Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis today announced that a committee has been set up to oversee the national film policy strategy which will involve the public, industry players and other ministries and government departments. The consultation will be split into two phases. This, he said, will eventually strengthen the film industry.

Dr Zammit Lewis said that he intends making sure that the consultations will be finalised by November since the industry cannot be left waiting.

Film Commissioner Engelbert Grech said that Malta has a film history of 90 years, the first film having been shot in 1925.

Dr Zammit Lewis said that the strategy will create a synergy between the public, stakeholders and other ministries.

Dr Zammit Lewis vowed to see that Rinella will be given its much-deserved importance and the right infrastructure built.

He reiterated that in 2013, €5 million were injected into the economy as a result of film productions while in 2014 a total of  €29 million.

The minister said that this is the first time that such a policy is being implemented tied to the industry. Both short- and long-term new job opportunities will be created as a result.

Asked whether he can give an indication to what the film commission's big announcement may be about, the minister said that this will be announced in the opportune moment.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat recently said that the commission is to make a big announcement tied to the industry but did not give further details.