Marama Corlett’s performance and the cinematography of Maltese short My Dearest Mother drew praise from audiences at the Marrakech Short Film Festival.The psychological horror film featured in Malta’s guest-country programme at the festival’s sixth edition, held from 25 to 30 September.Directed by Michael Bonello Ghio, who co-wrote it with Corlett, the film stars Corlett alongside Jane Marshall and is produced by David Grech.The story follows a mother and daughter on the first anniversary of the family patriarch’s death. As they confront the secrets and wounds of their shared past, it becomes clear that his absence has done little to diminish his influence over their lives.At just over 14 minutes, the film builds its unease around that relationship.The screening also provided an opportunity to discuss the conditions that allow films like this to get made.During a Q&A, the team explored the opportunities and challenges facing countries such as Malta and Morocco in developing thriving, sustainable homegrown film industries. The discussion looked beyond individual productions to the broader question of how local filmmakers can build an industry capable of consistently telling its own stories.The team acknowledged that there was still much to do, but said opportunities in Malta were improving, highlighting Arts Council Malta’s contribution to supporting local filmmakers. My Dearest Mother itself received funding through the council’s Screen Support Scheme.That conversation formed part of a wider cultural exchange at a festival where Malta was Country of Honour. Its dedicated programme brought together nine titles, spanning family dramas, psychological horror and animation, with films presented in Maltese and English.Malta’s participation was spearheaded by the Consulate General of Malta in Morocco, based in Casablanca, with support from Arts Council Malta and Ċentru tal-Ilsien Malti. The initiative gave Maltese filmmakers a platform to share their work with Moroccan audiences and exchange experiences with other film professionals.For the My Dearest Mother team, Marrakech offered both an encouraging response to the film and a chance to discuss the future of the industry behind it.The short’s next stop is Screamfest in Los Angeles, where it will have its California premiere on 10 October.•