‘Gozo – One Island, Two Operas’, a movie directed by German filmmaker Claus Wischmann and produced by Holger Preusse for Sounding Images GMBH, has been awarded the prize for “Best Documentary” at the Golden Prague Festival.
The 53-minute movie, which was produced in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority and the Directorate for Tourism & Economic Development at the Ministry for Gozo, focuses on the friendly rivalry between the Astra and Aurora opera houses in Victoria, Gozo.
In its motivation for the award, the festival jury wrote: “A masterpiece of structure and story-telling, this film shows music as the engine of social life in a small community. For treating its subject with respect, affection and humour – showing the discipline, the hard work and the unbridled joy of friendly competition that holds an entire community together.”
Paul Bugeja, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, expressed his satisfaction at the recognition received by this production. “Winning a prize at this prestigious event is an honour for the producers and all those involved. We hope that, through this documentary, more people will get to know about the cultural traditions that abound on our islands, discovering a different aspect of the destination and feeling compelled to visit.” Mr Bugeja concluded by saying that Gozo’s opera season, which is organized in the lean months of the year, has established itself as a regular fixture on the local calendar of annual events, and has the potential to grow even further in popularity in the years to come.
Photo Gozo Opera House
