The Embassy of Malta and the Culture Diplomacy Fund in cooperation with The Malta Film Commission organized on the 17 of June 2013 an event entitled ‘CineMalte – les possibilités d’une Ile’.  This was the first time ever that such a cultural activity promoting the Maltese cinematographic industry was held in Paris.

The event was held at the Louxor Palais de Cinema which just completed, only weeks ago, a 25-million-euro refurbishment project by the City of Paris bringing to life again this historic cinema and unique Paris landmark.  The Louxor is an art-deco architecture jewel designed in 1920 in neo-Egyptian style when films were still silent.  One can in fact still see the platform of the orchestra which used to accompany the silent films. 

The event was very successful with around three hundred people attending the event including several journalists, many ambassadors and diplomats, bankers, film producers and others. 

This event by the Embassy was mentioned by the reputable French daily, Le Figaro, in an article it published recently on the renaissance of the Louxor.

The event started with a welcome address by the Ambassador of Malta H.E. Pierre Clive Agius who explained to the audience that Malta is very resourceful in culture.  Mr. Peter Busuttil the Maltese Film Commissioner also intervened and spoke about the film-making industry in Malta.

The Maltese production ‘Simshar’ which is currently in production by Rebecca Cremona took centre stage with the projection of the trailer and the making of.  The film was introduced by the French associate producer Angélique Muller and the French actors Sékouba Dacouré and Laura Kpegli.  The first reactions from the audience were indeed enthusiastic and flattering.

The event continued with the projection of the film Agora which was entirely produced in Malta – a film which demonstrates the capacities and capabilities of Malta and the Maltese in film making.  

A publication by the Embassy of Malta about film making in Malta (including short film production) was distributed to the spectators who showed keen interest.  The guests were also able to take home a specifically designed Maltese bag with Maltese products.