30/06/2025 - Julio Medem’s post-Spanish Civil War drama 8 has scooped Best Screenwriting and the Jury’s Choice Award at the Maltese gathering

The third edition of the Mediterrane Film Festival (21-29 June) wrapped on Sunday with a glamorous ceremony held in Valletta. Organised by the Malta Film Commission, the event honoured the winners of the 2025 Golden Bee Awards and marked 100 years of film history on the island.

Set against the evocative backdrop of the 18th-century Fort Manoel, with guests arriving by boat, the evening celebrated cinematic excellence from across the Mediterranean and beyond. A total of 55 films from over 20 countries were showcased during the festival, which unfolded under the theme “We Are Film”, underlining cinema’s power to connect cultures and communities through storytelling.

The big winner of the night was Amel Guellaty’s Where the Wind Comes From [+see also:
film review
interview: Amel Guellaty
film profile], a Tunisian-French-Qatari co-production, which took home the Golden Bee for Best Feature Film. The movie follows 19-year-old girl Alyssa and her 23-year-old friend Mehdi, who use their imagination to escape their unexciting reality. When they discover a contest in the south of Tunisia that may allow them to flee, they embark on a road trip regardless of the obstacles they may face. Eya Bellaga, who plays the female lead, scooped Best Performance.

Spanish director Julio Medem won Best Screenwriting for 8 [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile], a post-Spanish Civil War drama that also picked up the Jury’s Choice Award. Meanwhile, the Mare Nostrum Award, honouring works that reflect on the relationship between humanity and nature, went to the French documentary Miyazaki: Spirit of Nature by Léo Favier.

The festival also paid tribute to industry figures who have made a long-standing impact. British producer Jeremy Thomas (The Last Emperor) received the Lifetime Achievement Award, whilst Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe was crowned Malta Film Legend, recognising his longstanding advocacy for Malta as a filming destination since his iconic turn as Maximus in Gladiator.

Two Career Achievement Awards were handed out to key Maltese figures: Pierre Agius, actor and veteran location manager, and Joseph Formosa Randon, whose work has supported major productions shot in the archipelago, such as World War Z [+see also:
trailer
film profile], Napoleon and Enola Holmes 3.

In the talent-focused categories, Euphoria star Barbie Ferreira received the Rising Star Award, and the People’s Choice Award went to Polly Steele’s romantic drama Four Letters of Love (UK).

A roster of international celebrities presented the prizes, including Anna Camp, Chris Perfetti, Karen Pittman, Monica Dolan and Jared Harris. The ceremony was elevated by live performances from four-time BRIT Award winner Emeli Sandé and Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja.

This year’s competition jury included creatives such as Catherine Hardwicke, Rick Carter, Charlese Antoinette, Mario Philip Azzopardi and Joseph Vassallo, while the Mare Nostrum panel featured Dublin International Film Festival head Gráinne Humphreys, Sundance programmer Ania Trzebiatowska and Turkish actress Melisa Sözen.

Here is the full list of this year’s award winners:

Best Feature Film
Where the Wind Comes From [+see also:
film review
interview: Amel Guellaty
film profile] – Amel Guellaty (Tunisia/France/Qatar)

Best Performance
Eya Bellaga - Where the Wind Comes From

Best Screenwriting
Julio Medem - 8 [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile] (Spain)

People’s Choice
Four Letters of Love – Polly Steele (UK)

Jury’s Choice
8 – Julio Medem

Mare Nostrum Award
Miyazaki: Spirit of Nature – Léo Favier (France)

Lifetime Achievement
Jeremy Thomas

Malta Film Legend
Russell Crowe

Career Achievement
Pierre Agius
Joseph Formosa Randon

Rising Star
Barbie Ferreira