Latest news with #Valletta
The National
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
How Moroccan filmmaker Seloua El Gouni went from Hollywood assistant to the director's chair
Sitting in a boutique hotel in Valletta, Moroccan filmmaker Seloua El Gouni is feeling inspired. She has just screened her debut feature The Wound at the Mediterrane Film Festival, now in its third year. El Gouni has been to Malta twice before and is impressed by the way its film commission sets out to welcome overseas productions to the island. 'Given the importance that Malta gives to the film industry, we would like to set something here,' she says. Her optimism feels infectious. Just days earlier, The Wound enjoyed its Moroccan premiere at the Casablanca Arab Film Festival, before what she hopes will be a release in cinemas in 2026. The story follows Leila (Oumaima Barid), a young woman living in Casablanca whose relationship with a non-Muslim man leads to friction with her father. The reaction from El Gouni's home crowd 'was surprisingly encouraging and very positive'. The surprise factor came at the after-screening Q&A. 'Men interacted with us more than women. We had notes from them, we had questions from them,' she says. In Malta and in Beirut, when the film had its Mena premiere at the Beirut International Women's Film Festival, it was the opposite: the biggest reactions came from female audience members. Either way, The Wound is a film that touches a nerve with both men and women. After directing two shorts and producing the 2023 documentary Harraga – Those Who Burn Their Lives, El Gouni realised it was time to move into features. She set about working on The Wound, scripted by her producer Taha Benghalem and brothers Brian and Brice Bexter. 'We wanted to make something meaningful,' she says, noting that public discourse in Morocco at the time was centring on 'personal freedoms in terms of relationships, what's accepted what's not accepted'. The screenplay is an amalgam of true stories of women like Leila, and El Gouni says: 'It's basically an alternate reality with very realistic events.' What happens to Leila is shocking, but such events are not confined to Morocco, or the Arab world. 'All over the world, we've heard stories,' she adds, pointing out that during the writing process women were losing agency over their own bodies, as abortion rights were being removed across the US. What The Wound does well is show modern Casablanca, where many young women (like Leila's free-spirited best friend Sophia) live an existence with few restrictions. 'It depends on your lifestyle, depends on who you work with, your entourage, upbringing,' says El Gouni. 'You can be on good terms with your parents and live alone as a woman in Morocco. I myself left home when I was 17, like in any normal European culture.' Equally, your upbringing may still be dangerously ultra-conservative. The Wound is her first feature, but El Gouni has a wealth of filmmaking experience. She was worked on some major English and American films, as a production co-ordinator and production supervisor, such as Men in Black: International, and The Forgiven with Ralph Fiennes. She worked as assistant to the Russo brothers, the filmmakers behind Avengers: Endgame, Infinity War and the upcoming Doomsday, when they made Cherry with Tom Holland. The experience of collaborating on big-budget films was highly useful when it came to making The Wound. 'You really read the script fully, keeping your eyes on the budget,' she says. 'That really helped us into creating something very effective, very efficient, in terms of budget, production value, and then just making sure it happens with the best quality possible.' That included securing the services of Emmy-winning US cinematographer Travis Tips, who made the 2012 awards magnet Beasts of the Southern Wild. Tips' participation indicates the increasingly healthy state of Moroccan cinema. 'Especially for female directors,' El Gouni adds. 'We do have more female directors than ever.' Filmmakers such as Maryam Touzani (The Blue Caftan), Meryem Benm'Barek-Aloïsi (Sofia) and Asmae El Moudir (The Mother of All Lies) show just how vibrant the scene is right now. Still, very few can claim they have a movie by Terrence Malick on their CV. El Gouni was production co-ordinator on The Last Planet, Malick's long-gestating retelling of the life of Jesus. 'It still hasn't come out!' she exclaims. The famously press-shy Malick, director of revered classics such as Badlands and Days of Heaven, has been in the edit with the film since it was shot in 2019. 'I hope it will come out this year,' she adds. With the Hungarian-born Geza Rohrig (Son of Saul) featuring as Jesus and Mark Rylance playing Satan, it is one of the most anticipated films. 'It will be wonderful,' El Gouni promises. And Malick? 'He's very calm, and all the sets are really calm. You don't have that stress of really being on a film set. It's really an experience that I don't think I've had before, but it was really special.' With mentors like Malick, El Gouni is set to go far.
Times
10-07-2025
- Times
Small island, big story: Malta's ancient temples, WWII forts and living history
The country wears its past proudly, but it is the everyday culture, food and warmth that truly shine Capital ideas: Valletta is compact but brimful of heritage spots, diverse dining and buzzing nightlife There are places you pass through and places that stay with you – Malta is firmly in the latter camp. This sun-bleached crossroads, sitting proudly in the middle of the Mediterranean, offers more than history. Here, the past is not a museum piece – it's a living, breathing companion. Militarily speaking, Malta has never been quiet. A speck in the sea, yes, but a stubborn, significant one. It's been coveted, besieged, blockaded and bombed since long before gunpowder. Victory Day here is celebrated on September 8, marking the end of multiple historic sieges. On this island with layers of resistance baked into its stone, it is the Second World War that left the deepest impression. A former British colony, Malta endured more than 3,000 air raids in two years – a brutal battering that earned the entire population the George Cross. Ancient history: the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is an incredible underground burial complex This isn't abstract history, it's tactile. You can see it in the blackened forts of Valletta, smell it in the diesel musk of old bunkers and feel it in the texture of buildings that somehow withstood all the attacks. To explore these significant times, begin with the Lascaris War Rooms, a honeycomb of underground planning spaces where Allied forces coordinated the 1943 invasion of Sicily. Move to Fort St Elmo, which resisted the Ottomans in 1565 and Luftwaffe bombers in 1942. Today, it houses the National War Museum, home to the George Cross, a wall of medals and other military artefacts. But Malta isn't just a fortress. Beneath the British bunkers lie the baroque palaces of the Knights of St John. And beneath those are the bones of civilisations that existed before the pyramids were even blueprints. You feel it everywhere – it's magical. Fighting talk: battles old and modern are remembered at the National War Museum in Fort St Elmo Malta's prehistoric Unesco-listed sites – Ġgantija, Haġar Qim, Mnajdra, Tarxien – are as alien as they are beautiful. Shaped in spirals and built with stones weighing up to 20 tonnes, they predate Stonehenge and remain mysterious, sacred-feeling places. The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is the most eerie: a subterranean burial chamber, discovered by accident, with acoustics so perfect a whisper carries like a prayer. Booking in advance is highly recommended. In Valletta, the Grandmaster's Palace, St John's Co-Cathedral, Casa Rocca Piccola and the Saluting Battery all stand as gateways to the past. Then suddenly you're in a wine bar with a jazz trio or eating grilled octopus under fairy lights, and the whole island shifts tone. Follow the leaders: the state rooms and armoury at the Grandmaster's Palace are open to the public With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the country is a true year-round destination. Even spring and autumn feel like they've been kept secret – the crowds thinner, the light softer, the sea still warm enough for a morning swim. Winter is for coastal walks and long terrace lunches. And when the sun drops, the cities glow like firelit sandstone. For the restless, Malta offers movement without hassle. You can cross the main island by car in under an hour and never grow tired of the journey. Divers will find world-class wrecks, including wartime destroyers and downed bombers. There are more than 120 dive sites across Malta and its smaller sister islands of Gozo and Comino, with exceptional visibility and terrain ranging from natural coral-covered reefs to haunting artificial ones. Whether you're certified or just curious, local dive centres cater to all levels. Hidden depths: Malta offers exceptional diving with caves, reefs and wrecks accessible by shore or boat Above water, Gozo's rolling trails and the Dingli Cliffs offer hikers cinematic views and real solitude. Meanwhile, history buffs could explore Malta for a month and not run out of forts, catacombs, churches and palaces. If all you want is to sit still and admire – try a harbour cruise at sunset, glass in hand . Practicalities are easy too. Malta is three hours from the UK, English is widely spoken and they drive on the left. Accommodation spans boutique hotels, converted palazzos, farmhouse rentals and family resorts. Food is a highlight, with Arabic, Italian and British influences blending into dishes like rabbit stew, lampuki pie and sea bass spiked with citrus and capers. Pastizzi – flaky, ricotta-filled pastries – are an addiction waiting to happen. A fine feast: discover Malta's many gastronomic delights The country is also one of Europe's most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations, scoring top marks for safety and inclusivity. It doesn't just tolerate difference, it thrives on it. So come for the military history, stay for the temples, the terraces, the sea, the wine and the light. Malta has seen a lot, but it's still here – sun-warmed, generous and ready to write its next chapter. To delve deeper, check out the History Undone podcast on YouTube. Hosted by James Hanson, experts imagine how pivotal moments could have played out differently. Two episodes on Malta ask: 'What if the Ottoman Empire had conquered Malta in 1565?' and 'What if the Allies had failed to defend Malta in WWII?'
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Scarlett Johansson Brought 'Jurassic' Cast's Partners and Kids Together for 'Special' Dinner in Malta (Exclusive)
Jonathan Bailey tells PEOPLE that costar Scarlett Johansson organized a "special" dinner in Malta for the Jurassic World Rebirth cast's families The actress and mom of two says, "It was so nice to see everybody's children playing in the square" Bailey adds that Johansson "led the film with such incredible energy, and that's on and off camera"Scarlett Johansson organized a memorable family gathering for the Jurassic World Rebirth cast and crew during production on the dinosaur action film. The actress headlines the epic new movie, which was filmed in places like Malta, Thailand and New York City, with a cast that includes Jonathan Bailey, Mahershala Ali, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and more. Bailey, 37, recalls to PEOPLE a day he won't forget involving a dinner for which Johansson, 40, "brought everyone together" in Malta. "Everyone's family was there at the same time." "We were in a square in Valletta, and it was just really special," he adds. Johansson, who has daughter Rose, 10, with ex-husband Romain Dauriac and son Cosmo, 3, with husband Colin Jost, says, "It was beautiful, and it was so nice to see everybody's children playing in the square. All the partners were there, and it was a wonderful celebration of what we were accomplishing, how much work we'd done. It was kind of the halfway point. It was so nice." Bailey, who praises Johansson as "funny, intelligent, kind," says his costar "led the film with such incredible energy, and that's on and off camera." He adds, "It was so apparent very quickly that it was going to be a knockout summer." is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Johansson says the entire cast and crew "all laughed a lot" during production as they were "thrown into such extraordinary circumstances physically — it was just insane." A longtime die-hard fan of the Jurassic movies, Johansson hopes families embrace the newest installment. "As a huge fan of the movies, I'm just excited for Jurassic nerds to see it, because I think they'll like it a lot. And I hope that there are other 10-year-olds that have the same experience that I did when I saw the first Jurassic in theaters, where they can just be completely carried away for two hours. It makes you dream." Jurassic World Rebirth is in theaters now. Read the original article on People
Zawya
03-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar Airways lands again in Malta, continues to expand its network and increase global connectivity
Qatar Airways resumes operations today in Malta with four non-stop flights a week between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Malta International Airport (MLA). The latest addition to the airline's network in Europe affirms its commitment to maintaining global connectivity. Malta is home to Valletta, its capital city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Mdina, its old capital with more than 4,000 years of history. With 300 days of sun, the country invites travellers to explore its sun-drenched coasts, rich history, and cultural experiences. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: 'Qatar Airways remains at the forefront of supporting global connectivity with its resumption of operations in Malta. As the only airline in the Middle East with non-stop services to and from Malta, we deliver convenient travel experiences to our passengers who seek to enjoy the vibrant nature of Malta and its landscape. We welcome global travellers to travel seamlessly and conveniently with the World's Best Airline, through its home and hub, the award-winning Hamad International Airport.' Malta International Airport CEO, Mr. Alan Borg, said: 'The return of Qatar Airways as one of our airline partners is a welcome addition to our schedule, contributing to our efforts to expand our connectivity. A testament to our industry's resilience, we remain committed to facilitating the airline in increasing its operational growth in the region.' Malta Tourism Authority CEO, Mr. Carlo Micallef, said: 'We welcome the resumption of the Qatar Airways direct service between Doha and Malta. Qatar Airways' return signifies a strong recognition of Malta's tourism potential. The new schedule will strengthen Malta's connectivity with a variety of attractive and lucrative tourism source markets, and the Malta Tourism Authority remains fully committed to working in partnership with the airline to maximise business opportunities for Malta whilst ensuring the route's sustained long-term success.' Qatar Airways, a benchmark for excellence in the industry, continues to fly passengers from global markets to its European network of nearly 50 destinations through the world-class Hamad International Airport. Qatar Airways flight to Malta (MLA) Departing every Wednesday and Friday: Doha (DOH) to Malta (MLA) – Flight QR381: Departure 02:05; Arrival 06:45 Malta (MLA) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR382: Departure 10:15; Arrival 16:20 Departing every Monday and Saturday: Doha (DOH) to Malta (MLA) – Flight QR383: Departure 08:45; Arrival 13:25 Malta (MLA) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR384: Departure 17:05; Arrival 23:10 © Gulf Times Newspaper 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Daily Mail
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Delta Goodrem celebrates newlywed bliss with husband Matthew Copley as the couple cruise around Malta with celebrity pals in stunning post-wedding yacht party
Delta Goodrem 's wedding celebrations have officially gone offshore. The Aussie pop princess, 40, continued her romantic Maltese nuptials with an extravagant day at sea on Friday, hosting an exclusive yacht party for close friends two days after tying the knot with longtime love Matthew Copley. The group set sail from the coast of Valletta, boarding a luxury chartered yacht to cruise the sparkling Mediterranean in true celebrity style – and not a detail was spared. From diving into the crystal-clear water and soaking up the sun to clinking champagne flutes and sharing sweet moments on deck, the newlyweds and their glamorous guests enjoyed a relaxed yet glitzy day of post-wedding bliss. Before slipping into her swimsuit, Delta was pictured arriving in a stunning powder-blue sleeveless gown that hugged her frame and featured a dramatic draped detail at the waist. Delta was seen laughing and jumping into the water with her husband before the pair embraced in a cheeky kiss on the cheek while cooling off in the Mediterranean She accessorised with oversized white sunglasses and a wide-brimmed sunhat, flashing a huge smile as she laughed with friends and waved to onlookers. Delta later changed into a cobalt-blue one-piece swimsuit with stylish side cut-outs and tie detailing. The singer paired her look with gold bangles and her jaw-dropping diamond wedding ring. Delta's husband, musician Matthew Copley, made a stylish arrival, stepping onto the dock in a classic black collared shirt, crisp white shorts, and dark espadrilles. He carried a monogrammed tote bag and looked every bit the effortlessly chic groom. Later, he ditched the shirt and was seen relaxing on deck, wrapped in a white towel, sipping champagne and chatting with friends. In one sweet moment, Delta was seen laughing and jumping into the water with her husband before the pair embraced in a cheeky kiss on the cheek while cooling off in the Mediterranean. Among the guest list was Nine entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins, who looked cool and collected in a black button-up shirt and dark sunglasses. He was joined by partner Mia Hawkswell, who rocked a sleek black bikini with a bold red sarong tied around her waist. The couple were seen mingling with guests on the deck and enjoying the ocean breeze as festivities kicked into full swing. Delta's mother, Lea, and brother, Trent, were also spotted onboard, soaking up the sun as the Goodrem-Copley clan celebrated their big milestone. Guests at the ultra-private wedding reportedly received detailed schedules months in advance, with the celebration marking the culmination of a two-year planning process. Delta and Matthew officially said 'I do' in the most romantic setting imaginable. The singer married her longtime love and guitarist in the same country where they got engaged last year. The wedding, which took place on Monday, was an extravagant multi-day celebration attended by the couple's nearest and dearest. The star-studded nuptials had reportedly been two years in the making, with guests receiving detailed schedules ahead of the big day. The Innocent Eyes hitmaker enjoyed her hen's party in Sydney back on April 26, surrounded by close friends before jetting overseas for the lavish affair. Delta recently wrapped up a series of exclusive shows in the UK to mark 20 years since her iconic Mistaken Identity album, but it wasn't just her singing that had people talking. The songstress, who has remained private about her personal life, got engaged to Matthew, her guitarist and musical collaborator, in September 2023. 'My best friend asked me to marry him,' she giddily captioned the image, alongside a ring emoji. Delta also shared footage of the precious moment to the social media platform. Malta holds a particularly special place in her heart – not only was it the setting for her romantic engagement to Matthew, but it also boasts deep personal and professional ties for the singer. In a video shared on YouTube in 2023, Delta opened up about her bond with the southern European nation. 'My partner's family are all from Malta,' she said, before adding that many of her longtime band members and backup singers also share Maltese heritage.
