Żejtune, the new feature film by Maltese film-maker Alex Camilleri, director of the critically acclaimed film Luzzu, has been selected for the ‘International Competition’ category at the Gothenburg Film Festival, where it will have its world premiere on January 29 during the festival’s 49th edition in Sweden.
The film will compete alongside works from around the world in the festival’s International Competition section, where audiences are invited to vote for the Best International Film.
The plot
Żejtune tells the story of Mar, played by Michela Farrugia, a young woman ready to leave the tiny island of Malta behind. The death of her estranged mother offers her a way out, through the inheritance of three pieces of land she intends to sell.
As she embarks on a journey to claim her inheritance, Mar meets Nenu, portrayed by Nenu Borg (a veteran għana singer making his screen debut at the age of 82), whose vibrant folk music draws her into the colourful traditions of an island she is desperate to escape.
“Żejtune is a film meant to be enjoyed loud, on a big screen, and above all, together”
Commenting on the film’s selection, director Camilleri said: “Żejtune is a film meant to be enjoyed loud, on a big screen, and above all: together. The spirit of collective encounter is why Gothenburg is the perfect launchpad for our film – a rare major festival where the audience is at the heart of the experience.”
The film will be released in Malta in spring.
The cast and crew
Żejtune is produced by Oliver Mallia of Pellikola, Ramin Bahrani of Noruz Films and Alex Camilleri of Solari Productions, with co-producers Fred Burle and Sol Bondy of One Two Films, alongside Rebecca Anastasi.
It was made in co-production with ZDF Das kleine Fernsehspiel and in association with arte, Films Boutique and Nizza Films. Alongside Farrugia and Borg, the film features a wide range of local cast members, including the screen debut of Maltese singer-songwriter Michael Azzopardi in the role of Anġlu, and veteran Maltese actress Frida Cauchi as Mar’s aunt, Annette.
Producer Mallia said: “It is always exciting to launch a film and presenting Żejtune at a prestigious event like the Gothenburg Film Festival is a great start to the film’s journey on the big screen and a testament to the collective effort, dedication and belief of everyone involved in the project.
Żejtune had a crew of over 90 people, a mix of local and international crew. The cinematography is by Quentin Devillers S.B.C. The original score is composed by Jon Natchez. Production design is by Jon Banthorpe, costume design is by Holly Knowles, hair and make-up by Chantal Busuttil and casting by Edward Said.
Ryan Billia is the sound designer, while Alex Bundalo is the sound mixer.
The film was made with the financial support of the Malta Film Commission, Arts Council Malta, the Doha Film Institute and the Ministry for Gozo and Planning. Films Boutique is handling world sales.
About the festival
Founded in 1979, the Gothenburg Film Festival is the largest film festival in Scandinavia and one of the world’s most significant audience-driven festivals.
In 2025 alone, it attracted over 270,000 visits, showcasing global cinema and emerging talent to both industry professionals and the public.
Among a long list of established guests attending this year’s festival are two-time Palme d’Or winner Ruben Östlund, acclaimed European film-maker Agnieszka Holland and actress Roomi Rapace.
