Cinema has no spatial or temporal boundaries. Through the screen we can see the reality of another era or another country, which we could hardly understand through a report or a book.
Through the tribute organized by the local film club in the outdoor theater we are given the opportunity to take a look at other worlds. So far we've seen films from France, Iran, this week it's Malta's turn.
Luzzu (2021)
Although I pride myself on having seen films from almost all countries, I hadn't watched a Maltese film until now. And I can say that it impressed me, both for the cinematography, the choice of locations and the Maltese language, which I knew nothing about. But mostly of the genuine sentiment that ovewhelmed the film.
The awarded film "Luzzu" presents the difficulties of a young fisherman, Jesmark, who tries to support his wife and child through his profession. When his child is diagnosed with developmental problems and has to undergo specialized (and therefore costly) treatment, Jesmark is faced with a dilemma: to continue his ancestral profession of fishing with his traditional wooden boat (that is called "luzzu") given to him by his ancestors or to find other ways - legal or illegal, such as the fish black market- to be able to secure what he needs for his child and his wife or even decommision his boat (and his past therefore) by getting a subsidy from the EU, as they gradually force the decline of traditional boats and fishermen.
Although the film focuses on Jesmark and his attempt to do the best for his child, through this deeply emotional film the director raises important social and ecological issues:
- the disappearance of the traditional way of fishing, (that follows the "unwritten rules" of balance in the marine ecosystem), decline that is often promoted by the European Union itself as a dead end solution.
- the fish black market that, by violating the rules of fishing, is indifferent to the extinction of fish species
- the difficulties of people who want to continue the traditional way, but the modern age constantly puts obstacles in their way.
Watching the story of Jesmark and his family unconsciously gave me a feeling of anger. The hero was trying in every way to be able to find the money for his son's treatment, even selling gasoline or cleaning fish on the black market to make a lot of money quickly. Because any legal way through his profession constantly ran into obstacles: corrupt officials, talked-about middlemen in the fish market, laws and regulations that restricted the traditional way of fishing.
Jesmark is a man that loves very much his profession. You can perceive it from the way he looks at the sea, from the love he puts into repairing his weathered boat, from his effort not to decommission his boat.
But everything is against him: his wife herself, her environment, the situations, even the laws put obstacles in his way to do what he knows well and loves.
The film is particularly emotional and honest. the director doesn't embellish situations, doesn't present the characters one-dimensionally, doesn't mince her words about the authorities and the decision-makers who make the decisions.
Would I suggest you watch it? Yes.
It's not a fun movie though, nor one you'll spend an enjoyable hour and a half with.But it will make you think about what is happening around us without us paying any attention. Or for traditional occupations that are constantly declining, for overfishing and global warming, for human gluttony.
And what is any human willing to do to protect his loved ones. Even to give up what he loves.
Thank you for reading!
All the photos were taken by me with the help of my mobile phone, except the ones stated otherwise.
Luzzu (2021)
Written and directed by; Alex Camilleri
Cast: Jesmark Scicluna, Michela Farrugia, David Scicluna
Country: Malta
Duration: 94 minutes
Language: Maltese
The official site of the movie, that was awarded in Sundance festival.
https://luzzufilm.com/
PS. I adored the Maltese language. I aim to learn more about it.
