Backlot is a new exhibition by Charlie Cauchi. She uses video work, photographic images, built structures and more to break down the complex possibilities of Malta’s on-screen cinematic (mis)representation.

Visiting foreign productions have been the mainstay of Malta’s film (servicing) industry for decades, with the island often doubling for other locations. From the Middle East to Ancient Greece, Malta’s on-screen malleability stems from years of foreign rule. Over centuries, it has transformed as the island changed hands, with each new occupier leaving its own indelible imprint on our cultural heritage.

Through her work, Charlie posits herself as a surrogate for the location scout, pitting the real against the “reel”. She asks: What is our own relationship between the reality we live in as Maltese people and the artifice that is projected onto us and, in turn, onto screens, big or small?

This work reclaims these spaces and reframes our gaze to dispute or acknowledge the real, the recreated and the suppressed. Which places and spaces appear again and again in differing guises, and which have had more fleeting screen time? What are the bits in between that end up on the cutting room floor?

Satellite Events:

Art additives

Wednesday 14th June 2023 at 7 pm

Click Here to Register

Visiting foreign productions have been the mainstay of Malta’s film (servicing) industry for decades, with the island often doubling for other locations. From the Middle East to Ancient Greece, Malta’s on-screen malleability stems from years of foreign rule. Over centuries, it has transformed as the island changed hands, with each new occupier leaving its own indelible imprint on our cultural heritage.

During this talk, Charlie Cauchi, Alex Camilleri, Virginia Monteforte and Jon Banthorpe will discuss Backlot from concept to execution, and the Maltese identity within films; moderated by Sarah Chircop.

Curatorial tours

Friday 2nd June at 7 pm

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Saturday 17th June at 11 am

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Film Making Workshops for Kids 8 – 10 years

Saturday 10th June at 11 am – 1 pm and  2 pm – 4 pm

Saturday at 11am Click Here to Register

Saturday at 2pm Click Here to Register

Welcome to our excitng one-day filmmaking workshop designed for young people aged 8-10 years old who are passionate about movies and want to explore the magic behind the scenes. Inspired by Charlie Cauchi’s exhibiton Backlot, this workshop takes a closer look at how films transform familiar locations into something entrely different by using props, scenery, and other elements. Through this workshop, partcipants will learn about the art of filmmaking and how to unleash their creatvity and imaginaton to turn everyday spaces into something extraordinary. Guided by a professional filmmaker and designer, children will work with a range of materials, props, and scenery to create their own unique film sets.

Hosted by interdisciplinary artst Charlie Cauchi and Jo Tabone, a Scenic Artst, Set Dresser, Props Maker & Painter working in film, this workshop will provide a fun and engaging learning experience for children. Partcipants will have the opportunity to develop their team-building skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes world of filmmaking.

This workshop will run for two hours and will encourage children to explore new techniques and perspectves, enabling them to look at our landscape in a different light. So, join us for a day of fun, creatvity, and learning as we unlock the secrets of filmmaking and discover how movies transform our everyday world into something magical.

This project is supported by Arts Council Malta