Ridley Scott Releases Statement Over Malta Comments

Jan 3 2025

Legendary director Ridley Scott has issued a statement clarifying his recent comments about Malta, where he remarked, “Malta is a treasure trove of architecture. I wouldn’t advise going there on holiday.”

In his statement, Scott began by reaffirming his deep admiration for Malta, calling it a “jewel in the Mediterranean.” This affection is evident, as he has filmed four movies on the island over nearly three decades.

Addressing the controversial remark, Scott explained that it was intended as a light-hearted joke, which unfortunately fell flat and was misinterpreted. The comment stemmed from the fact that, after spending so much time working in Malta, he feels he doesn’t need to visit the island for leisure.

He went on to express that Malta, and particularly Valletta, has always been a wellspring of artistic inspiration for him. He emphasized his hope that Malta’s rich culture and traditions will continue to be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

In closing, Scott thanked the people of Malta for their support during the making of Gladiator 2 and expressed his gratitude to Johann Grech and the Malta Film Commission team for their help.

#MaltaDaily

CrossFit 356 Hosts Dr. Calvagna Charity Workout for Puttinu Cares

Jan 3 2025

Today, January 3, 2025, CrossFit 356 in Mriehel is hosting the annual Dr. Calvagna Charity Workout, bringing together fitness enthusiasts and the community to support a meaningful cause.

This event honors the memory of Dr. Victor Calvagna, a trailblazer in pediatric oncology in Malta and a devoted triathlete, who passed away on January 4, 2022. Dr. Calvagna’s tireless work saved countless lives and left an enduring legacy of hope and compassion.

The charity workout runs from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, featuring hourly sessions open to everyone. Participants will complete a simple workout combining rowing, burpees, and biking. The event not only promotes health and fitness but also raises funds for Puttinu Cares, a Maltese organization dedicated to supporting children battling cancer.

A donation of €5 per person is required to participate, with all proceeds going directly to Puttinu Cares. Bookings can be made through the official event page: crossfit356.com.mt/drcalvagna.

This annual event is a celebration of Dr. Calvagna’s life, encouraging the community to come together in support of young patients and their families while fostering a spirit of resilience and generosity.

#MaltaDaily

Two Moroccan Men Deported After Plane Escape

Jan 3 2025

Two Moroccan men, aged 28 and 34, who were arrested on the 1st of January after escaping from a plane during an emergency landing, along with a 28-year-old Moroccan man who was being held under arrest at Mater Dei Hospital in connection with the same case, have been deported back to their home country.

They were also issued a ban from entering Malta and the Schengen Zone.

Meanwhile, the police are actively searching for two other individuals who fled the airport. Passport photos of these individuals have been published alongside this statement.

Anyone with information about these individuals is urged to contact the police via Messenger or by calling, even anonymously, the Police General Headquarters at 21224001 / 119 or the nearest police station, quoting reference number 1/2025.

#MaltaDaily

Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech Responds to Ridley Scott Controversy

Jan 3 2025

The Malta Film Commissioner, Johann Grech, has issued a response following allegations that he edited a controversial clip related to Sir Ridley Scott’s remarks about Malta. The remarks, initially made in the context of promoting the upcoming film Gladiator II, sparked a media uproar due to Scott’s candid comments about not considering Malta as a holiday destination.

Background of the Controversy

Sir Ridley Scott’s remarks were reported in several major outlets, including The Guardian, Business Insider, and Politico. In an interview, Scott humorously compared Malta with Morocco, a key competitor for film production, implying he would not personally visit Malta for leisure. These comments were met with mixed reactions, with some interpreting them as harmless banter, while others viewed them as detrimental to Malta’s image as a tourist and film-friendly location.

Adding to the controversy, Johann Grech was accused of manipulating the narrative by editing a clip that excluded Scott’s reference to Morocco. Critics claimed this was an attempt to present Malta in a better light while omitting important context.

Johann Grech’s Statement

Taking to his personal social media, Grech addressed the allegations:

“Kulħadd għandu opinjoni. Imma l-fatti jibqgħu fatti. Huwa ‘fake news’ dak li intqal li jiena… “edited out” biex jiġi immanipulat il-messaġġ. Fil-post tiegħi tat-23 ta’ Diċembru 2024, ipproduċejjt l-istess produzzjoni li ġiet ippubblikata fil-paġna ta’ Gladiator. Neħħejt ir-referenza għall-Marokk li huwa kompetitur tagħna. Għax bħala Kummissarju tal-Films ta’ pajjiż, l-interess ewlieni tiegħi huwa li nħajjar l-investiment barrani fil-films jiġi lejn Malta, u nippromovi l-industrija tal-films ta’ pajjiżna li tant inħobb. Qed nippubblika ż-żewġ posts flimkien, ħalli l-fatti jibqgħu fatti, u l-opinjoni tkun ibbażata fuq il-verità.”

Grech clarified that he shared an already edited video which was officially posted on the official Gladiator page, and that the only edit he produced from this clip was to remove the reference to Morocco – to prioritise Malta’s interests as a competitive film production location. Grech published both the original and edited versions of the clip, inviting the public to review the content and form their opinions based on factual evidence rather than speculation.

#MaltaDaily