Malta-based, Serbian-born filmmaker Aleksa Ristovic is set to represent Malta on the international stage at the Hard Faith™ Film Festival in Los Angeles this July, where his short film Stations of the Cross will have its official U.S. premiere.

Taking place from July 17–19, 2025, the festival celebrates films that explore themes of resilience, faith, and human endurance, making Stations of the Cross a standout finalist. Shot entirely in Gozo, just beside the iconic Ta’ Pinu sanctuary, the film has already been recognised worldwide, racking up a series of prestigious awards and selections across Europe, North America, and beyond.

This marks a major milestone for the independent filmmaker, who is attending the festival fully self-funded, with no corporate or government backing, driven solely by a passion for storytelling and the dream of bringing home an award for Malta.

“Just being selected as a finalist is already a huge achievement for someone working outside the traditional studio system,” says Ristovic, who has worked in Malta’s media industry for over a decade. “I’m proud to represent Malta and to show what’s possible, even with limited resources.”

Stations of the Cross has already garnered an impressive list of accolades, including:

• Best International Short – Washington DC International Cinema Festival
• Best Religion & Faith Short Film – Roma Short Film Festival
• Best Experimental Short – Ural Shorts Festival, Russia
• Broadcast Five Times on TVM during Holy Week 2025
• Official Selection – Carmarthen Bay Film Festival (a BAFTA-qualifying event)
• Selected at Three Canadian Festivals, including Canadian Screen Award-qualifying festivals
• Screened Across Europe and South Africa
• These recognitions position Stations of the Cross as one of the most successful short films ever made independently in Malta.

While most filmmakers rely on production companies, grants, or sponsors, Ristovic has pursued this dream on his own terms. “This film was made with heart, not a big budget. It’s a story rooted in place, faith, and perseverance. I’m grateful to Gozo, and to Malta, for being such a powerful backdrop for it,” he says.

As he prepares for the red carpet and industry panels in Los Angeles, Ristovic is eager to share the experience with audiences back home. He plans to document the trip with behind-the-scenes content and media, giving Maltese readers a glimpse into what it’s like to compete internationally as an independent filmmaker.

For more on Aleksa Ristovic’s film profile, visit his official page here!