The PN on Friday said that it is seriously concerned about the lack of transparency shown by the government and the Film Commission regarding the controversial film which featured Film Commissioner Johann Grech, “Once Upon a Time in Malta.”

The Malta Film Commission rejected a freedom of information request filed by Times of Malta to publish the controversial 10-minute film featuring Grech, saying that the document requested was publicy available or will be published within three months.

The film has never been made public, and was only screened to guests at the Mediterrane Film Festival in June.

“The government should support the local industry instead of squandering funds on the inner circle,” PN MP Julie Zahra said.

She said that despite a request under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, the Film Commission refused to provide answers about this film, which involves Grech, the Film Commissioner.

“This 10-minute film, on which the government of Prime Minister Robert Abela spent at least €500,000 of Maltese taxpayers' money, simply to make the Film Commissioner appear like a movie star, was never released publicly and was only shown to special guests during the closing ceremony of the Mediterranean Film Festival last June,” Zahra said.

Zahra continued that it is concerning that the full cost of the film has not yet been disclosed, and there is an urgent need for government to be transparent about the use of public funds.

“It is evident that this expense cannot be justified, especially when there is a significant lack of funds to support local artists,” Zahra said.

She said that the Nationalist Party believes that government should use financial resources more responsibly and with full transparency.

“Investment in local art should be a priority to achieve concrete and real results for Malta's cultural sector, not with large and unaccountable expenses as seen in this film’s case,” she said.

Zahra called on government to first be transparent and responsible in its spending and to prioritise Maltese artists by providing more funds to help them flourish in their creativity, rather than spending millions on dubious projects.

“It is crucial that we have leadership that acts in the best interest of the people and maintains strict accountability on how public funds are being utilised,” Zahra said.