Chris Dingli Talks 'Ciao Ciao' in Malta

"The idea came from a typically Maltese phenomenon," Dingli shares. "It started with the director’s wife, who is Dutch, pointing out how Maltese people tend to say goodbye multiple times when visiting someone's home. You say bye at the dinner table, then you find yourself still chatting by the front door twenty minutes later. Another goodbye follows, but you’re still there half an hour after that. It's a habit that's so ingrained, we don’t even realise we’re doing it."

This observation sparked the concept for Ciao Ciao, a film that follows the stories of four couples, initially unconnected, but whose narratives weave together as the film unfolds. "It's a dramatic film with elements of dark comedy," Dingli explains. "It's got twists and turns, moments that will make you laugh, and moments that will make you gasp. It’s a bit Coen Brothers in tone—funny, but dark and unexpected."

Directed by Keith A. Tedesco and co-produced by Lampa Stampa Films and Roughcut Films with Fabrizio Fenech and Fleur Françoise Tedesco as producers, Ciao Ciao features a powerhouse ensemble cast including Chris Dingli, Kevin Naudi, Antonella Axisa, Mikhail Basmadjian, Simone Spiteri, Ruth Borg, Matthew Sant Sultana, Ryan Debattista and Katrina Lupi. Shot in striking black and white using vintage Mamiya lenses, the cinematography adds a timeless, almost theatrical feel to the unraveling drama.

The movie delves into relatable scenarios that escalate into dark, comedic twists, capturing the essence of Maltese social dynamics. With its unique and satirical lens, Ciao Ciao holds a mirror to local culture while delivering universal themes about relationships and miscommunication.

Shooting the film in just 10 days presented its own set of challenges. "We were working with very limited resources," Dingli admits. "The crew was incredible—they slept and lived in the house we were filming in. We literally had to move their stuff out of the way to shoot scenes."

Unexpected hurdles also led to creative breakthroughs. "Our shoot coincided with the annual village feast, so our takes were interrupted by fireworks, marching bands, the whole works. In the end we decided to incorporate the feast into the movie. It gave the film an additional Maltese flavor that we hadn’t originally planned."

Despite the constraints, the experience was enriching. "It forced us to be more creative. Everyone involved believed in the story, and that made all the difference."

The premiere promises to be an event to remember, with a handful of tickets still available. "We’re dressing up, there will be photo opportunities, and a Q&A with the cast after the screening," Dingli reveals.

For Dingli, the film’s release is about more than just entertainment. "I hope people come away thinking, 'Wow, I really enjoyed that. I'd watch it again.' More importantly, I hope it contributes to the evolution of the local film industry. We've come a long way, and this is another step forward."

The challenge now? Getting audiences to the cinema. "If people come during the opening week, the film gets extended. If they don’t, it doesn’t. It’s that simple. We're very proud of the film, and think people will enjoy it."

Don’t miss the Maltese premiere of Ciao Ciao at Eden Cinemas on March 19th, with public screenings beginning on March 28th across Malta and Gozo. Support local talent and be part of this exciting moment for Malta’s film scene.