The production, which is represented by Memento Films International (MFI), was produced by Rebecca Anastasi, Ramin Bahrani (The White Tiger, 99 Homes), Alex Camilleri and Oliver Mallia. It was made with the support of the Malta Film Fund and the financial incentives provided by the Malta Film Commission and the Government of Malta.
Luzzu is the first Maltese feature film shot in the Maltese language to have ever been selected into an A-list international film festival.
The film tells the fictional story of Jesmark, a struggling fisherman, who is forced to turn his back on generations of tradition and risk everything by entering the world of black market fishing to provide for his wife and newborn baby. Luzzu stars real fishermen Jesmark and David Scicluna, as well as actress Michela Farrugia, in the main roles.
The film marks Camilleri’s directorial debut. He also wrote the script, developed over three years through research and rehearsals with his cast. Jesmark and David Scicluna were key collaborators in helping Camilleri capture an immersive look at the world of traditional fishing in Malta. Luzzu was shot in 2019 in and around the fishing villages of Marsaxlokk and Birzebbuga.
Production Information:
Producers:
Noruz Films
Luzzu Ltd
Pellikola
Maborosi Films
Contact: Rebecca Anastasi (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), Luzzu Ltd
Produced with the support of the Malta Film Fund and the financial incentives provided by the Malta Film Commission and the Government of Malta.
Credits:
Director / Screenwriter / Editor: Alex Camilleri
Producers: Rebecca Anastasi, Ramin Bahrani, Alex Camilleri and Oliver Mallia
Starring: Jesmark Scicluna, David Scicluna, Michela Farrugia, Stephen Buhagiar, Uday Maclean.
DOP: Léo Lefèvre
Costume Designer: Martina Zammit Maempel
Production Designer: Jon Banthorpe
Casting Director: Edward Said
Executive Producers: Michael Camilleri, Josephine Camilleri, Pierre Ellul