LIGHTS, CANNES, AND MORNING STAR!

MY LATEST FILM, "MORNING STAR," STARRING BEN LAMB, NANETTE BRIMMER, NARCY CALAMATTA, STEPHEN OLIVER, EDWARD MERCIECA AND A RANGE OF TALENTED MALTESE ACTORS, IS A PRODUCTION THAT DELVES INTO THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF CHRISTINA RATCLIFFE, A BRITISH ENTERTAINER WHO VENTURED TO MALTA IN THE 1940s TO DANCE AND SING AT THE MORNING STAR MUSIC HALL, ORIGINALLY LOCATED ON NICHOLAS STREET, VALLETTA.

For years, her story has captivated audiences in Malta and beyond, serving as an inspiration due to her immense talent, kind-heartedness, and the value she brought during the tumultuous times of World War II.

While in Malta, Christina graced the glamorous music halls, leaving an indelible impression on the audience. However, when the curtains closed, she took on a different role – one of the creators of The Whizz Bangs, a group of theatre performers dedicated to boosting the morale of soldiers and sailors amidst the rubble and ruins that surrounded a devastated Malta. Christina's unwavering love for Malta prompted her to seek additional ways to contribute, leading her to become a plotter at what is now known as the Lascaris War

Rooms, situated at the Upper Barrakka of Valletta. With her charisma and presence, she ascended to the position of Captain of the Watch, becoming a beacon of hope wherever she went.

In 1943 the Air Council awarded Christina Ratcliffe the BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL in recognition of her meritorious service and devotion of duty during WW2, in Malta. As a Maltese producer, I firmly believe that her story deserves international recognition. Thus, I took it upon myself to create a mid-length film that could travel across borders and captivate audiences worldwide. The entire film was shot in Malta, where our exceptionally talented cast and crew poured their hearts and souls into creating a beautiful piece filled with music, song, dance, love, and resilience.

Now in her 80s, Christina reminisces about her younger self, her life in Malta, and her unwavering dedication to this tiny island that stole her heart. One cannot help but be moved by the beautiful whirlwind romance that blo ssomed between Christina and Adrian Warburton, an RAF photo reconnaissance pilot. Their story adds an enchanting layer to the already captivating narrative.

Bringing "Morning Star" to an international platform was a dream come true, and it led me to the esteemed Cannes Film Festival – an experience I shall never forget. I arrived as a novice and departed as a semi-pro, with countless stories that could fill a lifetime. Cannes proved to be a magical realm, a theme park for filmmakers where I felt right at home among like-minded individuals who shared the same passion for storytelling and art. Of course, amidst the sea of cr eative souls, you'll always encounter a few oddballs, but hey, that's what makes the journey all the more interesting. Th e key is not to take yourself too seriously and embrace the joyous ride.

Although I regrettably didn't get a chance to watch many films at Cannes, the fear of missing out (FOMO) on the glamorous red carpet and the magnificent films that premiered there kept me busy. But as they say, there's always next year! One valuable lesson I learned at Cannes is to never underestimate the power of good shoes. Is it normal for anyone to walk over 20,000 steps per day for five consecutive days? It felt like a Herculean task! Nonetheless, amidst the bustling atmosphere, I kept the coffee flowing and the smiles beaming. People were eager to connect, and you never knew who you'd bump into – a reminder that everyone has a story worth sharing.

W ith so much to do at Cannes, having a plan is essential. However, don't be afraid to embrace the unexpected and go with the flow. Enjoy the allure of the French Riviera, immerse yourself in the film market, explore the exhibitions, visit the pavilions, attend the par ties, and savour the delights of the local restaurants. There's always something happening to keep you enthralled.

During my time at Cannes, I had the opportunity to speak about my dear

Christina and the film we created in her honour, "Morning Star." Now, it's time to eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for our film. Currently, we are traversing the film festival circuit, sharing Christina's extraordinary journey with audiences far and wide. Stay tuned and follow our social media channels for updates on our exciting cinematic adventure.

@nokklaproductions

@morningstarshortfilm www.nokklaproductions.com

With Christina's story as our guiding light, we embark on this thrilling odyssey, sharing her indomitable spirit and the magic of "Morning Star" with the world.