New incentives and schemes aimed at boosting the local film industry and helping the sector gain more stability will be introduced, Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis has said.

During a press conference, the minister said that the local film industry will start to benefit from reduced tax schemes. "Companies that choose to contribute to local film production and training initiatives offered by the Film Commission will benefit from a 150% tax reduction".

Minister Zammit Lewis said that thanks to this scheme, the Film Commission will have more resources to help local film industry talent and workers and will continue to offer training for the sector. The Commission, he said, will work hand in hand with the Malta Arts Council, as the original scheme was focussed on culture and was extended to incorporate the local film industry".

The minister said that this government managed to attract many international productions to Malta. Over three years , the Film Commission invested around €1 million in training. The Malta Film Fund, he said, offers two funding elements, one for development and one for productions which focus on short films, creative documentaries, high quality TV series which could be aired internationally with a €250,000 budget.

Film producers may also apply for grants from the Commission, he said, where a jury formed by experts would evaluate applications.

He said that a new grant category - International Film Festival - will be launched this year, and it will serve to assist with local film promotion for those being showcased at international film festivals.