Żejtune, written and directed by Maltese filmmaker Alex Camilleri, has been selected as Malta’s official submission for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.
The film was selected by the Malta Academy Selection Committee, established by the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association and the Malta Producers’ Association, following an evaluation of eligible submissions.
A Maltese story built around language, music and belonging
Told almost entirely in Maltese, Żejtune follows Mar, a young woman who plans to leave Malta after selling farmland inherited from her estranged mother. Her journey brings her together with Nenu, an elderly għana singer whose music gradually draws her towards the traditions and culture she had wanted to leave behind.
Michela Farrugia stars as Mar, while veteran għana singer Nenu Borg plays Nenu. The film was written and directed by Camilleri, who also served as one of its producers. The production is a collaboration between Malta, Germany and Qatar.
Żejtune’s international festival journey
The film had its world premiere at the Göteborg Film Festival in January 2026 before making its North American premiere at the Tribeca Festival in New York.
At Tribeca, Camilleri won Best Screenplay in the International Narrative Feature competition. The award recognised a film centred on reconnection, history and music, and marked a major international achievement for the Maltese production.
Żejtune was released in Malta in April and has also travelled to international festivals and markets.
Camilleri returns to the Academy Awards race
Żejtune is Camilleri’s second feature film. His debut, Luzzu, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2021 and was later selected as Malta’s submission for the 94th Academy Awards.
Selection as Malta’s submission does not mean Żejtune has been nominated for an Academy Award. The film will first need to be accepted as eligible by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with the shortlist and eventual nominations coming at later stages of the process.
