From Mġarr to Hollywood: Maltese horror film heads to Screamfest
‘My Dearest Mother’ is a 14-minute psychological thriller about a mother and daughter forced to confront ‘skeletons’ buried in their shared past
A Maltese short film is heading to Hollywood after landing a slot at one of the longest-running horror festivals in the US.
My Dearest Mother, a 14-minute psychological thriller, will be screened at Screamfest in Los Angeles in October, with a showing at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres.
Set on the anniversary of a family patriarch’s death, the film follows a mother and daughter forced to confront the “skeletons” buried in their shared past, as grief, secrets and long-suppressed wounds rise to the surface.
It stars theatre and TV actress Jane Marshall alongside Marama Corlett, who also helped shape the story.
Director and co-writer, Michael Bonello Ghio, 30, called the festival selection a “dream come true”.
Director Michael Bonello Ghio and co-writer and actress Marama Corlett on set.“This is one of the most famous movie theatres in the world, and the festival is run by some of the most influential people in horror,” Bonello Ghio told Times of Malta.
Screamfest, often dubbed as the ‘Sundance of Horror’, has built a reputation for spotlighting new talent and breakout titles, and has previously screened films linked to franchises such as Paranormal Activity, 30 Days of Night and The Grudge.
For Bonello Ghio, the screening marks a major leap: despite nearly a decade working in videography and cinematography, this is his first time writing and directing a short film.
“This was also my first time on a film set, which was a crazy, but extremely fun experience.”
The filmmaker said he has long wanted to explore the contrast between public image and private reality.
Michael Bonello Ghio on the set of My Dearest Mother.“I’ve always been intrigued as to how people could use something like faith and religion to hide certain evils,” he said.
Shot over two days in a house in Mġarr, he praised the crew as “masters” of their craft and said the project came together with a team he trusted completely.
The film has not yet premiered locally, but it is already picking up international attention. Last year, it received ‘Best Debut Short Film’ and an honourable mention at the Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival and received the ‘Award of Excellence’ (Special Jury Mention) at Indie Shortfest LA.
The film was funded by the Arts Council Malta.