The Malta Producers Association has written to the Tourism Minister to explain what it describes as a “select few” policy adopted by the Film Commission in promoting some individuals at the expense of others.
The association had already made its voice heard yesterday, calling for the resignation of Johann Grech from the post of Film Commissioner. The commission had replied to say that, under Grech it had embarked on a project to strengthen further the local film industry,
In its letter, signed by president Simon Sansone, the association requested the “swift intervention” of Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli “in a matter of grave concern”.
“Following reports in the media that the Malta Film Commission (MFC) has been caught selectively promoting certain individuals and film companies to the exclusion of all others, any shred of trust in Film Commissioner, Johann Grech, has been completely obliterated. When the online crew and company directory was removed a few years ago, it gave rise to the suspicion that this was done in order to exert control over the private sector.
“With Johann Grech at the helm, this is no longer just a suspicion and there is now clear evidence that under his tenure, the film commission has been channeling work to a select few. This is a serious abuse of position which has jeopardised our members’ right to work as enshrined in our Constitution, as well as breaching competition rules and the ethics of public life.
“The Film Commissioner has since issued a statement that attempts to justify this behaviour thereby underlining the malpractice even further. To make matters worse, he took the opportunity to list the achievements of the Film Commission in recent years as if this in some way addressed or excused the wrongdoing.
“Malta’s film industry will doubtless suffer severe reputational damage as a result of these revelations in addition to the consequences already felt by our individual members in recent years. Governments come and go but this is how we feed our families and it is a devastating blow to learn that the Film Commission has been interfering in what should be a free market in a democratic EU state.
“As an association that represents 75% of all film professionals and stakeholders in Malta, we urge you to intervene as a matter of urgency and remove Johann Grech from his post forthwith.
“We would also like to request a meeting early next week in order to discuss a number of other measures that need to be implemented to ensure a return to a fair, open and transparent system.
“A strong message needs to be sent to the world that this corrupt practice does not represent or reflect Malta, our industry as a whole or its government. The international film industry is very close knit and news travels fast, especially bad news. The trust that has been built on our collective backs over many years takes only moments to destroy and we ask that you waste no time in taking all steps necessary to get the situation definitively back on track,” the association said.
MEA calls on Prime Minister to intervene in Malta Film Commission Issue
The Malta Employers’ Association stated that ensuring a level playing field among competitors is one of the fundamental tenets of good governance. The decision by the Malta Film Commission to establish a selective list of film production companies which excludes many eligible local producers with years of experience in the sector from participating is scandalous and should be reversed with immediate effect.
The decision to shortlist is even more inexcusable given that foreign production companies will only be eligible for tax incentives if they choose their suppliers from the official MFC list. Therefore, the privileged few will have a substantial unfair competitive advantage over the ones which have been left out. In effect, the list is a barrier to entry to many eligible companies. This is clearly immoral and contributes to the deteriorating reputation of the entire business environment in Malta in international circles.
The Association is asking the Prime Minister’s intervention to rectify the situation, so that all local producers will have an equal chance of winning business, and also to send a message that such practices are no longer tolerated in Malta.
PN statement
The Nationalist Party said what is happening in the film industry is a perfect example of the culture of discrimination that is employed by the government.
In a statement signed by spokesperson for media and culture, Therese Comodini Cachia, the PN expressed concern at this situation and urged the Film Commission to give equal opportunities to all involved in the sector.