The Mediterrane Film Festival has set its international jury for the event that runs June 21 to 29 in Malta. Led by festival director Ray Calleja and curator Mark Adams, the third edition of the festival celebrates the centennial of film in the island nation, set in the capital city of Valletta. More from Variety Marcia Gay Harden, Virginia Madsen, Paris Jackson and Skeet Ulrich Join Catherine Hardwicke's 'Street Smart' Catherine Hardwicke Casts Isabelle Fuhrman, Yara Shahidi, Daniel Zovatto and Michael Cimino in 'Street Smart' 'Life,' 'To a Land Unknown' Win Main Prizes at Sophomore Edition of Mediterrane Film Festival The festival features a main competition selection featuring films from across the Mediterranean, an out of competition section with global programming and the Mare Nostrum (Our Sea) highlighting narrative and documentary films dedicated to sustainability and environmental themes. The festival also hosts an industry section at the 400-year old Fort Ricasoli featuring panels, roundtables and masterclasses from industry figures. Past speakers have included director Mike Leigh, "Kinds of Kindness" editor Yorgos Mavropsaridis and "Top Gun" casting director Margery Simkin. The jury for the Golden Bee awards, which are given at a gala event on June 29, will include Oscar-winning production designer Rick Carter, costume designer Charlese Antoinette, set decorator Elli Griff, director Catherine Hardwicke, production designer James Price, and Maltese director Mario Philip Azzopardi, director of the first feature film made in Maltese. The Mare Nostrum jury includes Dublin Film Festival artistic director Grainne Humphreys and Sundance senior programmer Ania Trzebiatowska. "The Mediterrane Film Festival was born from a simple yet powerful idea – to connect creative minds from the Mediterranean and across Europe and transform their ideas into reality. We stand for opportunity, collaboration and creativity," said Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech added. "As we celebrate 100 years of filmmaking in Malta, we're honoured to welcome an exceptional panel of judges who reflect the depth, diversity, and global reach of contemporary cinema. Together with our Festival Curator, Mark Adams, we're committed to shaping a program that not only honors Malta's cinematic past but also champions bold new voices from across the Mediterranean and beyond." said Festival Director Ray Calleja. The theme of the 2025 festival is "We Are Film" – celebrating film, and connecting people through stories, emotions and shared experiences. Malta hosted its first feature film, "Sons of the Sea," in 1925, and has become a notable production hub for films and television programming including "Gladiator," "Troy," "Popeye," "Game of Thrones" and "Napoleon." Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.
