Kinemastik’s 20th Birthday Bash, A Celebration of Cinema at Msida Bastion
Kinemastik, the International Short Film Festival, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a weekend full of cinematic and musical delights. The festivities kick off on Friday, 26 July, and continue into Saturday, 27 July. The organisers promise a lively experience set against the unique and stunning backdrop of the Msida Bastion Cemetery and Historic Garden in Malta, a venue that will surely intrigue you.
Friday, 26 July, 2024, A Relaxing Sundown and Cinematic Beginnings
The celebration begins with a relaxed evening on Friday, as doors open at 19:30. Guests are invited to unwind in the beautiful gardens to enjoy a sundown while sipping drinks from the bar. The evening will feature a curated soundtrack to help guests ease into the weekend.
At 20:45, the film program will commence with a carefully selected lineup of short films, divided into two halves of approximately 65 minutes each. This screening will preview the diverse and innovative films featured at Kinemastik.
Following the films, attendees will be introduced to ACCLA, a unique project led by Adrian Camilleri, an anthropologist, filmmaker, and artist based in Malta. ACCLA explores the intersection of sound with digital, spiritual, and ancestral imagery, promising a compelling auditory and visual experience.
The evening will also feature an exceptional performance by Capitol K, returning to the Kinemastik stage for the first time in four years. Francesca Mangion will close the night with a dynamic DJ set. Guests are encouraged to save some energy for Saturday’s festivities, but the Friday night lineup will be an exciting start to the celebrations.
Saturday, 27 July, 2024, An evening of Cinematic Wonders and Musical Accompaniment
Saturday’s celebrations continue with the festival’s hallmark presentation of a diverse range of short films from across the globe. Set in the gardens, this year’s lineup promises to push the boundaries of storytelling and artistry, offering an exciting experience for all film enthusiasts.
Johnny Jewel (AV LIVE)
The evening will feature a captivating live audiovisual performance by Johnny Jewel, the founder of Italians Do It Better. Jewel’s performance will traverse his illustrious career, including his acclaimed film scores for Drive and Lost River, offering an immersive experience that blends music and visuals in a truly magical and engaging way.
Desire (DJ Set)
Following Jewel, Megan Louise of Desire will deliver a DJ set infused with 1980s synth-wave. Known for their hit track “Under Your Spell”, Desire’s set will provide a dream-like sonic journey accompanied by vibrant visuals that evoke a neon-noir atmosphere.
Hassan Abou Alam (DJ)
Hassan Abou Alam will bring his genre-blending prowess to the stage, combining traditional Egyptian folklore with modern electronica. His unique sound, showcased in his Boiler Room set and global collaborations, offers a distinctive and engaging performance.
Dean Wengrow (DJ)
Dean Wengrow, a veteran of Kinemastik’s music scene, will round out the night. His eclectic DJ set, which spans a range of genres from Space/Italo disco to techno, will ensure a dynamic and memorable conclusion to the festival.
An Unforgettable Celebration
Kinemastik’s 20th anniversary is set to be a truly special edition of this popular event. With a wide assortment of films and live performances, the festival offers an original blend of artistic expression and entertainment.
Tickets are available now, follow Kinemastik on social media for updates and more information. Here’s to 20 years of Kinemastik and many more to come!
Will you be attending? Be sure to join the festivities starting on Friday, 26 July, and continue the celebration into Saturday’s grand events!
