It's another warm July, and once again I find myself writing about yet another Mediterrane Film Festival which, for the third year running, has turned into an extraordinarily expensive extravaganza. It is not my pleasure to once again be writing about a topic which could be a beautiful platform for cross-party collaboration and mature discussion. Yet I am compelled to join a chorus of disapproval that has called out the irresponsible spend which has reportedly even grown further.

I mention a chorus of disapproval because the main criticism this year came from the most unlikely of quarters - it was none other than chief Government minion and propogandist Neville Gafa together with special envoy and full-time government lackey Jason Micallef who led the brigade.

They didn't mince their words, as they called on the Prime Minister to rein in the out-of-control Film Commissioner and his Minister, as Gafa revealed that the bottom line for the whole show is likely to be hovering around the €14 million mark. Fourteen - million - euro - spent on a film festival, for a few VIP guests who were flown and ferried in luxury, wined and dined, and little else.

Let me be clear, I am not against the concept of having a film festival that celebrates the film servicing and indigenous film industry in Malta. As I have stressed several times before, we have a strong industry which has developed and flourished over the decades which we ought to continue investing in, with a view to see it becoming a principal pillar in our economy. And why not celebrate it too, but the balance has been lost a long time ago here.

What's for sure is that this does not give a blank cheque to our Film Commissioner, to do as he pleases. The public coffers should not be seen as a never-ending honey pot to fund selfies.

Because let's face it, that is the impression everyone is getting. No one could be blamed, including Neville Gafa or Jason Micallef, for thinking that the Film Commissioner is on some wild spending spree, and is now bewilderingly out of control.

Under two separate Ministers, Film Commissioner Johann Grech has shown that he takes no order or guidance from anyone, as he has dug his heels even deeper, staying on his expensive and questionable route.

So, the question that arises is quite pertinent here. What hold does Mr Grech have on the Minister, and the Prime Minister to be able to continue spending unjustified millions of euros in tax-payer money for the enjoyment of the very selected few? What kind of invisible power does the Film Commissioner yield in order to once again get away, not once, not twice, but obstinate himself to repeat exactly the same offences for the third time, nay, increase the spend considerably, thus embarrassing his Minister and the Prime Minister?

I wouldn't want to be in Minister Bonnici's shoes at the moment, for it is a very embarrassing situation indeed.

Once again, just like with the film rebates, I am in favour of celebrating the wonderful film industry, however we need better visibility and accountability.

When it comes to public moneys, the government and government officials ought to be more responsible when it comes to spending it, and every last shiny euro needs to be well accounted for, according to standing norms.

Otherwise, it remains a very questionable bonanza. A rather spectacular, granted, yet questionable bonanza.

Julie Zahra is the Opposition's Shadow Minister for Cultural Heritage, Arts, and Culture