People Whose Names Match What They Do

Sep 18 2023

Aptronyms, often described as the quirkiest alignment of names and destinies, refer to the fascinating phenomenon where an individual’s name seems uncannily suited to their profession or characteristics. These intriguing instances of nominative determinism have captured our curiosity for centuries.

In this article, we’ll delve into the delightful world of aptronyms by introducing you to five remarkable individuals whose names beautifully align with their chosen occupations, making it seem like destiny itself had a role to play in their careers.

Prepare to be amazed by these captivating stories of people whose names were seemingly written in the stars.

#MaltaDaily

Man Filming Felic Viral Video Granted Bail In Court Hearing

Sep 18 2023

Mark Cachia Zammit, a 35-year-old delivery man, faced court for allegedly filming a viral video of a couple engaged in sexual activity at a crowded local bar.

While he admitted to filming the video, he pleaded not guilty, claiming he lacked criminal intent. The incident occurred at the Luqa boċċi club and the video drew widespread condemnation for exploiting a potentially mentally unstable person.

Cachia Zammit’s lawyer argued that the couple appeared to be enjoying the attention, asserting there was tacit consent.

The accused initially denied involvement but later admitted to recording the footage, expressing remorse and checking on the man in the video the next day.

The police identified Cachia Zammit through eyewitness testimonies and matched his voice in the footage. Though the video was deleted from his phone, it was found in recently deleted data.

The court granted bail with a €1,000 deposit, a personal guarantee of €5,000, and weekly signing in a bail book, cautioning against contact with prosecution witnesses. A protection order safeguarded the victims’ identities.

The case was prosecuted by Inspectors Paul Camilleri and Kurt Farrugia, with defence counsel provided by lawyers Jason Azzopardi and Kris Busietta.

#MaltaDaily

Oppenheimer Beats Bohemian Rhapsody As Highest Grossing Biopic

Sep 18 2023

It’s Oppenheimer’s turn to break records, as Barbie continues to blaze a trail.

Christopher Nolan’s biopic about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist in charge of the Manhattan Project, has overtaken ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’

The biopic about Queen’s lead singer Freddie Mercury brought in $190 million during its theatrical run, but Oppenheimer, which premiered along with Barbie, brought in a whopping $912 million.

Oppenheimer could also follow suit in terms of awards after Bryan Singer’s film ended up earning nominations for Oscars, Golden Globes, BAFTAs and more.

Ironically, Rami Malek appeared in both films, being the lead in Bohemian Rhapsody. So it really isn’t a loss for Malek, despite only having a brief cameo in the recent release.

Have you watched Oppenheimer yet? And do you prefer it over Bohemian Rhapsody?

#MaltaDaily

Cyprus Now Offers Higher Film Cash Rebate Than Malta

Sep 18 2023

In a significant move to bolster its presence on the global film production stage, Cyprus has extended its cash rebate programme titled ‘Olivewood’ for an additional three years and increased the cash rebate offered to production to 45%.

Previously, Cyprus, like Malta, offered a 40% cash rebate to filmmakers, an incentive that had already attracted numerous productions to its shores. Now, with the reimbursement level raised to 45%, Cyprus is poised to become an even more attractive destination for filmmakers seeking financial incentives for their projects.

The Olivewood programme was initially introduced by the National Investment Agency – Invest Cyprus in 2019 as a strategic initiative to draw foreign film investments to Cyprus while concurrently boosting domestic film production.

Cyprus Finance Minister Makis Keravnos emphasised the program’s continued importance, highlighting the substantial benefits it has brought to Cyprus. He noted that a comprehensive evaluation of the programme’s data revealed remarkable advantages, including a significant increase in the number of Cypriot professionals employed in the film and audiovisual sector. Keravnos also underscored the cost-effectiveness of the programme, highlighting that the government had invested €1 million in it, which has resulted in a remarkable return of €5.5 million. This return on investment not only showcases the economic viability of the programme but also demonstrates how it can stimulate job growth and contribute to the nation’s economy.

It’s worth noting that this significant expansion of Cyprus’ cash rebate programme comes at a time when many countries are actively competing to attract film productions.

The film industry is a valuable contributor to a nation’s economy, providing jobs and fostering tourism. Comparatively, Cyprus now offers a 45% cash rebate, surpassing the 40% cash rebate offered by Malta, that has also been successful in attracting film productions. Other countries in Europe that have similar or higher incentives than Malta are Italy, France, Greece, Belgium and Canary Islands – the latter two boasting a 42% tax shelter and a 50% cash rebate respectively.

This higher cash rebate further solidifies Cyprus’ status as a top contender in the international film production industry, making it a more appealing option for filmmakers and producers seeking financial incentives to bring their projects to life.

#MaltaDaily