Ħuta barra mill-ilma (Fish out of water) : a fantasy short film inspired by Maltese folklore

Abstract

This dissertation is an exploration of several themes, which include: feeling like an outsider, immigration, and opposing worldviews, using the extensive field of Maltese folklore as a major source of inspiration, to ultimately create a liveaction short film. The purpose of this project is to take Maltese folklore, and update it to modern times, seeing it through a contemporary lens. Maltese legends were analysed and boiled down to their core themes and narrative elements, which were then applied to a modern story about a teenage outcast who can see monsters. Visual effects were used to breathe new life into creatures which were otherwise only known through stories, illustrations, or sculptures. Besides the novelty of seeing old Maltese legends come to life, this rejuvenation of folklore also resonates with the thematic connotations of this project, by showing how times change, and how being open to progress is not necessarily a rejection of tradition. After researching how other films have previously explored similar themes, I crafted my narrative using story structuring tools. All the necessary steps of filmmaking were performed, such as screenwriting, storyboarding, principal photography, editing, sound and music design, and more. The final outcome includes certain legends that when adapted, seemed natural, and others which could have been adapted in better ways. For example, the legend surrounding giants, which talks about how they constructed the megalithic temples, was modernized by making giants into construction workers in the film. This was one of the better suited adaptations, because it translated seamlessly from legend to modernity. In conclusion, this project aims to bring more awareness to Maltese folklore, as it is a goldmine for future storytellers who aspire to make films with a distinct Maltese identity.