The film is Malta’s first ever submission to the Academy Awards. It has received excellent international reviews. Its release in Malta was extremely successful and it has also screened in Brussels, Portugal, Cyprus and Africa, where it has done very well and won several awards. There are upcoming screenings scheduled in Canada, France, Germany, Macedonia, Greece and several other countries – both in prestigious festivals and as theatrical releases.
The movie is now showing in Australia (currently in 12 cinemas in 5 States and 1 Territory – please see full list of cinemas below).
Other than being special because it is the first time a Maltese film is being distributed in Australia, it means a lot to us because there is a very significant Maltese community in Australia.
Rebecca Cremona, the writer and director of ‘Simshar’, was interviewed on ABC TV Breakfast show in Australia on 23 September, when she spoke about Malta’s first international feature film, about two parallel stories of survival at sea (To view the interview visit the link at https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10153262521978983&id=74945553982&ref=bookmarks)
Some of the film reviews:
“Malta is a favoured destination for Hollywood filmmakers but its own industry is just setting sail – and Simshar is leading the fleet” – Philippa Hawker
THE AGE http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/movies/simshar-maltas-first-oscar-contender-a-harrowing-tale-of-highsea-drama-20150930-gjxtcw.html
“Malta’s first Oscar entry is a beautifully shot, dark drama…with a gut wrenching twist.”
THE WRAP http://www.thewrap.com/50-countries-enter-oscar-foreign-language-race-the-complete-list-so-far/
“… a rare Maltese production. Inspired by true events, it tells an engrossing story of how socio-political influences contributed towards a set of unfortunate events in the Mediterranean.”
AWARD CIRCUIT http://www.awardscircuit.com/2014/11/09/film-review-simshar-★★★/
“Malta – a European island nation near Italy – is often used as astonishing location for big budget studio films. This year, however, “ Simshar,” a great immigration drama will represent the country.
INDIEWIRE http://blogs.indiewire.com/sydneylevine/83-submissions-for-best-foreign-language-film-at-the-87th-academy-awards-20141111
Showing in the following cinemas
The film will be showing daily for TWO WEEKS starting October 1st in the following locations (contact cinemas directly for showtimes please):
VICTORIA (Melbourne)
– Nova, Carlton
– Classic, Elsternwick
– Cameo, Belgrave
– Lido, Hawthorn
NEW SOUTH WALES
– Orpheum Cremorne
– Palace Norton St, Leichhardt
– Palace Chauvel, Paddington
– Avoca Beach Picture House
CANBERRA
– Palace Electric
QUEENSLAND (Brisbane)
– New Farm Cinemas, New Farm
TASMANIA
– Hobart State, North Hobart
SOUTH AUSTRALIA (Adelaide)
– Toorak Gardens, Greenhill Road
