In what is amply seen as a direct response to criticism from Maltese film producers, Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech today announced what he described as Creative Malta, a “new” film fund that simplifies the application process and offers a pot of €600,000 for local filmmakers.
When Grech was asked whether Creative Malta is the same scheme as the previous and defunct Screen Malta fund, which also offered a pot of €600,000 for local filmmakers, he said: "Creative Malta is a new programme for the local industry of films. Today we are encouraging more people to join us so that they can achieve their ideas and ambitions."
When pressed, he said that Creative Malta "reflects" the changes that needed to be made. These changes come in the form of the removal of the de minimis scheme and a change to the recoupment clause.
The new scheme was announced during a press conference on Wednesday at Villa Birghi, Kalkara, where both Grech and Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo spoke about the release of this new fund which is accessible to local filmmakers from Wednesday.
Grech said that Creative Malta is an open call fund unlike the previous Screen Malta Fund, which was under the de minimis scheme. Being under the de minimis scheme meant that a company can apply for a maximum of €200,000 over three years.
Last month, Maltese filmmakers criticised the Malta Film Commission for failing to launch this year's Screen Malta fund. Back in July, producers had flagged the lack of funding by the government.
Many local filmmakers have been vocal about how they are not able to plan ahead for any projects as they have been "left in the dark". They also lamented that while the government seemed to have so much money available for foreign film productions, it had little time and funds for Maltese film-makers.
When Bartolo was asked about the delay of the fund by The Malta Independent last week, he had said: “We are working on several changes for this fund so that local producers will be given the opportunities that they deserve.”
Bartolo had also said that the removal of the de minimis scheme was something that they were discussing.
Grech would not be drawn into admitting that one scheme is effectively replacing another.
During the press conference, Grech said that this new fund is part of a “holistic programme” which focuses on supporting local talent. He appealed to youths to apply for this fund and express their talent within the film industry.
Although public funds are important to support filmmakers, he said that the funds are there to help filmmakers take their first steps in the industry, so that hopefully in the future, these local filmmakers will not even need to rely on public funds.
“Local talent was, still is, and will continue to form part of the film industry,” Bartolo said.
He mentioned how in 2013 the film fund offered €250,000, and over the years this has increased by €350,000. He said that over the past five years there have been 58 applicants who have applied for support from the film fund.
He said that the simplified application of this new fund is important because it allows the filmmakers to direct all their energy towards their creative ability rather than focus on many documents to apply for funds.