusion of refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons within host communities through football. By harnessing the universal language of the sport, UEFA fosters teamwork, physical activity, social interaction, and a sense of belonging among diverse individuals.

The UNHCR Sport Strategy, titled “More than a Game,” highlights the role of sports and sports organizations in improving the lives of displaced and stateless people, facilitating their integration with host communities.

The inaugural Unity EURO Cup, held in 2022, exemplified the profound influence football can have in bringing people together. Eight teams representing their host countries participated in the tournament, offering participants the opportunity to compete internationally and showcase their talent.

This year’s edition will feature 16 teams representing Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the European Union. The seven-a-side tournament will involve over 170 young individuals from refugee and host communities, converging at SC Weiss-Blau, a local football club in Frankfurt.

The final match, officiated by renowned referee Felix Brych, will be held at the nearby DFB Campus, bringing the tournament to an exciting climax. The Unity EURO Cup welcomes visitors from 09:30 to 15:00 CEST, providing a platform for all to witness the power of football in breaking down barriers and fostering inclusion.

Each team will consist of eight refugee players and three non-refugee players, including at least two women. This emphasis on diversity and gender inclusion serves as a reminder of football’s ability to bridge gaps and create a sense of unity. Additionally, 16 esteemed ambassadors will be present to support their respective teams, further emphasizing the importance of the event.

The Malta Football Association, through its FSR Department, is proud to participate in the Unity EURO Cup for the second consecutive year. Building on the success of the first edition, UEFA and UNHCR have expanded the tournament to include 15 teams, each representing a European country. The event, scheduled from June 28, will be held at the DFB Campus in Frankfurt, welcoming approximately 165 youths from refugee and host communities.

The UEFA Unity Euro Cup aims to enhance the lives of displaced people through the transformative power of football. By supporting refugees, asylum-seekers, and internally displaced individuals, UEFA strives to promote their physical and mental well-being while fostering their inclusion within host communities. The UNHCR Sport Strategy outlines the significant role of sports organizations in improving the lives of displaced and stateless people.

The enthusiasm surrounding the Unity EURO Cup is evident, with European Parliament representatives, such as Roberta Metsola, joining forces with the Maltese team in preparation for the tournament. Additionally, the European Commission, alongside EURO-winning captain Theo Zagorakis, Matja Nemec, TFrankowski21, Team EU, Common Goal, and RheinFlanke, will participate in the competition, showcasing the power of football in promoting inclusion.

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Love Island Malta Season 1: Chelsea and Allen Favoured to Win

Jun 23 2023

On Thursday, June 22nd, we conducted a poll on our Facebook page to gauge people’s opinions on which couple is most likely to win Love Island Malta Season 1. According to the poll results released by Malta Daily, it seems that Chelsea and Allen are the frontrunners.

Out of the 1,700+ votes received on our poll, Chelsea and Allen garnered 1.1k votes, which accounts for 66% of the total votes. This places them as the couple most likely to emerge victorious in Love Island Malta. Coming in second place is Sven & Gaby, who secured 378 votes, representing 61% of the votes and making them the second most popular couple in the Villa.

Kyle & Marie Christine claimed the third spot with 143 votes, accounting for 9% of the total votes. Unfortunately, Dale & Nicola received the least amount of support, gathering only 44 votes, indicating that they are the least favoured couple.

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After six weeks filled with drama, anticipation is now mounting as everyone eagerly awaits the final, scheduled to take place this Sunday.

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European Commissioner Visits Siġġiewi Feast with MEP Alex Agius Saliba

Jun 23 2023

Labour Party Maltese MEP, Alex Agius Saliba, recently had the pleasure of hosting European Commissioner for Social Affairs, Nicolas Schmit, during his visit to Malta.

Over the course of two days, the pair explored the vibrant culture and traditions of the Maltese people.

A highlight of their visit was a trip to the picturesque village of Siġġiewi, where the feast week was in full swing.

The warm hospitality of the locals was on full display as Alex Agius Saliba treated Commissioner Nicolas Schmit to a delightful meal, providing them with a stunning view of the village square.

The tour continued with a visit to the Church of San Nikola, a magnificent religious monument that stands as a testament to the rich heritage and deep-rooted faith of the Maltese people. This architectural gem provided the perfect backdrop for Commissioner Schmit to witness firsthand the spiritual devotion that is intricately woven into the fabric of Maltese society.

IAlex Agius Saliba also introduced Commissioner Nicolas Schmit to two renowned clubs of the Siġġiwin Kazin Banda San Nikola Siġġiewi A.D 1883, as well as the Siggiewi Festival Brass Band. The guest band, Għaqda Kazin Banda St. Philip, added to the vibrant atmosphere, creating an unforgettable musical experience.

As Alex Agius Saliba reflected on their time together, he expressed his immense pride in showcasing the unique cultural heritage and traditions of the Maltese people. “It is through such experiences that the beauty and richness of Malta’s history and identity can be shared with visitors from around the world. This celebration of culture not only fosters a sense of belonging among the Maltese population but also helps strengthen the bonds between Malta and the European Union.”

#MaltaDaily