A Maltese short film delving into the boxing world and themes of ego, guilt and loss will premiere later this month, following recognition at international film festivals.
Set in the intense world of competitive boxing, Unur, Fama u Glorja follows 60-year-old Pawlu, a former boxing coach and mentor to Zak, 20. It explores the complex relationship between father and son, and how traumatic events can change a life.
The story follows Pawlu as he deals with grief, loss and regret, and learns to live with the consequences of his actions.
“The film is a study of the character’s destructive journey and what happens when he has hit rock bottom,” director Fabrizio Fenech told Times of Malta.
The film’s cast includes Peter Galea (Limestone Cowboy), Michaela Farrugia (Żejtune), Zach Coleiro, Kurt Magri and Angele Galea.
Fenech, known for producing the film Ciao Ciao, said he grew up watching boxing films and knew he wanted to tell his own local story about the grit and drama of the sport.
“I wanted to show the motivation and glory of the sport, but also focus on the dynamic relationship between a father and coach, and a son and boxer, and what happens when one pushes the limit,” the 31-year-old, who also wrote and produced the film, said.
During the writing process, Fenech consulted boxers and coaches to gain a deeper understanding of the sport’s rules and history. He wanted to make sure that while the film entertained, it was also true to the boxing world.
“We also had a fight coordinator on set, and while all the fighting scenes are choreographed, we had real boxers on set to showcase the physicality and agility in the ring.”
Zach Coleiro, who stars as Zak in the film, is also an up-and-coming boxer, while Galea undertook several boxing lessons to help prepare for his character.
The Maltese film, with English subtitles, was filmed over five “intense” days, with many scenes filmed at night.
“The film is a study of the character’s destructive journey”
“I like to shoot very dark scenes and use chiaroscuro, as I believe the sense of darkness emphasises the storyline,” Fenech said.
“My director of photography, Keith Tedesco, and I also came up with a colour palette for the film. So, scenes associated with the boxing world have shades of green, as we liked the idea that specific colour tones could add to the narrative.”
Fenech also explained the choice of using the Maltese language for the 35-minute film.
“I love our language and wish to see our language and culture on the screen,” he said.
While noting that more local films are moving towards using the national language, such as Ciao Ciao and Żejtune, he said the language deserves more attention and screen time.
“I have always wanted to make this film, and I knew using Maltese would feel right for the story.”
Unur, Fama u Glorja has made waves abroad and received recognition at international film festivals. It won the ‘Best Editing’ award at the Lift-Off Berlin Film Festival and was officially selected at the Stockholm Film Festival. It also reached the semi-finals at the Venezia Short Film Festival.
“Such festivals are always great for recognition and to showcase the film to different audiences,” Fenech said, adding that the team is excited to see the local reaction to Unur.
“It’s a film that delves into the excitement and action of the sports world, but also the viewer gets to experience a reflective part of the main character’s journey.”
The film will be released at the Eden Cinemas, St Julian’s, on May 28. It is supported by Creative Malta.
