The award was presented during the festival’s awards ceremony in New York City, where Żejtune was competing in the International Narrative Competition, one of Tribeca’s most prominent sections dedicated to contemporary world cinema.

The winning screenplay was selected by a jury comprising film executive Amanda Trokan, producer and Marrakech International Film Festival director Mélita Toscan du Plantier, and acclaimed actor Benedict Wong.

Presenting the award on behalf of the jury, Wong praised the film as:

“A film about reclaiming, reconnection, and preserving history as well as music. Not only did the writing manage to pull us into a world we on the jury hadn’t been before, but it supported the brilliant performances of its leads and allowed them to shine.”

Accepting the award, Camilleri said it was an honour to tell stories rooted in Malta and thanked Tribeca for providing a platform to share Maltese culture with international audiences. He also acknowledged the cast, producers and crew whose work brought the film to life.

Co-founded by Robert De Niro, the Tribeca Film Festival is regarded as one of the United States’ leading cultural events and an important showcase for international cinema.

Żejtune celebrated its North American premiere on 6 June before a near-capacity audience and went on to receive two additional screenings during its New York run.

Camilleri attended the festival alongside producers Oliver Mallia and Ramin Bahrani, lead actress Michela Farrugia, and actor Nenu Borg.

Produced by Pellikola, Solari Productions and Noruz Films, in co-production with One Two Films, Żejtune tells the story of Mar, a young woman determined to leave Malta behind. Her plans are interrupted when she encounters an ageing għana singer whose music reconnects her with the island’s traditions and cultural heritage.

Following its success at Tribeca, Żejtune will continue its international festival circuit this month with screenings at the Festival du Film de Cabourg, Cinema Jove in Spain, and the Mediterranean Film Festival.

The film is currently in its tenth week of theatrical release in Malta and continues to screen daily at Embassy Cinemas. Additional screenings are also scheduled at Spazju Kreattiv in the coming weeks.