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Screen Support Scheme Launched By Owen Bonnici

Screen Support Scheme Launched By Owen Bonnici
Jul 31 2024 Share

The Kunsill Malti għall-Arti has launched the first-ever Screen Support Scheme, aimed at boosting the local film industry. Announced by Minister Owen Bonnici, the scheme follows extensive research and consultations with stakeholders.

This initiative marks the first time the Kunsill Malti għall-Arti, under the Ministry for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government, is managing such a fund.

The scheme will inject €1 million into the industry, with the goal of supporting indigenous film production. Minister Bonnici emphasized the importance of strengthening the cultural and creative sectors, which he sees as vital to Maltese identity.

He praised the consultative process that shaped the scheme, ensuring it meets the sector’s needs, and committed to expanding it in the future.

Albert Marshall, Executive Chairman of the Kunsill Malti għall-Arti, acknowledged the challenges facing the local film industry, noting that this support is a significant step forward. The initial €900,000 fund was increased to €1 million from the Council’s reserves to make the project more effective.

The scheme is divided into five branches: scriptwriting, development, short films, feature film production, and cultural programming, all aimed at supporting independent audiovisual entities. Applications are open until September 24, with results to be announced in November.

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Clash After Stabbing Victim Vigil Turns Violent In Southport

Clash After Stabbing Victim Vigil Turns Violent In Southport
Jul 31 2024 Share

A knife attack during a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport, northern England, resulted in the deaths of three young girls and left five others critically injured.

The victims were identified as Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9. Eight children and two adults were stabbed, with five children and both adults remaining in critical condition.

A 17-year-old male suspect from nearby Banks was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, and police have ruled out terrorism. Authorities have urged the public not to speculate about the suspect’s identity.

The attack has deeply shocked the UK, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other officials condemning the violence and offering condolences to the victims’ families.

“Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves”, wrote Starmer. “They will feel the full force of the law.”

Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Bebe King (left to right) were identified as the victims of the stabbing, with Alice being the last to succumb to her injuries on Tuesday. Others are still hospitalised for critical injuries.

A peaceful vigil held in Southport turned violent when far-right protesters, believed to be linked to the English Defence League, clashed with police, leading to injuries among 39 officers and damage to local property.

The violence was reportedly fuelled by misinformation about the suspect’s identity. The Muslim Council of Britain condemned the exploitation of the tragedy to incite Islamophobia and called for action against rising far-right extremism.

#MaltaDaily

Former ‘World’s Strongest Man’, Edward Hall, Spotted in Valletta

Former 'World's Strongest Man', Edward Hall, Spotted in Valletta
Jul 31 2024 Share

Edward Stephen Hall, British strongman famous for his 500 kg deadlift world record and his 2017 World’s Strongest Man title, was recently spotted in Valletta, Malta.

Hall has won multiple national titles, including England’s Strongest Man, Britain’s Strongest Man, and UK’s Strongest Man. In 2022, he lost to fellow World’s Strongest Man winner Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson in a boxing match dubbed “The Heaviest Boxing Match in History.” Hall hosted the TV series Eddie Eats America (2018) and appeared in The Strongest Man in History (2019) on the History Channel. He made his acting debut as an extra in the action film Expend4bles (2023).

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Sasha Gatt Tests Positive For COVID After Olympics Race

Sasha Gatt Tests Positive For COVID After Olympics Race
Jul 31 2024 Share

Taking to social media, Maltese olympic swimmer Sasha Gatt revealed that she tested positive for COVID-19 after her race.

This came as she opened up about her experience at the Olympics, writing:

‘After years of preparation and sacrifices boiling down to one moment, my journey at the Paris Olympic Games ends here.’

 

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A post shared by Sasha_gatt (@sasha_gatt)

‘My performance was definitely not the outcome I expected or the result of the hard work I’ve put in. Only a very few people actually know how much I’ve been through these past 3 years and how much I fought to be here.’

‘Unfortunately after feeling unwell I tested positive for Covid after my race however I still went out there today and gave it my best shot not only for myself but for my coach who has been by my side through every single good and bad moment.’

She thanked everyone for the support as her Olympics journey comes to a close.

#MaltaDaily