Once a year, the Malta Film Commission awards grants to emerging filmmakers through the Malta Film Fund for the development and production of audiovisual works. This year’s Fund has which has an allocation of €250,000 for the development of films and documentaries and the production of short films, feature films and documentaries, is now accepting proposals with a deadline set for Friday, 30th August 2013. The fund offers two funding strands, one for development and one for production, with up to €20,000 available for development and €120,000 for production.

Since its inception in 2008, a total of 32 Maltese films/documentaries have received the fund’s support; of which 17 projects received development funding and 15 projects received production funding. A total of €661,968.32 has been awarded in funding grants for these projects. For full list of projects awarded to date visit www.mfc.com.mt

Projects are independently assessed, examined and scored on the basis of eligibility and award criteria as listed in the Malta Film Fund Guidelines. The objective of the funds are to encourage the creation of quality Maltese films and documentaries; to support Maltese filmmaking talent that demonstrates long-term potential; to preserve and promote Maltese cultural and linguistic diversity through audiovisual works; to develop the artistic scope, quality and dissemination of Maltese audiovisual works; and to strengthen films as a cultural product and Malta as a production location.

Present at the launch and information session the film Commissioner Peter Busuttil, was the newly appointed Malta Film Commission Chairperson Dr. Beverly Cutajar and the Government’s advisor to the Film Industry, Mr. Engelbert Grech.

Mr. Engelbert Grech launched a symposium which will be organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs next Tuesday. Through this symposium, the stakeholders in the Film Service Industry can discuss, portray their vision and present proposals to the Minister. Engelbert Grech confirmed that a plan is being drafted to bring about the necessary changes within the Maltese Film Industry. This will ensure that the industry reaches its full potential both on a local and international level.

MFC Chairperson, Dr. Beverly Cutajar supported this vision and reiterated  that the Film Commission endeavours are to ensure that international productions that come to Malta are given our full support and guidance. In addition, the objectives of the commission are to ensure that local crew have the necessary skills and expertise by investing towards accredited courses in the filming production sector whether for those interested in starting a career in this industry or in improving their expertise in the field; she went on to refer to the recent Script Development workshop which was organised with Bobette Buster and the ESF funded courses will are scheduled to commence towards the end of this year.

Film Commissioner Peter Busuttil concluded the session by announcing the possibility of the Malta Film Commission hosting and setting up a Writers Rooms where local creatives can come together to collaborate on common projects and share ideas. He went on to stress the importance of working and collaborating together in the interest of the Film Industry.

The Malta Film Commission will be organising a series of information sessions regarding the fund application process. Interested participants who would like to book their attendance at any one of the information sessions taking place, are kindly requested to send an email to [email protected] for further details. Detailed guidelines, criteria and application form for the Malta Film Fund 2013 can be found and downloaded from the Malta Film Commission website www.mfc.com.mt. All applications are to be submitted to the Malta Film Commission by 12 noon on Friday, 30th August 2013.