Local film producers look set to get extra funds, as Film Commission backs lobbyist proposals

Maltese film producers look set to be assigned additional budgets to produce films, as the Malta Film Commission has agreed with lobbyists’ calls for the increase.

The revelation comes as part of a joint announcement by the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) and the Malta Producers Association (MPA).

These associations made a statement on Friday to confirm that, as reported in local media, a number of prominent local filmmakers are set to boycott the Malta Film Awards due to concerns about the funding given to local filmmakers.

Subsequently to the news of the boycott being made public, the MEIA says it received correspondence from the Malta Film Commission confirming that it is in agreement with four out of five requests from the campaigning organisations.

These points, aside from the aforementioned allocation of additional budget for Maltese film makers, include the re-introduction of the co-production funds, removal of De Minimis rules, and the removal of the recoupment clause from Screen Malta.

Despite the progress, the MEIA states that a number of boycotting filmmakers have now missed the deadline to be included in the Awards, and acknowledges that the points of agreement will now require a commitment from the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Finance.

Additionally, the organisation insists that Malta will not have a “real” film industry unless “drastic” steps are taken.

It points to the initial point of contention – that the Budget for the Malta Film Awards is €400,000, whereas that of the entire industry is only €600,000 – as underlining the “crux of the problem.”

“Such an imbalance was and still is insulting to filmmakers, artists and crew who work tirelessly to produce creative work for Maltese and international screens.”