When watching any film that won at a leading international festival, I find there is an element of prejudice where one’s mind is already leaning towards receiving the film favourably, where for example, one might be more patient. But critical acclaim raises expectations and audiences expect to be well awarded for their time. This balances out, at least to my mind, any unfair prejudice towards the film. More patience in exchange for higher expectations. And with this mindset I watched Luzzu, a Sundance winner, keeping in mind that there are indeed some Oscar-winning films that are unbearable to watch. Luzzu awarded my time right from the start. Director Alex Camilleri understands storytelling thoroughly. This is his debut feature which he also wrote, with his main craft and experience being in editing. We have a saying in the industry that, after all the blood, sweat and tears to develop, prepare and shoot a film, the film actually gets made in the editing room. This is meant to emphasise the importance of every process of the film from start to finish. A film with bad development (essentially a bad script) can spell disaster. Inadequate prep can also ruin a film. Everything...