Maltese-Led Film Decode Me Selected For London’s Lift-Off Festival 2025
A Maltese-led film is heading to one of London’s major indie festivals, and it’s bringing a powerhouse team of local talent with it.
Decode Me, written, directed and produced by Maltese BAFTA Connect member Sharon Sibyl Gatt, has been officially selected for the Lift-Off Global Network Festival London 2025, taking place between 1st and 28th December. The festival allows audiences worldwide to vote for their favourite films, with finalists later showcased at the prestigious Season Awards at Pinewood Studios in England.
The film features an impressive cast, including Mia Foo, known internationally for her role in the BAFTA-winning game Baldur’s Gate 3, and Megan Placito, who recently won Best Actress at the National Film Awards.
With a creative team anchored strongly in Malta, the project showcases a wave of rising Maltese talent. Sharon Sibyl Gatt leads the production as writer, director and producer, while cinematography is by Maltese-British award-winning DOP Kris Brady. The film’s visual world was shaped by Mattia Scicluna, who served as both Costume and Production Designer and whose work has appeared on Drag Race UK.
Make-up was led by Sandra De Gaetano, whose credits include Gladiator II and Vogue, while behind-the-scenes photography was handled by Andrew Mizzi, known for his work with global brands such as Google and Meta.
The production also attracted notable international collaborators. BAFTA- and BIFA-qualifying filmmaker Yorgo Glynatsis joined as Mentor and Producer, with additional support from Casting Director Bailey Frances and Aki Studio London, whose involvement was key to the film’s development. The project is a co-production between Malta and the UK, supported by Arts Council Malta and Aki Studio London.
Decode Me is a psychological drama inspired by Gatt’s own lived experiences as a late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman. The story follows an autistic programmer navigating themes of identity, masking and self-acceptance, bringing much-needed representation of neurodivergent narratives to the screen.
Beyond its selection in London, the film stands as a celebration of Maltese creativity, showcasing the strength of local talent while continuing to build meaningful artistic bridges between Malta and the UK.
READ NEXT: Watch: ‘My Dearest Mother’ - Maltese Short Film Tackles Grief And Aims For The Global Stage
