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Going global! 'Cats of Malta' documentary poster spotted in Japan ahead of weekend premiere
The documentary features local feline friends!

Francesca Vella

Marco Vella

Did you know that Maltese cats have quite the fanbase in Japan? Some Japanese tourists even visit the Maltese Islands just to enjoy the company of its beloved feline residents! It’s no wonder, then, that the locally-made documentary 'Cats of Malta', created by Sarah Jayne Portelli and Ivan Malekin, is set to screen in Japan this weekend.

While exploring Osaka, a Maltese tourist spotted a poster promoting the film, which boasts an impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The documentary proudly shows Malta’s community of feeders, volunteers, and devoted cat-lovers. However, bringing this project to life wasn’t without its challenges - the filmmakers spent years crowdfunding to cover production costs.

For its Japanese release, the film has been aptly titled 'Nekoshima', which translates to 'Cat Island'. The first screening is set for Friday 10th January, so if you’re a cat enthusiast in Japan, grab your popcorn - it’s time to celebrate Malta’s furry ambassadors!

Have you seen this documentary?

7th January 2025


Francesca Vella
Written by
Francesca Vella
Francesca has always felt most at home in a cinema or theatre, particularly if musicals are involved. She loves to read, write, and share about her experiences of both the fictional and the real world.

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