‘We Might Not Have The Millions Hollywood Has, But We’ve Got Heart And Ingenuity’: Maltese Director On His Biblical Zombie Film
Every once in a while, a film comes along that makes you stop and rethink what’s possible in cinema. For me, We Three Kings, a local short film directed by Bruce Micallef Eynaud, is precisely that kind of production—an, unexpected short film that left me speechless, proving that passion, creativity, and a strong sense of community can result in something extraordinary.
From the very first frame, it was clear this wasn’t just any short film. The tone, the language, the breathtaking Maltese locations, and yes, even a zombie action sequence—it all came together to create an experience for the audience. Inspired by the story of the Three Wise Men, the film adds a twist to the biblical tale as a fantasy adventure. And let me tell you, even as someone who isn’t particularly fond of fantasy, this is an exception.
In a Q&A session after the screening, Bruce revealed how this project started.
“The idea came to me late at night,” he shared. “I was looking at nativity scenes and thought, ‘What if we made a Lord of the Rings-style epic about the Three Kings?’” What began as a single zombie sequence evolved into a 27-page script that Bruce was determined to bring to life, despite the constraints of a shoestring budget.
The production relied heavily on the island’s cinematic resources and passionate community. As Bruce explained, “Here in Malta, everyone comes together to help out. It’s truly a collaborative effort, and the results speak for themselves.”
Costume designer James Debono and costume assistant Angie Polidano deserve a round of applause for their work, as do the stunt and fight coordinators who brought the zombie battle to life. The film’s visual effects were equally impressive, with scenes that rival big-budget productions. “We might not have the millions Hollywood has, but we’ve got heart and ingenuity,” Bruce added.
Perhaps what’s most exciting about We Three Kings is its potential as a proof of concept for a full-length feature. “I would love to expand this into a feature film and complete the story,” Bruce continued. “Fingers crossed that this dream becomes a reality!”
This short film is another reminder that we have such incredible local talent in the film industry here in our island.
So, what’s next for We Three Kings? Hopefully, an even bigger adventure!