Behind the Lens of Castillo | Interview with Director Abigail Mallia and Screen Writer Carlos Debattista
Abigail Mallia and Carlos Debattista
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Maltese filmmakers, director Abigail Mallia and screen writer Carlos Debattista, the creative TakeTwo duo behind the much-anticipated film Castillo, in cinemas from 20 September 2024. Known for their collaborative work spanning over two decades, Abigail and Carlos have brought to life a rich and emotionally charged adaptation of Clare Azzopardi’s novel Castillo. In this interview, they share insights into the process of transforming the novel into a feature film, the challenges they faced, and the themes that inspired their work. From exploring complex family dynamics to blending magical realism with Malta’s cultural backdrop, Abigail and Carlos offer a glimpse behind the scenes of their latest cinematic journey.
What drew you to Clare Azzopardi’s novel ‘Castillo’ and inspired you to adapt it into a feature film?
Abigail: When I read Castillo, I was immediately drawn to Emma, one of the protagonists. A woman choosing to abandon her family, especially in the 1980s, was quite unconventional. Exploring her struggle with maternal instinct really intrigued me. Additionally, I was captivated by the fictional character Castillo, a lead in a crime novel series, and the challenge of blending this fictional world with the real one, particularly the merging of Emma’s reality with Castillo’s fiction. That creative tension is what pulled me into the project.
Carlos: Castillo made me nostalgic for the Malta of my childhood—grittier, less developed, with all its quirks and imperfections. I connected deeply with that, especially through the world Castillo inhabits. I’ve always been drawn to magical realism, so the opportunity to blend Inspector Castillo’s fictional world with the reality of Amanda, Emma, and Cathy (the author of the Castillo crime series) was exciting. I also loved the dynamic between the three women and how their relationship explores motherhood, family tensions, and buried secrets. That depth made me realise this story had to be told.
Can you talk about your collaboration and how your dynamic influenced the making of this film?
Abigail: Carlos and I have been collaborating for almost twenty years, so there’s a strong trust and understanding between us. It’s a very open, creative space where I feel safe to explore ideas. We work together at every stage, from plot development to production, consulting each other constantly to ensure the best decisions are made for the project. Of course, there are stressful moments, even arguments, but our mutual respect and passion for the work always bring us back.
Carlos: After two decades of working together, our creative relationship is built on mutual admiration and trust. Abi is one of the few people I’m comfortable sharing my drafts with because I know her insights are invaluable. We plot together, then I go off and write before we come back to review the drafts. We often clash, but that friction leads to better results. Once we get to production, Abi takes the lead as director, and I focus on support roles. Our shared vision and trust in each other’s abilities make the process smoother, even when it gets intense.
How closely does the film follow the events of the novel, and were there any significant changes during the adaptation process?
Abigail: There were significant changes made, but I believe they’re still true to the essence of the book. We had to introduce different plotlines and raise the stakes to drive the narrative forward. However, the core themes of the novel remain intact.
Carlos: A film and a novel are very different mediums. While the mechanics of storytelling are similar, the pacing and unfolding of events are vastly different. We had to condense and adapt the story to fit the runtime, but as Abi said, the soul of the story is unchanged. The themes are very much aligned with how we interpreted them from the book.
Can you describe the character of Amanda and her journey throughout the film?
Abigail: Amanda was abandoned by her mother at eight years old, and now she’s trying her best to be a good mother to her daughter, Klarissa. When she reunites with her estranged mother, Emma, after many years, it triggers repressed fears—questions of self-worth and whether she’s doomed to repeat her mother’s mistakes.
Carlos: Amanda has carried the pain of abandonment for years, and her father’s resentment only deepened her feelings of worthlessness. She tries to be the best mother possible, but when she faces her mother after 27 years, she’s forced to confront her greatest fear: that she might be like Emma. As she delves into her family’s past, Amanda embarks on a journey of self-discovery, questioning everything she once believed.
How did you approach the complex relationship between Amanda and her mother?
Abigail: That relationship is what initially drew me to the novel. The first meeting between these two women is so compelling—you can feel Amanda’s emotional walls, her refusal to be vulnerable. But as the story unfolds, she realises that vulnerability is the only way forward, which begins to shift things for her.
Carlos: From the moment Amanda meets her mother again, her emotions are tightly controlled, but it’s clear she’s carrying deep pain. As their relationship evolves, and Amanda learns more about Emma’s story, she’s forced to reassess her own feelings and her life. It’s a slow unravelling of the hurt she’s carried for years.
The story deals with themes of family, retribution, and uncovering dark pasts. How did you balance these heavy themes to create a compelling narrative?
Abigail: We balanced the heavier themes with moments of comedy. Characters like Police Commissioner Castillo and Cathy, the creator of Castillo, offer comic relief. Additionally, we introduced a mystery-thriller element, so while the audience is exploring the deep themes, they’re also engaged in solving the murder of Cathy Penza.
Carlos: The novel gave us room to explore both the real world and Castillo’s fictional world. By blending these dimensions, we were able to keep the story dynamic. Our approach has always been to mix drama with comedy, so you have poignant moments but also larger-than-life characters like Castillo. The mystery element keeps the audience engaged as the themes unfold naturally within the plot.
What message or emotion do you hope the audience takes away from ‘Castillo’?
Abigail: For me, it’s about forgiveness—of one’s parents for their humanity and flaws, but more importantly, of oneself. Accepting that everyone is worthy of love is a key takeaway.
Carlos: I hope audiences see that even in the darkest moments, love is the one constant source of hope.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while bringing ‘Castillo’ to life on screen?
Abigail: The budget was the biggest challenge. The project spans two eras, and local budgets are always a limiting factor in production, especially for something this ambitious.
Carlos: It was our biggest project yet, with a large team working over several months. Recreating three dimensions—the Malta of the late ’70s and ’80s, the Malta of 2006, and Castillo’s fictional world—was a huge task. But the passion and dedication of the cast and crew pushed us through.
Were there any particularly memorable moments during filming?
Abigail:We had a complex rotating camera scene that involved a life-size plastic horse—quite the challenge! Despite the stress, achieving that shot was incredibly satisfying. It was a proud moment for the team.
Carlos: There were many memorable moments. Working with the smaller characters from Clare’s novel and giving them life on screen was a joy. Castillo’s fictional world gave us the freedom to experiment with lighting, set design, and camera work. We pushed ourselves creatively, and I believe it shows in the final product.
How does the Maltese setting and cultural background influence the story and its characters?
Abigail: Castillo is a Maltese tale, through and through.
Carlos: The film is steeped in nostalgia for Malta—the humor, the themes, even the underlying tension reflects our cultural identity. It’s a human story set in Malta, speaking to our truths from the recent past.
What makes ‘Castillo’ stand out from traditional Maltese storytelling?
Abigail: What sets Castillo apart is the merging of real and fictional characters sharing scenes. It’s a unique piece, unlike anything we’ve done before.
Carlos: It’s hard to define traditional Maltese storytelling, but Castillo blends urban fantasy with real-world dynamics in a way that feels fresh and different. That’s what made it special for me as a writer.
How did the cast and crew contribute to the overall vision of the film?
Abigail: The cast and crew were essential. Carlos and I encourage collaboration, so we give space for team members to share their thoughts and ideas. It adds layers to the work.
Carlos: The cast and crew were incredible. Their dedication and passion were the driving force behind the film. It felt like a family working toward a common goal.
This being your third feature film, how do you feel you’ve grown as filmmakers?
Abigail: I felt much more confident on set this time around. I knew exactly what I wanted and how to achieve it, which allowed me to fully enjoy the process. I think that confidence will show on screen.
Carlos: As a writer, I’ve grown with each project, learning more about the craft. Fantasy and magical realism were my first loves, so Castillo was a chance to return to that, which was great fun. The production team has also matured, and everything ran more smoothly compared to our earlier films.
What’s next for you both?
Abigail: I’m working on internationalizing my career, pitching Take//Two projects in LA, and aiming to get an agent.
Carlos: We’re focused on exporting our work and continuing to tell Maltese stories on an international stage. That’s always been a core goal for Take//Two.
Are there any stories or genres you’re interested in exploring in the future?
Carlos: I’m always open to exploring new stories, but my heart will always be with fantasy and anything that has a touch of magic.
When is ‘Castillo’ scheduled for release?
Abi & Carlos: Castillo will premiere on 20 September at Eden and will screen for a few weeks.
Are there plans for festival screenings or international distribution?
Abi & Carlos: Yes, we’ll announce the festival screenings soon, and we’re actively working on international distribution.
Castillo is set to premiere on 20 September 2024 at Eden Cinemas with regular screenings starting from 21 September 2024.
