Scripted

European writer-director Joshua Cassar Gaspar has announced Nativity, an original crime thriller currently in pre-production and his first feature project following his debut, The Theft of The Caravaggio. Produced by Valletta Pictures and Jericho Dominion Films, the film is set to begin principal photography in early 2027. It follows Francis Battista, a washed-up boxer turned low-level criminal who sees one last chance to rebuild his life when Caravaggio's long-lost masterpiece resurfaces in the criminal underworld.
Inspired by one of history's greatest unsolved art thefts, Nativity explores identity, guilt, family and redemption through a character-driven crime thriller.

The film will also launch the second chapter of Gaspar's planned collection of standalone features inspired by the works and legacy of Caravaggio. The films will share recurring themes rather than characters, allowing the filmmaker to explore psychologically driven stories rooted in European cinematic traditions while targeting international audiences. "Nativity grew from questions that have fascinated me throughout my career," said Gaspar. "I'm drawn to flawed characters carrying the weight of their past, searching for redemption and struggling with the consequences of their choices. History provides extraordinary moments, but I'm far more interested in using those moments as a foundation for exploring character. That's the foundation of this film, and it's the kind of storytelling I hope to continue exploring throughout my career."

Gaspar began his career directing commercials before moving into narrative filmmaking. He developed The Theft of The Caravaggio independently over several years, working with longtime collaborators on the production. Nativity marks the filmmaker's next step toward building an internationally focused slate of original crime thrillers combining historical inspiration, moral complexity and character-driven storytelling.
"I've always admired filmmakers who create work with a clear creative identity,” Gaspar added. “I want each film to feel like a progression of the last, while continuing to explore the themes and characters I'm drawn to. Nativity feels very much like the next step in that journey."