The Colombian film cycle ‘Colombia on Screen: Faces, Places, Stories’ opened on April 8 at the Spazju Kreattiv Cinema, Valletta. It was inaugurated by the Ambassador of Colombia to Malta, Ligia Margarita Quessep Bitar.
In collaboration with Spazju Kreattiv, this cinematic series invites audiences into the heart of Colombia through stories of identity, resilience and transformation.
The opening night, themed ‘Art, Loss, and the Human Spirit’, featured two emotionally compelling films: La Sixtina, a poetic short celebrating street art in Bogotá, and Una Madre, a feature-length drama exploring a son’s complex journey to reconnect with his mother.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Quessep Bitar spoke to the audience about the power of film as a cultural bridge.
“This Colombian film series features three short films and three feature-length films, offering a glimpse into the vibrant and evolving national film industry. These selections go beyond the iconic titles − and sometimes stereotypes − often seen on streaming platforms, showcasing the true
diversity and creativity of contemporary Colombian cinema,” she said.
The evening was attended by members of the diplomatic and honorary consular corps, including the Honorary Consul of Colombia in Malta, alongside Colombian residents in Malta, local cultural institutions and film enthusiasts – all of whom responded enthusiastically to the deeply moving narratives and the opportunity to engage with Colombia’s rich cinematic voice.
The film series continues on May 13 with Balanta, a stirring tribute to Afro-Colombian music, memory and survival, followed by Alis, where a group of street girls in Bogotá invent a fictional friend as a powerful vehicle to tell their own stories.
On June 10, the cycle concludes with El Tamaño de las Cosas, a poignant short in which a boy’s discovery of a chair reveals the quiet weight of absence, and Los Reyes del Mundo, a visually striking odyssey as five boys from Medellín embark on a journey to reclaim a piece of land and, with it, their place in the world.
Federico Ibargüen Ruiz, cultural adviser at the Embassy of Colombia in Italy, said: “This cycle brings Colombia closer to Malta through powerful stories that speak of identity, memory and human strength. We’re proud to share this cultural experience.”
Cathleen Tanti, programme executive at Spazju Kreattiv, added: “We’re honoured to showcase this remarkable selection of Colombian films. Each screening promises deep reflection and cultural discovery.”
Admission is free for all events. Reservations can be made at www.kreattivita.org.
This article was provided by the Embassy of Colombia in Rome.
