Film commissioner steps down

Winston Azzopardi has relinquished with immediate effect his post as Film Commissioner, which he has occupied since the establishment of the Film Commission in 1999, the Department of Information said.

He stepped down because he is likely to be involved in a personal capacity in film productions that are being shot in Malta next year.

The two positions would present an obvious conflict of interest as the role of the film commissioner is mainly to attract productions to shoot on the island, sources said.

Mr Azzopardi, therefore, cannot be personally employed, or involved with one of the several productions that the film commission is meant to assist.

Oliver Mallia, who works in the Economic Services Ministry and has been involved in the Film Commission since its inception, has been appointed acting film commissioner and is assuming the relative responsibilities until a review of the structure of the MFC, which is currently underway, is finalised.