
One of the most talked-about upcoming films shot in Malta, The Theft of the Caravaggio is a fictional mystery thriller inspired by one of the country’s most compelling unsolved crimes, the 1984 disappearance of Caravaggio’s St. Jerome Writing from St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta.
What began as a fascination with this infamous art heist evolved into a deeply personal film exploring the weight of guilt and the burden of truth.
Drawing creative parallels to the reimagined history of Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, the filmmakers used the real-life event as a springboard to craft a dramatic narrative.
Directed with a strong creative vision by Joshua Cassar Gaspar, the film was shot entirely on location in Malta and entirely on celluloid film, giving it a rich, textured aesthetic that according to the director of the movie, digital simply cannot replicate.
Cinematographer Dan Cawthorne aimed to capture the poetic quality of motion that analogue film brings, inspired by early 2000s classics like A Beautiful Mind and The Wrestler.
The film showcases a strong ensemble of Maltese talent, including Paul Kissaun, Elektra Anastasi, Peter Galea, and Narcy Calamatta, joined by British actor Rob Grose.
It was filmed in English on the recommendation of international distributors, aiming to reach a wider global audience given the broad appeal of its subject matter.
Backed by Creative Malta, The Theft of the Caravaggio highlights the island’s cinematic potential with its natural light, stunning landscapes, and skilled local crews.
It is slated for release both in Malta and internationally in the coming months, showcasing Maltese storytelling on a global stage.
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