Island of Oblivion, a film by Maltese director Jamie Vella, will have its world premiere in competition at the Prishtina International Film Festival in Kosovo on Saturday.
Based on Homer’s The Odyssey, the film is a revisionist retelling of the chapter set on Ogygia, the mythical island where Odysseus is held by the nymph Calypso. Through the centuries, this island has often been identified as Gozo, with “Calypso’s Cave” overlooking Ramla Bay as its legendary site.
“The film takes a personal and humanist approach to the myth, exploring the timeless themes of individualism, memory, love and the struggle between duty and selfishness. Odysseus being immersed by a comfortable world of love and tranquility, yet challenged by the burden of memory,” Vella said.
He added that he wanted to explore the more humane aspect of the poem’s main hero.
“That of a man who has lost himself to the world, with fragmented memory the only kindle to ignite back his identity − amid the genuine love and bliss of Calypso and her mythic island,” Vella noted.
He added that building this world with a very limited budget “required imagination, but also the dedication of an extraordinary team of actors, crew, and local craftspeople who brought their artistry to every frame”.
The international cast features Italian actor Alberto Brosio as Odysseus and Spanish actress Ariadna Cabrol as Calypso, alongside Paul Portelli as Captain Eurylochus and Jacqui Losco as Penelope.
“The film takes a personal and humanist approach to the myth”
A co-production between Vella’s company Wild Skies and Malta’s established film production company Pellikola, the film is produced by Oliver Mallia and Vella, with the support of the financial incentives provided by the Malta Film Commission.
Producer Mallia said: “We are very grateful for the selection of Island of Oblivion at the Prishtina International Film Festival. Showcasing Maltese stories on an international stage is always an honour, and working with emerging film-makers like Jamie is essential for the evolution of our cinema. This film gave us the chance to explore new creative ground while celebrating the artistry of our cast, crew, and local craftspeople. It’s through this spirit of collaboration that Maltese cinema will continue to grow its own distinctive voice.”
Vella’s first film, Arcadia (2017), was a socially conscious short about a father and son seeking peace in Malta’s countryside, only to have their dream upended by aggressive development.
The film reflected on environmental change, corruption and the indifference of nature to human frailties. It premiered at the Valletta Film Festival and was screened internationally.
Mallia’s producing credits include the award-winning films Shame on Dry Land (2023) and Luzzu (2021). His company Pellikola has been active for over 15 years, producing original works and servicing international productions in Malta. Its upcoming slate of original films includes the feature films Żejtune and Burbank Syndrome.
Behind the camera, Island of Oblivion features a crew of Maltese talent: Matthew Envin Taylor as director of photography, Luke Azzopardi as costume designer, Sean Vella composing the original score, Charlo Dalli leading production design, Marcelle Genovese heading hair design, and Chantal Busuttil designing make-up.
The 17th edition of the Prishtina International Film Festival, opened on September 9 and runs until Sunday. It is one of the few festivals in the Mediterranean region to feature a dedicated competition for medium-length films with lengths between 40 and 60 minutes.
Following its international premiere, Island of Oblivion will have its first screening in Malta on October 8 at Eden Cinemas, St Julian’s.
Visit the film’s Facebook page and Instagram account for more information.
