This highly anticipated feature film is set to open in selected cinemas across Malta and Gozo today.
Described by some critics as “one of the best Maltese films ever made,” Ciao Ciao has been met with enthusiastic responses from both audiences and reviewers. With its striking black-and-white cinematography, gripping storytelling, and unexpected twists, the film offers a refreshing take on Maltese cinema and promises to be an unmissable experience for film lovers.
The exclusive premiere screening in St Julian’s last week saw a packed cinema of excited viewers, including filmmakers, film enthusiasts, and members of the local creative community. The event concluded with a lively Q&A session featuring the cast and crew, during which attendees expressed curiosity about the creative choices made throughout the film. Topics included the decision to shoot in black and white, the unique visual style, and the real-life inspirations behind the characters.
At the heart of Ciao Ciao lies a simple yet fascinating aspect of Maltese culture: the tendency for goodbyes to stretch on endlessly. This observation, made by director Keith Tedesco’s Dutch wife, sparked the initial idea for the film. What began as a light-hearted comment soon developed into a full-fledged feature film. Working closely with a talented group of actors, Tedesco co-wrote the screenplay alongside Chris Dingli, Mikhail Basmadjian, and Antonella Axisa, shaping a series of interwoven scenes that explore this local custom in a dramatic and thought-provoking way.
The film opens with what appears to be an ordinary dinner gathering between two couples. However, as the evening progresses, the dialogue reveals that not everything is as it seems. What starts as casual conversation soon unravels into tension, hidden truths, and unexpected revelations, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats, and yet with a constant smile on their faces.
To bring his vision to life, Tedesco made bold artistic choices, including shooting the entire film in full-frame black and white, using rehoused vintage Mamiya photo lenses. This approach amplifies the film’s contrast and atmosphere, enhancing its emotional depth.
Another defining feature of Ciao Ciao is its authentic depiction of Maltese speech patterns. The dialogue is structured with approximately 80% in Maltese and 20% in English, mirroring the way locals naturally switch between the two languages in daily conversations. The film also includes English subtitles, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Ciao Ciao brings together an exceptional ensemble of Maltese actors, including Mikhail Basmadjian, Antonella Axisa, Chris Dingli, Simone Spiteri, Kevin Naudi, Ruth Borg, Ryan Mark Debattista, Katrina Lupi, and Matthew Sant-Sultana. Their performances lend depth and authenticity to the film, drawing audiences into its world of intrigue, humour, and unexpected emotional turns.
The film is directed by Keith Tedesco and produced by Lampa Stampa Films in collaboration with RoughCut Pictures, with the support of Arts Council Malta. The film’s post-production was led by co-producer and editor Fabrizio Fenech, ensuring a visually and narratively compelling final product.
This article was provided by Ciao Ciao
Ciao Ciao is a 95-minute feature film in black & white including 80% Maltese and 20% English dialogue, with English subtitles. It will be released at Eden Cinemas St Julians, Embassy Cinemas Valletta and Citadel Cinemas Gozo on Friday 28 March for a limited run. Details can be found on the cinemas’ respective websites. For more details please visit www.facebook.com/ciaociaomovie and www.instagram.com/ciaociaofilm.
