Malta’s Mediterranean Film Festival will honor BAFTA-winning writer and director Mike Leigh (, ) with his first career Golden Bee Award this year.
The honor “recognizes a lifetime achievement in film,” organizers said Monday. “Lee, who has received seven Academy Award nominations throughout his career, will also host a master class at the upcoming second edition of the festival,” which will be held June 22-30 in Valletta, the capital of the island of Malta.
Palme d’Or-winning director Leigh will be in conversation with Adrian Wootton, who previously served as Acting Director of the British Film Institute and is currently CEO of Film London and the British Film Commission.
Last year, Studio Canal acquired UK rights to Lee’s secret project, which stars Marianne Jean-Baptiste, marking the first time the distributor has worked with the acclaimed director. Bleecker Street acquired a Film4-backed feature for the US.
A memorandum of understanding was signed by the British and Malta Film Commission in 2023, with the creative relationship continuing during the festival. The session featuring Leigh will form part of a larger series of masterclasses and panels at the festival, with further programming details to be revealed in the near future.
“This year’s edition of the festival promises to create unforgettable moments of connection and celebration within the film industry across the Mediterranean and beyond, as we are in Malta at its best,” said Malta’s Film Commissioner Johan Grech. Looking forward to welcoming renowned talent.” “We are proud to present Mike Leigh with the inaugural Career Achievement Golden Bee Award and look forward to recognizing the expertise he has achieved throughout his legendary career in film.”
Credit : www.hollywoodreporter.com
