Prolific film-maker, author Elio Lombardi dies aged 92

Prolific film-maker and author Elio Lombardi died on Sunday, aged 92.

His son Gino announced the death on social media, thanking the staff at Casa San Paolo, where he spent the last months of his life, his friends who visited him at the home for the elderly, and all those who showed him love throughout his life.

Lombardi received the Malta Cine Circle Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025 and the Midalja Għall- Qadi Tar-Repubblika in 2020.

In his early days, he was a tailor and a printer, but Lombardi is best known for having directed well over 100 films.

Elio Lombardi together with one of his actors, the late Leslie Gladwish (right), and film director Michael Klinger (centre). File photo

British film director Michael Klinger had told him, when they met in Malta, that he wanted to introduce him internationally. Unfortunately, he died two months after the meeting.

As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in, with musician and singer Mark Spiteri Lucas, among others, recalling he had the opportunity to work with Lombardi when he entrusted him with the lead role in the film The Violinist.

"He was a meticulous man who had a great passion for the art he loved so much, while giving several actors the chance to showcase their talents in the films he produced," he said.

Prime Minister Robert Abela also paid tribute, telling social media followers that Lombardi was a man of resilience who carried out every project with great love.

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici offered his condolences to the family, saying Lombardi's legacy will live on through his vast artistic works in various creative fields - writing, film, and painting, among others.