Best of Fest Encores
The colorful luzzo boats, for generations made out of wood, painted in bright yellows, reds, greens, and other colors, are a trademark of Maltese fisherman. When Jesmark finds his precious boat leaking, it might spell disaster, in this Sundance award-winning drama from director Alex Camilleri.
Jesmark is overwhelmed. Even without the leak, his livelihood is threatened by diminishing harvests, by corporate fishing, and by an ecosystem on the verge of collapse. With the leak compounding his troubles, and his newborn son requiring medical care, Jesmark turns to a black-market fishing operation that may destroy him, body and soul. One of the very few films shot in Malta and concerning a Maltese subject, Alex Camilleri spent years befriending Maltese fishermen, whom he cast in his film, most notably lead actor Jesmark Scicluna. “A ravishing portrait of tradition in transition, Luzzu brings Malta to the forefront.” --Carlos Aguilar, RogerEbert.com
Director Biography
Maltese American filmmaker Alex Camilleri, has worked with filmmaker Ramin Bahrani for many years. He has directed the short films “Elli and the Astronaut” (2009), “Still Here” (2010), and “Prickly Pear” (2017). Luzzu (2021) is his debut feature.
Sponsors
