Maltese Film Illusion of Faith Receives Five Nominations at Los Angeles Film Festival
Maltese independent feature film Illusion of Faith is set to premiere at the Hard Faith Fest in Los Angeles on 25 June 2026, where it will compete with five major nominations.
The production is a collaboration between Maltese and international filmmakers based in Malta, led by established Malta-based and internationally recognised filmmaker Aleksa Ristović and his production house Ristones Movies.
Illusion of Faith is a highly international production, bringing together artists and filmmakers from Malta, Serbia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Venezuela, Brazil and Poland, reflecting the film’s multicultural spirit and broad creative collaboration.
Described as a mystery drama exploring the boundaries between faith, reason and the unknown, the film follows a fugitive whose arrival draws a detective into a case that challenges logic, belief and reality itself.
The film received nominations in the following categories:
- Best Feature Film
- Best International Film
- Best Script / Writing
- Best Director
- Best Production
International and Maltese Cast
The film features a large and diverse cast including Maltese and international talent:
Henry Zammit Cordina, Aleksa Ristović, Jaimie Busuttil, Frida Cauchi, Hristijan Hrist Kostovski, Vladimir Čabak, Mikhail Basmadjian, Josette Ciappara, Kat Bokity Lazarević, Marcelo Castelo, Johana Sepúlveda, Paul Sant, Clara Sciberras, Francesco Borg, Jeremy Vella, Doroteja Ristović and Jessica Jane Cassar among others.
The filmmakers highlighted the powerful performance of Henry Zammit Cordina, whose role brought emotional depth and authenticity to the film.
The film is directed by Aleksa Ristović, who also played a major role in the production process through writing, editing and cinematography.
The production makes extensive use of Malta’s religious locations, historic chapels and coastal landscapes, giving the film a distinctive visual atmosphere that strengthens its spiritual and mysterious themes.
Malta itself becomes an essential part of the film’s storytelling and identity.
Five cinematographers contributed to the production, with the work of Vangel Pandeliev standing out through his collaboration with director of photography Aleksa Ristović.
The original soundtrack was composed by several composers, including Aleksandar Zavišin, Craig Saliba, Mark Farrugia and Conrad Dimech.
The music ranges from emotional orchestral themes to more intense and dramatic compositions, playing an important role in reinforcing the tension and spiritual atmosphere of the story.
The film also has a strong connection to the United States through its executive producer Chris Johnson, whose generous support helped make the production possible.
