Breaking the Silence in Brussels: Using documentary film to inspire change

Last week in Brussels we were part of a history making event that was breaking the silence on women's rights in Malta. On Valentines Day, Malta's ban on abortion was discussed within the European Parliament for the first time.

At the same event, our film No Woman is An Island screened and was followed up by a panel consisting of MEPs, activists, doctors and artists. To say it was an honour to attend EU Parliament in Brussels and stand with around 80 Maltese activists is an understatement.

We feel so proud of our collective efforts and no matter where you stand on the debate of abortion, it's a fair argument to state that women's body autonomy shouldn't be anyone else's business besides the woman.

After many similar discussions within EU Parliament laws were passed regarding LGBTQ rights and divorce in Malta. Now we’re waiting for the day that those responsible for European decision-making will do the same regarding the dire issues facing women and girls in Malta, particularly abortion.

The power of activism and the power of film are sometimes one and the same and both are not to be overlooked.

Thanks goes to MP Cyrus Engerer — the only Maltese politician to have voted in favour of abortion being declared a fundamental human right. Cyrus invited 'No Woman is an Island' and us, the producers to Brussels to stand with the Maltese activists within EU Parliement and on the streets at such a prestigious event.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Read Sarah Jayne’s blog post talking about her experience in Brussels with No Woman is an Island here.

Roniti Short Film Announcement

Introducing our latest short Life Improvised short film 'Roniti.’

Filmed over summer in Zadar Croatia, the synopsis is as follows; During a summer holiday, a mother and her teenage daughter must learn to navigate their strained relationship after a family scandal.

Roniti stars:

Mia Zara as Petra

Lucija Milojčić as Lorna

Ivano Črep as Andre

Dejan Marcikić as Kris

Roniti is written, directed, edited and filmed by Ivan Malekin and produced by Sarah Jayne and Ivan Malekin for NPG.

Poster designs by Sarah Jayne Portelli, featuring a mix of digital and analog formats taken on set during filming.

We’re thrilled to share a selection of posters we recently designed as we begin to submit to festivals from this week.

European Dates Announced for Cats of Malta

We shot Cats of Malta many moons and a whole pandemic ago. And now, on International Cat Day, we are thrilled to share our European release dates + territories.

Our award-winning family (and feline) friendly documentary will be released on Apple TV and Amazon on the following dates and in the following territories:

• September 21st — Malta + Spanish-speaking Latin American territories

• September 25th — UK and Ireland

• October 11th — France , Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland

A week before these dates there will be a pre-sale, so we will send another update closer to the date as a reminder. The documentary will be available in English, Spanish, and French.

Of course there are more territories to come, including the US and Australia. But for now, if you live in one of the territories above, mark the dates in your diary.

Find out more and join the Cats of Malta mailing list here.

World Cup of Shorts Premiere Dates

Opening the 2023 Women's World Cup of Shorts Thursday, July 20 are Australia and Ireland and our short film, Daughter is representing our home country.

Directed by Sarah-Jayne, 'Daughter' stars Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why; Love, Simon; Knives Out), and is a thought-provoking drama about a trio of women whose lives are irrecoverably damaged by patriarchal violence.

Watch the film in the Women's World Cup of Shorts presented by ShortsTv and TVCortos on July 20 at the following times:

>> ShortsTV (US): 9pm ET/PT

>> ShortsTV (Europe): 9pm CEST

>> ShortsTV (India): 9pm IST

>> Shorts (UK/US): 9pm BST/ET

>> ShortsTV+ App (UK/US): On demand!

Or catch the repeats on August 5/6, August 12/13, and August 20!

Psychological Horror Feature Film Machination takes a Bite out of AppleTV.

The news just keeps on rolling on for our Psychological Horror Feature Machination. Last week the latest platform was Tubi TV and this week the film has landed on AppleTV. You can watch in most English speaking counties, such as Australia, /nZ, Malta the US and Canada.

Malta's First Cat Movie Cats of Malta Selected for NY Cat Film Festival

Cats of Malta will be sending New York City a big meow from Malta later this year — the family-friendly doco has been selected for NY Cat Film Festival!

A special 20 minute version Cats of Malta is screening as part of the 5th Annual New York Cat Film Festival in New York City on Sunday October 23rd at the Village East by Angelika theater.

We love the vibrancy of NYC and it’s a city that also supports stray cats.

Spread the world to your friends, family and felines in the Big Apple — Cats of Malta is coming.

Triple Threat : Nexus Production Groups' Machination Nabs Three Festival Wins, including Best Actor.

The good news keeps on coming for our psychological horror feature film Machination.

Just last week our latest improvised micro-budget feature film became available in DVD and Blu-Ray format through Amazon , Walmart and Barnes & Noble. The claustrophobic portrayal Steffi Thake gave of Maria, a woman dealing with mental illness landed her a silver certificate at a festival last month and now Steffi’s stand out performance has once again been acknowledged.

Black Swan International Film Festival has awarded Machination three awards at this months instalment; Outstanding Achievement Award Machination, Best Actress Winner Steffi Thake, and Outstanding Achievement Award Sound Design by Gerard Mack.

Further plans to release Machination will rollout in the coming months, so watch this space. Better yet, join our monthly email community Creatively Connected to get the news in your inbox first, plus exclusives when we have them.

MACHINATION DVD/BLU-RAY RELEASE, PLUS SILVER AWARD FOR STEFFI THAKE

It’s official… Machination is available in DVD & Blu-Ray format through Amazon and Walmart. The collectors format is a must have and from July 7th the format is also available through Barnes and Noble.

To add to the celebration, our lead actor Steffi Thake was given a silver award winner certificate for her realistically anxious performance as Maria at The "Best Actor & Director Awards – New York”

See what all the fuss is about and watch Machination today by ordering your copy through the above retailers by clicking here.

Los Angeles Times reviews Machination in article "‘Licorice Pizza’ and other movies to watch this weekend"

Machination was listed amongst the LA Times ‘films to watch this weekend’. The psychological horror was also in good company, listed amongst other indie films that sounded very intriguing, plus Liquorice Pizza by Paul Thomas Anderson. Have a read of the article titled “Review: ‘Hold Your Fire,’ ‘Licorice Pizza’ and other movies to watch this weekend” here and when done, watch Machination online here.