'A fictional story about mankind's survival'

The teaser trailer seems to be generating a healthy amount of buzz online. Does this give you hope that the film might get made sooner, rather than later?

The teaser trailer is part of the development package of the film and was intended for prospective producers and investors, not a general audience.

Its release on the internet was a happy accident. The fact that people responded so well to it encourages my team and I, as it is certainly a sign that the work we are doing is effective and will pay off eventually.

Of course, being able to add healthy viewings to the development package is in itself a plus point for prospective producers and investors. Now we hope that their response will be as good as that of the audience. So far, we are hopeful.

Do you think that having a grounding in (recent) historical reality helped to generate interest in the film? Do you think you would have managed to get as far as you have if the film was still set in Malta, but didn’t have such a topical news event attached to it?

I think that from the way the teaser spread on the internet it is clear that what people responded to first and foremost was the overall artistic impression... the look, the feel, the music. Of course the content plays a part, but in this case it certainly wasn’t the only – or the most prominent – element.

I think the fact that the piece is set in Malta, and the majority of the team is Maltese, had a lot to do with the teaser going viral locally. I think Maltese audiences are hungry to see local talent, as well as local stories in local settings.

Since you are struggling to get the very first local production that could generate international interest off the ground… what would you say are the most pressing issues that need to be addressed if Malta ever hopes to become a genuine film-producing nation? Would you say that some serious infrastructural overhauls would be required?

The only way to learn how to make films is to make films! So education and practice are key. Unfortunately, despite the digital revolution, film is still an expensive artform.

Grants and training like that provided by the Film Fund, and the courses at University and MCAST are a good start. Like all new industries, it cannot be built overnight and there are a certain amount of growing pains which – for the most part – are inevitable.

Definitely, we need to learn how to specialise in one area and not try to do a multitude of roles with limited knowledge. Attention to detail is crucial and there is a reason why even a 40-year-old recognised director is considered young: it takes years to hone the necessary knowledge and skills to make a good film.

If we want to build something properly it’s going to take time, dedication and perseverance; from the part of the educators, the filmmakers, and the cultural bodies.

Out of the investors that have already pledged their support of the film, what were some of the main selling points of the production?

Definitely the story. Although inspired by the Simshar incident amongst others, the film is a fictional three-tiered story which is ultimately about mankind’s struggle for survival. It is the combination of this universal theme with a rich, not often seen local setting, which repeatedly attracts people to the film.

Of course the thorough development work the team has done helps seal the deal; however, the story is the fundamental element which opens the door.

Do you think that Malta has enough film-worthy stories in it to sustain an entire, future industry?

Malta has a very interesting and eclectic culture and history, from which innumerable stories can be extracted. However, stories do not need to come from, or be intrinsically tied to, a filmmaker’s place of origin. Furthermore, a good storyteller can spin a story from anything... again, we come back to the importance of good theoretical and practical, education and training.

For more information on the film and to see the trailer, log on to http://simsharthefilm.com.