Title: The Power of Diversity & Inclusion
Produced by: CORE Platform, Malta National Partner for CSR Europe & the Malta Diversity & Inclusion Charter.
Synopsis:
“The Power of Diversity & Inclusion” is a raw and authentic short film that moves beyond corporate policy to capture the human heartbeat of inclusion in Malta. Created as part of Malta’s representation on the EU Platform of Diversity Charters (managed by the European Commission DG-JUST), this project turns the principles of the national charter into palpable, personal truth.
In a deliberate departure from scripted narratives, the film presents a series of candid, unscripted interviews with individuals who have volunteered to share their lived experiences. Carefully curated by the film director, these stories weave together the multifaceted tapestry of Maltese society, touching on the core dimensions of the charter: age, equality, gender, sexuality, religion, and culture.
Each testimony is an act of courage and contribution. The participants speak not to perform, but to connect, to share their realities in the hope of fostering understanding, challenging unconscious biases, and sparking essential conversations. This film is not a lecture, but an invitation: to listen, to reflect, and to recognize the profound strength that lies in our diverse identities.
By elevating these authentic voices, the film serves as a powerful tool for dialogue, aligning with the core mission of the Malta Diversity & Inclusion Charter to build a more respectful, equitable, and cohesive society for all.
Key Themes: Authentic Storytelling | Unconscious Bias | Lived Experience | Social Dialogue | Inclusion in Practice | Maltese Society | European Values
Approach: Documentary-style, unscripted, character-driven, curated narrative.
The Minds behind this short film.
Film Director
Richard Starkey is a writer and director from the UK currently living in Malta. After graduating from the University of South Wales with a degree in Documentary Film and Television in 2012, Richard teamed up with a fellow graduate to produce short films for S4C and Channel4. Success came soon after with the drama documentary, Fog of Sex, which won at the 2015 BAFTA Cymru awards and was acquired by BBC3.
Richard then transitioned into narrative and commercial production while following his passion for writing and directing. His short films have been screened at prominent festivals, such as Aestheica, Manhatten Film Festival and Atlanta Shorts Fest. Since moving to Malta, Richard has endeavoured to play a key role in the local independent film community and is excited to be spearheading the Indydog platform to propel local film talent to success.
Music Director & Composer
Kris Spiteri is a music director, pianist, and composer. He co-wrote the award-winning “Porn the Musical,” recognized as Best New Musical at the Off West End Theatre Awards in London. His directorial credits include “Hairspray,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “My Fair Lady,” “Mamma Mia,” “We Will Rock You,” “Matilda,” “La Cage Aux Folles,” “Grease,” “Oliver,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Annie” and “Dear Evan Hansen.” Spiteri also co-created theatrical pieces such as “Daqsxejn ta Requiem lil Leli”, “Paramm Paramm” and “Il-Qfil u l-Ħelsien Skont Manwel Dimech.” He has penned music and lyrics for Kafena’s album “Lukanda Propaganda,” the song “Tbissem” performed by Ira Losco and Matthew James Borg and Noir’s album “Till You Switch Off the Lights.” Most recently, his orchestral piece “Longing” was released in 2024, featuring the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra on the album Contemporary Colours Vol. 2, recorded by Parma Records. Spiteri is also a director of Tunin’ Entertainment.
Director of Photography & Cinematography
Clive Brincat is an accomplished Director of Photography based in Malta, whose work is distinguished by a visual signature that elegantly balances naturalism with a distinctive stylistic flair. He is dedicated to crafting authentic yet visually compelling imagery that serves the narrative and forges a profound connection with the audience.
Operating internationally, Brincat brings his expertise to a diverse range of mediums, including narrative features, television series, high-profile advertising campaigns, and music videos. His technical mastery encompasses all major digital cinema camera systems, allowing him to select and leverage the optimal tools to realize each project’s unique vision.
His passion for cinematography is rooted in a deep fascination with the confluence of technical precision and artistic expression required to breathe life into every scene. This dedication has led to his involvement in award-winning productions. Brincat’s notable work includes serving as the Director of Photography for the acclaimed Maltese feature “Luzzu,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2021, where it won the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting, and was selected as Malta’s official submission for the International Feature Film category at the 94th Academy Awards.
Film Production Manager
Angie is a Production Manager specialising in the production and project management of commercials, photoshoots and film projects. With experience working with prominent international companies as well as local brands, she brings a well-rounded and globally informed approach to every production.
Through her experience working with international and multicultural teams, Angie brings a globally informed perspective to each project while ensuring practical alignment with local production requirements. She is known for her organised, solutions-driven approach and her commitment to building positive, efficient teams, believing that a collaborative working environment is key to producing work that translates authentically on screen.
Behind the scenes
The magic of this film relied on creating a foundation of trust and safety behind the scenes. Our core participants were not professional actors but employees from signatory organisations of the Malta Diversity & Inclusion Charter, whose willingness to share their unscripted stories speaks volumes about the inclusive culture their companies champion. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Mario Sammut, Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Malta, for his invaluable support in making Europa House in Valletta available as a key filming location. Furthermore, significant B-roll footage was generously facilitated at the premises of charter signatories P. Cutajar Ltd, Remax Crown, Vivian Corp, and Eden Leisure Group.
Premiere
The short film entitled “The Power of Diversity & Inclusion” made its world premiere at the Central Bank of Malta during the 3rd Exclusive Meeting for the signatories of the Malta Diversity & Inclusion Charter. Following the screening, key contributors Kris Spiteri, Clive Brincat, and Angie Brincat (née Polidano) shared insights from the production.
Kris Spiteri revealed that his personal experience as a parent of a child on the autism spectrum directly inspired the film’s score. He explained that the piece, titled “Delicate,” represents not fragility or pity, but a nuanced progression toward a more hopeful and positive theme.
Cinematographer Clive Brincat contrasted this project with his usual work, noting the unique challenge and power of capturing authentic, unscripted stories to serve the film’s mission of genuine dialogue.
