“You never know what’s going to catch on”: John Cleese, Famke Janssen and more at Mediterrane Film Festival 2026

The fourth edition of the Mediterrane Film Festival has just concluded in Valletta, confirming its status as Southern Europe’s fastest-growing cinematic hub and a vital bridge between continents. The 2026 instalment was a vibrant celebration of global talent, screening over 35 films from more than 20 countries. From the Big Screen blockbusters to the environmentally conscious Mare Nostrum strand, the festival turned the Maltese capital into a sprawling dialogue between industry veterans and new voices.

The event reached its climax at the Malta Film Studios with a glitzy ceremony for 1,400 guests. Hosted by British comedian Jack Whitehall – who kept the crowd laughing with his self-deprecating wit – the night featured a projected Leona Lewis singing Bleeding Love on a giant water fountain and multiple fireworks illuminating the sky. Whitehall even jokingly announced a “new James Bond” in the form of Film Commissioner Johann Grech, a nod to Grech’s role in the recent boom of the Maltese film industry. The top prize, the Golden Bee, went to Steven Soderbergh’s The Christophers, while other major honours were shared by films like In a Whisper and All Rivers Spill Their Stories to the Sea.

During the festival, The Upcoming had the pleasure of conducting several in-depth one-to-one interviews, as well as catching up with the stars on the red carpet. The final night’s red carpet brought together a wide array of industry icons. Robin Tunney discussed the 30^th anniversary of The Craft and the enduring appeal of The Mentalist. She expressed her pride in being part of stories that empower “outsiders” and noted her enthusiasm for working with the next generation of female directors. 

Famke Janssen reflected on the lasting impact of her roles in GoldenEye and X-Men, describing the movie set as a sanctuary where she has forged her deepest friendships over several decades.

T’Nia Miller shared her storytelling roots, mentioning how childhood classics like The Wizard of Oz shaped her career. She also touched on the human spirit found in Russell T Davies’s writing and her excitement for her upcoming entry into the Marvel universe.

Nonso Anozie spoke passionately about the importance of inclusion, arguing that festivals like Malta are vital for bringing African and Middle Eastern stories to a global audience. He emphasised that shared narratives are the key to understanding our common humanity. 

Jack Whitehall reflected on playing the “buffoon” William Rodney in Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day, finding the vulnerability within the comedy. He also shared his joy in hosting the ceremony and his lifelong dream of finally working on a project in Malta.

The legendary John Cleese, recipient of the Icon Award, offered a dry critique of modern cinema, noting a lack of films aimed at an adult audience. He spoke about the random nature of success with Monty Python and his appreciation for Malta’s extraordinary history. 

Omar Epps reflected on his career from House to his new Afro-futuristic writing, expressing a desire to inspire the next generation of creators. 

Composer Harold Faltermeyer revisited his legendary work on Top Gun, sharing memories of the original “rock and roll in the sky” pitch and his recent collaboration with Hans Zimmer on Maverick. 

In a sit-down interview, we heard from director James Nunn and actor Joaquim De Almeida about their collaboration on the predator-thriller Hungry. Nunn shared his childhood fascination with 90s classics like Jurassic Park, explaining how he sought to recreate that practical-effects magic with territorial hippos. De Almeida reflected on the physical demands of the project, contrasting his usual sophisticated roles with the gruelling reality of freezing night shoots in the Maltese waters.

Jeanie Finlay and Charlie Phillips discussed the making of their documentary All Rivers Spill Their Stories to the Sea. They explored the importance of giving visibility to marginalised communities, specifically the fishers of North East England. Finlay addressed the blend of investigative grit and dark humour used to tell the story, while Phillips touched on the necessity of independent filmmaking as a means to challenge institutional power and give a voice to those often ignored by mainstream media.

Director Andy Tennant provided insights into his rhythmic approach to filmmaking, drawing on his early background as a dancer in Grease. Tennant discussed how physical movement and blocking are essential to authentic storytelling, expressing a preference for “gut-feeling” directing over the data-driven methods often found in modern Hollywood. 

Similarly, animation director Kyle Balda reflected on his 30-year career from Pixar to Minions. He spoke about the evolution of the medium and the importance of avoiding clichés, arguing that animators must constantly seek out subtle, human nuances to stay ahead of shifting technologies.

Photographer Lorenzo Agius spoke about his Icons exhibition and the psychological depth of portraiture. Agius reflected on his ability to build quick trust with world-famous subjects, explaining that his goal is always to find the “real person” beneath the fame through a quiet, instinctive dialogue. 

This focus on the human element was echoed by casting director Theo Park, who discussed her work on Ted Lasso. Park shared her perspective on the unteachable “eye” for talent and offered a candid look at the personal sacrifices required to balance a high-level career with family life.

Greg Foster, the former CEO of IMAX, detailed the company’s evolution into a global blockbuster essential. Foster discussed his pivotal partnerships with directors like Christopher Nolan and how the immersive nature of the theatre experience remains the gold standard for quality cinema. 

In a unique session conducted on a boat, we spoke with Abigail Borg, a veteran dive supervisor and underwater action director known for her work on epics like Gladiator 2. Borg discussed the immense mental discipline required to manage high-stakes sequences beneath the waves. She explained how her role involves turning the potential panic of an underwater set into a controlled, safe environment, emphasising that for an actor or director, the mind must be treated as a precise tool rather than an unpredictable force.

Shortly after the festival, we caught up with Lifetime Achievement recipient Andy Harries via Zoom. The producer behind The Crown and The Queen discussed his roots in investigative journalism and how that documentary-maker’s eye for social reality continues to influence his scripted dramas. Harries reflected on his long-term collaboration with Peter Morgan and the “instinctive” bravery required to pitch high-budget epics like The Crown. He also touched upon his commitment to regional storytelling and his desire to keep the BBC vibrant, emphasising that despite the shifting industry, one must always strive to stay ahead of the curve.

Eya Bouteraa (interviewed via Zoom) reflected on her Special Jury Award for performance in In a Whisper. She discussed the symbolic nature of the “Bee” trophy and the intricate mother-daughter dynamics of the film, focusing on the search for self-acceptance within the Tunisian diaspora.

Leaving Malta, one carries away much more than just a collection of interviews; one leaves with a renewed sense of hope for the future of cinema. The 2026 Mediterrane Film Festival succeeded in its most vital mission: to be more than just a trade event, serving instead as a true cultural crossroads. Set against the sun-bleached limestone and azure waters of Valletta, the island provided a backdrop where global ambition met genuine local heart. It is a rare feat to find a festival that feels both world-class in its scale and intimately personal in its atmosphere, proving that the Mediterranean is not merely a sea that divides, but a stage that unites all.

Laura Della Corte

For more information about the Mediterrane Film Festival, visit here.

The winners of the fourth Mediterrane Film Festival were announced on 28^th June 2026: Best Feature Film (Big Screen Competition) – The Christophers (Steven Soderbergh); Best Performance (Big Screen Competition) – Haley Bennett for Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day; Best Screenwriting (Big Screen Competition) – Ed Solomon for The Christophers; Best Original Score (Big Screen Competition) – Danny Elfman for Dead Man’s Wire; People’s Choice Award (Big Screen Competition) – Beast Of War (Kiah Roache-Turner); Best Mediterranean Film (Mediterranean Competition) – In A Whisper (Leyla Bouzid); Special Jury Award (Mediterranean Competition) – Eya Bouteraa for In A Whisper; People’s Choice Award (Mare Nostrum) – All Rivers Spill Their Stories to the Sea (Jeanie Finlay); The Icon Award – John Cleese; Rising Star – Dove Cameron; Lifetime Achievement – Andy Harries; Entrepreneur in Film – Vincent Pace.