Lecture and Book Presentation at the MAVC Gozo VPA

Did you know that Maltese actor Joseph Calleia turned down the part of Mafia patriarch Don Corleone in the 1972’s blockbuster The Godfather directed by Francis For Coppola? The role was eventually taken by Marlon Brando and the rest is history.


This past Friday, 11 November 2022, Teachers and Administration Staff of the Gozo Visual & Performing Arts School attended a lecture from Filmmaker & Head of Malta School of Drama and Dance Alan Fenech about Maltese actor Joseph Calleia. A not-famous-enough actor who starred in over 50 major Hollywood movies between the 1930s and 1960s. Acting alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars of the time such as Orson Welles, Rita Hayworth, Dean Martin, Marlon Brando, Glenn Ford and many more.

Mr. Fenech who, at almost fifty years from his death, is publishing a book about Joseph Calleia, presented to the present teachers the life and achievements of this Maltese actor who for over three decades was a household name in Hollywood and throughout the world.


On the same occasion the Mikiel Anton Vassalli Head of College Network Mr. Victor Galea gifted each teacher with a dedicated copy of the publication “A College for the Arts – Mikiel Anton Vassalli College“. A book recollecting the history and the present success of the four schools part of the College.

MAVC Malta School of Art, established since 1923
MAVC Malta School of Music (ex-Johann Strauss), established since 1974
MAVC Malta School of Drama & Dance, dates back to the 70’s
MAVC Gozo Visual & Performing Arts School, dates back to the early 90’s.

The teachers were very pleased with both the presentation and the publication.