Żejtune, the new feature film by Maltese filmmaker Alex Camilleri, will be released in cinemas across Malta and Gozo on Wednesday 8 April 2026. The film will have a nationwide theatrical release, screening at Eden Cinemas in St Julian’s, Embassy Cinemas in Valletta and Citadel Cinemas in Gozo.
The film premiered at the 49th edition of the Gothenburg Film Festival, where it received a positive reception from audiences attending its screenings. Żejtune will have its official Malta premiere at Eden Cinemas on Wednesday 18 March 2026.
Audiences will also have the opportunity to meet the filmmakers and engage in post-screening discussions at two special Q&A screenings: at Citadel Cinemas in Gozo on Monday 30 March 2026, and at Embassy Cinemas in Valletta on Monday 6 April 2026.
Żejtune tells the story of Mar, played by Michela Farrugia, a young woman ready to leave the tiny island of Malta behind. The death of her estranged mother offers her a way out, through the inheritance of three pieces of land she intends to sell. As she embarks on a journey to claim her inheritance, Mar meets Nenu, portrayed by Nenu Borg (a veteran għana singer making his screen debut at the age of 82), whose vibrant folk music draws her into the colourful traditions of an island she is desperate to escape.
Commenting on the film’s release in Malta, director Alex Camilleri said:
This film has been a journey years in the making, made alongside a team who trusted that this story with Malta’s folk music at its centre could speak to audiences anywhere. The embrace we received in Gothenburg was a beautiful first affirmation of that belief. We can’t wait to bring the film home to Malta and Gozo, where the story, characters, and music were born, and where we feel they will resonate most deeply.
The film is produced by Oliver Mallia of Pellikola, Ramin Bahrani of Noruz Films and Alex Camilleri of Solari Productions, with co-producers Fred Burle and Sol Bondy of One Two Films, alongside Rebecca Anastasi. It was made in co-production with ZDF Das kleine Fernsehspiel and in association with arte, Films Boutique and Nizza Films.
Alongside Michela Farrugia and Nenu Borg, the film features a wide range of local cast members, including the screen debut of Maltese singer songwriter Michael Azzopardi in the role of Anġlu, and veteran Maltese actress Frida Cauchi as Mar’s aunt, Annette.
Producer Oliver Mallia said:
Bringing this story, our language, and għana to big screens across Malta and Gozo presents a special opportunity one in which different generations can experience a cultural moment together. The cinema is where Żejtune’s music, imagery, and performances truly come alive; we can’t wait to welcome you there and for the conversations that will follow.
Żejtune will also screen at the European Film Market during the Berlin International Film Festival on 12 and 14 February 2026. International sales are handled by Films Boutique.
The film was made with the financial support of the Malta Film Commission, Arts Council Malta, the Doha Film Institute and the Ministry for Gozo and Planning.
