Elio Lombardi, a Maltese author and film director, has died aged 92.
Lombardi was born in 1933 in Sliema. He attended the Salesian Oratory as a child and showed an early interest in singing and acting.
He started filmmaking in 1982 with A Friend in Need. This won him his first prize, and actor Emanuel Grima won best actor. Lombardi produced around 200 films in his lifetime. His first full feature film was Frida (1988). His film Pepita Gomez attracted attention from UK director Michael Klinger. Lombardi wrote most of his film stories himself.
Lombardi also worked as a painter, a printer, and a tailor. He notably contributed to Good Friday processions in Qormi.
In 2020, Lombardi received a Medal for Service to the Republic. He was awarded this during a Republic Day ceremony by President George Vella.
Lombardi was married to his wife Marija, who died in 2018, and had four children: Gino, Zep, Aldo, and Louiselle. He also had grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Prime Minister Robert Abela described him as resilient and passionate.
The Nationalist Party praised him as an important artist and filmmaker, and highlighted his love for the arts.