‘L-isbaħ warda tal-Mosta’ : a film adaptation of a Maltese folk tale investigating the cultural aspect in Maltese society and exhibiting the darker side of folk tales through cinematography

Abstract

This dissertation approaches how folk tales are deduced in a format other than the original one which is visual and not oral. The medium of the film is used to approach different cultural traits and factors within the Maltese society. These cultural traits are based around the notion of family, religion and small communities, factors which can still be seen and reflected in our society today. These themes envisage a dark and horror feel to it and in fact films related to such dark themes and matters were analysed for research purposes. A script was then created, narrating the journey of a mother who is trying to protect her younger daughter from the filth of the lower class. The script was filmed and edited to produce a 10minute film. The film was developed to create a dark and uncomfortable feeling in what seems to be an everyday conversation on a bus. The distorted and close-minded views of the protagonist show how dark these concepts and themes can truly be. Music was used as a tool to further question the environment as it is calm and soothing whilst accompanying a very dark topic. The film’s concepts and themes were discussed during a focus group after the first showing. The final product showed the director’s portrayal of an oral story of the Bride of Mosta and the dark concepts and themes of the Maltese society in film.