Anyone who enjoyed the debut feature ‘Luzzu’ of Maltese-American filmmaker Alex Camilleri has plenty to look forward to this year, in the run-up for his sophomore feature: ‘Żejtune’. In fact, this latest film will have its world premiere at the Gothenburg Film Festival in Sweden later this month.

The film has been selected for the festival’s International Competition and will screen for the first time on Thursday, 29th January 2026, during the festival’s 49th edition.

Founded in 1979, the Gothenburg Film Festival is Scandinavia’s largest and one of the world’s leading audience-driven festivals, attracting more than 270,000 visits in 2025 alone. Żejtune will compete alongside films from across the globe, with audiences voting to determine the Best International Film.

Starring Michela Farrugia as Mar, Żejtune follows a young woman eager to leave Malta behind. The death of her estranged mother presents an apparent escape route through the inheritance of three plots of land she plans to sell.

However, her journey leads her to Nenu, played by veteran għana singer Nenu Borg, who makes his screen debut at the age of 82. Through his music and presence, Mar is drawn into the traditions and rhythms of an island she is desperate to escape.

The film also features familiar local faces, including Frida Cauchi, who played Carmen in Luzzu, and singer-songwriter Michael Azzopardi as Anġlu.

Alex Camilleri described Gothenburg as the ideal place to launch the film, highlighting the festival’s emphasis on shared, collective viewing experiences. The film is produced by Oliver Mallia, Ramin Bahrani and Camilleri, with an international team of co-producers and partners.

Featuring a largely local cast and crew of over 90 people, Żejtune was made with support from several cultural institutions and funding bodies.

Even in its short teaser, Żejtune carries a strong sense of mood, helped along by the music of Jon Natchez, the Grammy-winning musician and composer behind Luzzu’s haunting soundscape. If his Sundance-winning debut is anything to go by, Alex Camilleri’s return to the big screen is one to watch closely.

The film is scheduled for release in Maltese cinemas this spring, with further details to be announced in early February.

Are you excited for this release?