Local film festival organiser Bruce Micallef Eynaud is once again bringing chills to the big screen with the return of Video Nasties, Malta’s only horror short-film festival.

 Bruce Micallef Eynaud 

Now in its fifth edition, the event takes place over two nights, 31st October and 1st November, at Eden Cinemas, marking its biggest year yet, with screenings held in Cinema six, which seats 260 people and is already almost fully booked.

The term video nasty was originally coined in the UK during the 1980s to describe low-budget horror and exploitation films.

Mr Micallef Eynaud’s festival reclaims that spirit, providing a platform for local filmmakers to test their creativity within strict but inspiring limits: each film must be under 15 minutes long, original, and produced after the festival’s launch date in April, with a submission deadline of 15th September, among some other requirements.

Launched in February 2020, Video Nasties has grown from humble beginnings, with only a handful of submissions in its first year – to a thriving showcase of homegrown talent.

“When it started, I could barely get two or three original films,” Mr Micallef Eynaud tells WhosWho.mt. “Now, filmmakers are returning with better work each year. The quality has improved drastically.”

Since its beginnings, the festival received over 60 original short films, and while this year’s number sits at 20 compared to last year’s 29, Bruce notes that the standard has never been higher.

“It’s all about filmmakers getting together with friends, learning, experimenting, and seeing their work on the big screen,” he explains. “As a film maker myself, I know that that moment gives you such a high, and it makes you want to create the next one.”

What makes Video Nasties stand out is its inclusive ethos: Every film that fits the rules gets screened, regardless of experience or budget.

“I don’t disqualify films based on quality,” he says. “It’s important to give new filmmakers a chance to see their work with an audience and get real feedback.”

The festival has also become a hub for networking and collaboration, with an after-party that encourages participants to connect and discuss future projects.

“There’s a real demand for local films,” Mr Micallef Eynaud adds. “We have so much talent here. Not just filmmakers, but actors, cinematographers, makeup and effects artists, and so on. Malta should be known for more than just film servicing; we have what it takes to create our own stories.”

Actor Mike West, who has participated in the festival multiple times, shares the same sentiment. “It just goes to show how much of a need there is,” he says. “Video Nasties gives us a chance to showcase Maltese talent and push for more local productions. Hopefully, people in higher places recognise the potential. What Bruce is doing is a real service to the local film community.”

Franco Rizzo / LinkedIn

Among this year’s participants is local producer and filmmaker Franco Rizzo, who is screening three works at the festiva, including a music video for the popular Maltese punk band Bila.

The music video forms part of a larger four-part concept album project, with each song accompanied by its own short film-style music video.

“I’ve worked with Bila before,” Mr Rizzo explains. “It’s so exciting to premier the music video for Bila’s song 10,000 Wolves at Video Nasties.”

The project brings together a blend of music, storytelling, and horror aesthetics, something that fits perfectly within the festival’s creative atmosphere.

Mr Rizzo is also premiering two original short films, The Upstanding Millars of Society and Outside, both of which continue his exploration of darker themes. “It’s a great opportunity to share something new with an audience that truly appreciates the genre,” he says.

WhosWho.mt also spoke with Local actor Bernard Satariano. 

Bernard Satariano / imdb.com

He has been an active participant in the Video Nasties film festival since 2023, taking on various creative roles over the years.

His first involvement came as the lead actor in Son of God, which, though screened out of competition, marked his introduction to the event. In 2024, he expanded his creative scope, not only starring in Last Minute but also writing, producing, directing, filming, editing, and acting in his own short film Identity, which went on to win the award for Best Jump Fright.

This year, he returns as the lead actor, co-producer, and co-writer of Outside, which will be screened on 1st November. “I have been nominated for Best Actor for this role – so, fingers crossed,” he said with enthusiasm.

Reflecting on the growth of the festival, Mr Satariano describes Video Nasties as “an amazing event, because it gives a platform to indie filmmakers and actors and gives us the opportunity to show that when you have passion and talent you don't need huge budgets.”

He notes how the event has grown significantly since its early days at Spazju Kreattiv, prompting organisers to move it to larger venues at Eden Cinemas. This year’s edition, he explains, will take place over two days for the first time, a testament to the growing interest and number of submissions. “There is certainly an increase in demand for Malta-made films, even abroad,” he says, proudly adding that Son of God will be screened at the Smodcastle Horrorfest in New Jersey, at a cinema owned by filmmaker Kevin Smith.

When asked about the experience of working with Maltese crews and audiences, he acknowledged that resourcefulness is key. “You certainly learn to make do with what you have,” he said, recalling how Last Minute was filmed entirely on a phone yet still “managed to bring the house down” as a horror comedy. He praised the dedication of local collaborators, noting that “whoever is working side by side with you is as passionate as yourself in the film industry.”

According to him, Maltese audiences also play an important role in this ecosystem, recognising the effort and creativity that go into each production. This, he adds, is evident in the near sell-out screenings at Eden Cinemas over two consecutive nights – a sign that local film culture is alive and thriving.

With glowing feedback, near sell-out audiences, and a growing reputation, Video Nasties stands as proof that filmmaking in Malta is alive and thriving, driven by a passionate community that keeps creating despite limited resources.