A Spooktacular Evening At Video Nasties
This Halloween, I dove headfirst into the spine-tingling world of Video Nasties, an event showing original horror shorts by local filmmakers. Organised by Bruce Micallef Eynaud, this annual horror extravaganza has truly become a beloved staple in the Maltese horror scene. And let’s just say, the bar for spooky brilliance has been raised once again!
With 29 horror shorts lined up for the night—yes, you read that right, 29—it was packed with screams and laughs, all crammed into three sold-out screenings. The lineup ranged from intense, nail-biting suspense to hilariously absurd plot twists. Starting at 6pm and wrapping up at around 1:30 am, the night was a marathon of entertainment that kept even the hardiest of horror fans on their toes.
As if the thrill of witnessing these macabre masterpieces wasn’t enough, the stakes were high. This year’s standout shorts were competing for the prestigious Best Film award, judged by a panel of judges. The prize? A full-day shoot at RUPTURE STUDIOS’ state-of-the-art virtual production studio, valued at a whopping €4,500. Now, if that doesn’t get a filmmaker’s blood pumping, I don’t know what will.
The real magic of Video Nasties lies in its atmosphere. The passion of the filmmakers, the enthusiasm of the audience, and the relentless energy into making these shorts are what makes it so remarkable. From established horror fans to curious newcomers, everyone seemed united by the same gleeful anticipation with each new film.
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At this year’s Video Nasties, Lovin Malta had the chance to sit down with three distinct voices in Malta’s emerging horror film scene: seasoned actor Bernard Satariano and the young filmmaking brother duo, Bradley and Liam Spiteri.
Bernard Satariano, at 39, brings nearly three decades of acting experience to the table. Despite his passion for acting, a lack of available roles pushed him to try filmmaking for the first time.
The result was IDENTITY, a one-man short that he both wrote and starred in. Bernard’s directorial debut took a surprising turn when he won the Best Jump Fright award. Reflecting on his win, he shared, “It felt incredible, especially since the competition was so strong. I didn’t think I’d win, so it was both a surprise and a thrill.”
Meanwhile, Bradley, 23, and Liam Spiteri, 18, showcased their distinct talents with two shorts: Happy Birthday, Margaret and The New Addition. Bradley, a professional video editor, and his brother Liam crafted Happy Birthday, Margaret as a haunting look into an elderly woman’s loneliness, with a supernatural twist. In contrast, The New Addition explores the playful eeriness of Halloween, following a teen whose animatronic clown seemingly comes to life, adding both humour and horror.
Both Bradley and Liam see a bright future for Malta’s film scene, and they credit their family’s support for their success—”Mum manages costumes and set design, while dad handles sound”. Liam, one of the youngest local filmmakers, feels grateful for the encouragement he’s received despite his age, saying that the experience has deepened his passion.
Video Nasties 2024 wasn’t just a night of shorts; it was a night filled with local talent! From Bernard Satariano’s veteran passion to the Spiteri brothers’ youthful innovation and passion, the festival showcased the boundless potential in Maltese filmmaking. Bringing the local horror community together, Video Nasties proved that Malta’s filmmakers are ready to scare, entertain, and keep us all on the edge of our seats—one jumpscare at a time.
Did you attend Video Nasties and if so – what was your favourite short film?
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