€1 million in funds is being invested in 23 film projects through the Screen Support Scheme, the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government stated.

Minister Owen Bonnici, who is now also responsible for the film industry after the resignation of Clayton Bartolo, said that this scheme is being administered by Arts Council Malta for the first time. The Ministry commented that out of 58 registered eligible applications from independent audiovisual entities, 23 projects will be given the funds.

The Ministry said that this scheme saw the investment in local productions increase to €1 million, to be spread over different main branches. It added that before the scheme was issued, an intensive process of research and consultation took place, where the main areas that needed immediate support were identified.

It continued that the scheme aims to facilitate the creation of projects intended for theatrical screening, festivals, and broadcasting which are considered to make a valid contribution to the expression of creativity and culture, and which are produced according to international standards. It stated that the scheme includes animation projects, documentaries, as well as cultural programs.

Speaking on the eligible branches, the Ministry said that these branches cover the writing of scripts, the development phase, as well as the production phase of short films, feature films, and cultural programs.

Bonnici remarked that indigenous film represents an important and intrinsic part of the creative sectors, and continued that this scheme, as it is restructured under the administration of the Maltese Arts Council, reflects this importance. He commented that the government is listening to what the sector has to say, "and therefore this scheme should be seen as another opportunity to strengthen this aspect of the cultural and creative sectors".

The Minister continued that the government is working hand in hand with the interested parties to continue improving the mechanisms of the scheme. He spoke of how the financial allocation for this scheme will rise to €2 million as announced in Budget 2025.

The Chief Operations Officer for Funding and Strategy within the Maltese Council for the Arts, Mary Ann Cauchi, emphasised the importance of the main pillars that form part of the scheme. "The Council has always emphasised its role in order to safeguard the dynamic development of our cultural characteristics, while building a sustainable creative economy in the broadest sense, in line with the council's strategy. This also includes the indigenous film sectors, which are being strengthened through this scheme."

She added that the council is also introducing a space for applicants who are new to the sector by offering them mentoring support.