Screening of Sons of the Sea (1926) at the Malta Maritime Museum

The Malta Film Commission has teamed up with Heritage Malta to organise a screening of the film Sons of the Sea at the Malta Maritime Museum on the 26th of November.

Of the four early films which the Malta Film Commission has brought back to Malta, this is?highly significant not only for being the earliest film known to have been shot in Malta, but also for being a landmark film where Admiralty cooperation is concerned. Research revealed that Sons of the Sea is indeed the first feature film with a ficticious storyline and a romantic subplot to be afforded full Admiralty support.

The film follows the careers of two young men, Derek who enrolls as a Navy officer and Bill who trains to become a seaman. When WWI breaks out, Derek is sent to fight in the Battle of Jutland while Diana his fianc?e, joins up as a nurse and is sent to Malta. Having distinguished himself, Derek is given the command of the destroyer on which Bill is posted. Shortly after the Armistice, Derek?s destroyer is sent to the Mediterranean where he catches up once again with Diana. However, the joy is short lived as Derek?s ship is under orders to sail at once. Diana seeks distraction by exploring a nearby island and has the misfortune to be kidnapped by a roving band of brigands who demand a ransom. Ordered back on shore, Derek leads, the blue-jackets in the chase. The rescue is no easy feat but after an exciting struggle in which Bill displays much bravery, Derek gallantly rescues the girl from her perilous plight.

Only four out of the original six reels survive today. The first two reels contain the scenes of Derek?s and Bill?s training and also introduce us to Diana. It can be assumed that the two middle missing reels contained the bulk of naval scenes including the Battle of Jutland as well as Diana?s stay at Malta, while the final two reels have the heroine being kidnapped by the brigands and eventually rescued by her heart-throb.

Film enthusiasts, who enjoy seeing Malta used as a film location, will be pleased to know that the last two reels were completely shot on land and sea in the G?ajn Tuffie?a and ?nejna area, Il-Qarraba – the headland separating G?ajn Tuffie?a and ?nejna Bay – is clearly visible a number of times and most of the action surrounding the kidnap and eventual rescue of Diana from the brigands takes place in the area known as il-Min?el tal-Majjiesa. While no specific reference to Maltese people being involved in this production has ever been encountered, one particular article referred to the “Maltese brigands? which leads one to wonder whether the people playing the part were actually Maltese extras.

The film will be preceded with a short talk by Jean Pierre Borg, whose research has brought to light Sons of the Sea as being the earliest film shot in Malta. The film will be accompanied by a Live Piano score performed by well-known pianist Frank Bonnici who will provide musical background to underscore the narrative on the screen.

The film will be screened on Monday 26th of November at 7:30pm at the Malta Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa. Entrance is free of charge, but prior registration is required in view of seating restrictions.

For further information and to book your seat please send an email to info@mfc.com.mt