Maltese crime mystery The Theft of the Caravaggio, written and directed by Joshua Cassar Gaspar, has secured distribution deals in Japan and South Korea as the feature continues its international rollout. TWA Trans World Associates has acquired the film for distribution in Japan, while Noori Pictures will distribute it in South Korea. The agreements follow the film’s North American release through Narrative Distribution, alongside continued international sales activity by Cut Entertainment Group.
Inspired by the disappearance of a Caravaggio masterpiece, The Theft of the Caravaggio follows Orpheus, a cathedral caretaker whose life begins to unravel after the theft of a priceless painting. Set against Malta’s architecture, history and cultural landscape, the crime mystery explores ambition, identity, morality and consequence while drawing inspiration from one of the art world’s enduring mysteries.
The film marks Cassar Gaspar’s feature directorial debut after more than two decades working across film and international production. “We made The Theft of the Caravaggio as a distinctly Maltese story, but always believed the themes at its centre could travel,” said Joshua Cassar Gaspar, writer and director of the film. “There is something incredibly rewarding about seeing a film rooted in our culture, our landscapes and our perspective continue to find audiences in completely different parts of the world. Japan and South Korea have extraordinary cinema cultures, and I’m excited for audiences there to discover the film.”
Cassar Gaspar is now preparing his next feature, Nativity, continuing his exploration of stories inspired by Caravaggio. Nativity follows Francis Battista, a former boxer and low-level criminal struggling to rebuild his life and regain custody of his daughter. The project is being developed for production between Malta and Los Angeles.
The Theft of the Caravaggio Expands Distribution to Japan and South Korea
