An Evening Under the Stars
Start Date & Time: 24/09/2016 - 12:00 am
End Date & Time: 24/09/2016 - 12:00 am
Words by Maura Marlow. Pictures by Alexandra Barinova.
FAA once again held the increasingly popular event “Cinema under the Stars” on Saturday, September 24. Villa Bologna’s lush green lawn, part of its stunning C18th century garden with its beautiful fountain and towering trees was the perfect setting to enjoy this special event.
The evening began with doors opening at 7 pm when guests were able to meander around the gardens and admire the villa itself, a lovely country palace set in the village of Attard.
Once in the gardens people headed to choose their seats or lay down their rugs, then off to the bar to choose a glass or bottle of red or white wine or a bottle of prosecco. We are grateful to Attard and Co. and Farsons who sponsored our bar and helped to make our evening a really successful one! The delicious aromas from the food stand drew many to eat before the film started.
The film “Pulp” a 1972 British comedy thriller starring Michael Caine as the protagonist was selected as it was filmed in Malta and showcases the unique scenes of the Maltese Islands. Reviews promised a “comedy treat” that has “much comedic value” full of “well derived one liners’. Judging from the reaction of the audience, it delivered on its promise.
Once again the weather played an important part in the success of this event, remaining dry, in spite of showers in some parts of the island earlier in the day!
The pleasant evening without a breath of wind ensured a very good turnout of over 260 people keen to enjoy the films. Many guests sat on the chairs already laid while others preferred to enjoy the lawn on their rugs, blankets and loungers to watch the film in more relaxed way. The atmosphere was magical, reminding us of the days long past when cinemas outdoors were more common.
The film was introduced by Jean Paul Borg the Chairman of ‘Filmed in Malta’ giving guests information on the cinematic background. As soon as the film started viewers were delighted to spot familiar locations in the scenes. An interval allowed people to stretch their legs, head to the bar again and get some food before settling down to watching once again. Many thanks to Studio 7 who set up screen, sound and lighting, providing a professional service that made this event most enjoyable.
The evening concluded with brief reminiscences from Jenny Psaila Savona and Yvonne Zarb Cousin who had worked on the set in 1972.
Apart from being a summer cultural event, this event was also a FAA fundraiser, particularly to fund our recent appeals against the TownSquare project and Mriehel high-rise projects. Astrid Vella spoke about the hard work to submit these appeals and to collect the signatures of notable figures and the general public for the Open Letter to the Prime Minister.
The raffle brought the event to a successful conclusion, with the first ticket drawn for the top prize of a weekend at the Radisson Bay Hotel.
We thank our other sponsors who contributed prizes for our raffle, which raised a nice amount. Our thanks also goes to all of our audience who continue to support our causes. And lastly, a very big thank you to all the volunteers, coordinated by Jelena, who worked so hard to make the evening a very enjoyable and successful one.
Special thanks goes to the de Trafford family, owners of Villa Bologna who again kindly offered their extensive garden for this special event.
This event is being sponsored by:
Attard& Co. Group Malta: http://www.attardco.com/
Dhalia Ltd: http://www.dhalia.com/
Farsons Group: http://www.farsons.com/
Mizzi Motors: http://www.mizzimotors.com/
Villa Bologna: http://villabologna.com/