Breaking the Silence in Brussels: Using documentary film to inspire change

Last week in Brussels we were part of a history making event that was breaking the silence on women's rights in Malta. On Valentines Day, Malta's ban on abortion was discussed within the European Parliament for the first time.

At the same event, our film No Woman is An Island screened and was followed up by a panel consisting of MEPs, activists, doctors and artists. To say it was an honour to attend EU Parliament in Brussels and stand with around 80 Maltese activists is an understatement.

We feel so proud of our collective efforts and no matter where you stand on the debate of abortion, it's a fair argument to state that women's body autonomy shouldn't be anyone else's business besides the woman.

After many similar discussions within EU Parliament laws were passed regarding LGBTQ rights and divorce in Malta. Now we’re waiting for the day that those responsible for European decision-making will do the same regarding the dire issues facing women and girls in Malta, particularly abortion.

The power of activism and the power of film are sometimes one and the same and both are not to be overlooked.

Thanks goes to MP Cyrus Engerer — the only Maltese politician to have voted in favour of abortion being declared a fundamental human right. Cyrus invited 'No Woman is an Island' and us, the producers to Brussels to stand with the Maltese activists within EU Parliement and on the streets at such a prestigious event.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Read Sarah Jayne’s blog post talking about her experience in Brussels with No Woman is an Island here.

Cats of Malta Screening at the AFI European Union Film Showcase

Now in its 36th year, the 2023 AFI European Union Film Showcase continues its tradition of bringing the best in European cinema to DC-area audiences.

Cats of Malta will have three screenings at the showcase:

Friday, December 01, 2023 05:30 PM

Sunday, December 03, 2023 11:20 AM

Tuesday, December 05, 2023 05:00 PM

Find out more here. Don’t miss out on this special event.

European Dates Announced for Cats of Malta

We shot Cats of Malta many moons and a whole pandemic ago. And now, on International Cat Day, we are thrilled to share our European release dates + territories.

Our award-winning family (and feline) friendly documentary will be released on Apple TV and Amazon on the following dates and in the following territories:

• September 21st — Malta + Spanish-speaking Latin American territories

• September 25th — UK and Ireland

• October 11th — France , Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland

A week before these dates there will be a pre-sale, so we will send another update closer to the date as a reminder. The documentary will be available in English, Spanish, and French.

Of course there are more territories to come, including the US and Australia. But for now, if you live in one of the territories above, mark the dates in your diary.

Find out more and join the Cats of Malta mailing list here.

No Woman is an Island Showcase in Rwanda

Women Deliver Conferences are one of the world’s largest multi-sectoral convenings to advance gender equality. The theme for WD2023 is Spaces, Solidarity, and Solutions and this year the festival is held in Kigali, Rwanda.

No Woman is an Island is an insightful sit down chat with five of Malta’s influential female trailblazers who are paving the way for change. The film addresses many topics affecting the lives of women and girls and instigates a much needed discussion about women’s rights on the island.

Between July 17-20th, No Woman is an Island will be showcased and screened virtually (register here) at the conference and the full unreleased trailer will be screening on the Arts & Film Festival big screen on July 17th between 10.00-10.30am.

Cats of Malta Part of the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival Official Selection

A couple of hours ago the 13th annual Chagrin Documentary Film Festival announced it’s line up. It was so thrilling to see Cats of Malta on the list amongst a selection of global films in the International Documentary section. This will be the films US premiere.

It’s been a while since we celebrated or even participated for that matter in large film festivals, (read about why here), but we are glad that Cats of Malta is the film to bring the love for festivals back for us. The family-friendly cat film is sure to lighten the mood, as documentaries are often discussing topical real life issues and social justice events. All we have to offer is a fun cat movie.

NPG can’t wait to get to Ohio, where we plan to visit or the whole festival and network with the audience and other filmmakers. The filmmakers will also be taking part in a 20 min Q&A after the film screens at 1pm on October 8th.

What we have to look forward to.

Malta's First Cat Movie Cats of Malta Selected for NY Cat Film Festival

Cats of Malta will be sending New York City a big meow from Malta later this year — the family-friendly doco has been selected for NY Cat Film Festival!

A special 20 minute version Cats of Malta is screening as part of the 5th Annual New York Cat Film Festival in New York City on Sunday October 23rd at the Village East by Angelika theater.

We love the vibrancy of NYC and it’s a city that also supports stray cats.

Spread the world to your friends, family and felines in the Big Apple — Cats of Malta is coming.

First Festival Selection for International Documentary Cats of Malta

Our family-friendly, cat-focused Maltese doco, Cats of Malta has it’s first festival selection! Cats of Malta has officially been selected to screen as part of Melbourne Documentary Film Festival.

More details to follow in the coming month.

From Malta to Melbourne

Nexus Production Group went to visit the hardworking people behind the MCCV in Parkville Melbourne today. The MCCV is screening Cats of Malta as part of a film day in St Albans, alongside two other Maltese productions; Luzzu and Blood on the Crown.

If you're in Melbourne, Cats of Malta is screening at the Bowery Theatre St Albans on April 24th - details here. It's a free event, but you must register!

Pictured: director Sarah Jayne stands outside the building.

Cats of Malta Cinema Screening & Sponsor Announcement

After working for over a year on Cats of Malta, our documentary celebrating the island’s stray cats and the people who look after them, is finally set to have a premiere screening in Malta!

Several screenings actually, with three showings of the film lined up for November and December at both Eden Cinemas in St Julians and Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta. If you are in Malta, we hope to see you there! The dates are as follows:

• Premiere @ Eden Cinemas — Thursday 25th November, 8pm in the foyer, for a 9pm start. Includes a Q&A with the cast and filmmakers. Tickets €9 and now on sale here.

• Encore @ Spazju Kreattiv Cinema Saturday, November 27th. 5.30pm. Tickets on sale soon.

• Encore 2 @ Spazju Kreattiv Cinema Saturday, December 3rd. 9.00pm

In further news about Cats of Malta, we have secured two sponsors; Malta Tourism Authority and Borg Cardona & Co. Ltd., who are donating cat food as part of their sponsorship contribution to our interviewees.

Check out what they are all about on the Cats of Malta website and if you are in Malta we hope to see and meet you at the screenings above.

Female Driven Doco Focused on Malta's Rebellious Women Wrapped

One day before we left Malta for a re-location move we managed to wrap our second documentary No Woman is an Island.

No Woman is an Island is an exploration into what it means to be a woman in Malta right now when your views and methods of self-expression are misunderstood and seen as unconventional in the eyes of locals. Through interviews with five women who are pushing political and social boundaries, while challenging traditional gender norms, we discover the current issues facing women and pinpoint where change still needs to be made.

Deliberately and candidly shot through the female gaze, through the eyes of Malta's unconventional, innovative female free thinkers, No Woman is an Island is a documentary that is sure to cause a stir in Malta. The themes of the doco fit in well with Malta’s current social justice climate that sees women still shouting to be heard across various areas that affect the daily lives of women across the island.

We are super excited for the release of this one as it really is going to be a talking point in Malta and get a discussion flowing. Hopefully, this stir will be part of the change of attitude and action Malta needs in order to start seeing women as equals and individuals worthy of equal rights.

Find out more and follow the film’s page here.

No Woman is an Island Begins Production

Production has begun on our latest documentary titled No Woman is an Island, which interviews innovative, free-thinking women in Malta, and explores what it is like to be loud, independent, and defiantly female on a small island that is often conservative.

Our first interview was with Undine LaVerve, Malta's pioneering and premier burlesque artist. It was a revealing conversation an absolute pleasure to film with her.

Over the next month we are aiming to complete production on this documentary and then begin post-production in August. A release is planned for late 2021 and we look forward to bringing you more news about the progress of No Woman is an Island. Stay tuned and follow the progress here, on the offical page.

Cats of Malta Kickstarter

After 10 months of pouring our hearts and soul into this cat focused documentary, we are now in post production – so close to the finish line! We have an ambitious goal but we KNOW that with our incredible cat-loving audience and soon-to-be new fans around the world, we can do this. YOU can do this!

Please take 2 minutes to go to our Kickstarter page, check out our project, and consider supporting our campaign.

A family friendly story about Malta's underrated cat culture, how these stray felines unite the island, enhance the landscape, radiate positivity and bewitch the human population – believe it or not – needs help getting in front of people.

SO TAKE A TRIP THROUGH MALTA WITH US, MEET THE CATS, THE FEEDERS, THE ARTISTS & HEAR THEIR STORIES.

Check out the video below and go the campaign page here:

www.CatsofMaltaFilm.com