Malta’s first policy focusing on the film industry, the National Film Policy 2016-2020, was launched by Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis this morning.

The policy, which sets the industry vision until 2020, would seek to address issues on the industry’s infrastructure, with investments to be made in the Malta Film Studios and technologies which would encourage filmmakers to carry out the post-production phase in Malta.

“It’s crucial that we keep the momentum we have built going and ensure that we implement a long-term strategy to ensure Malta’s competitiveness in the industry is maintained,” the minister said.

Film-makers would also be provided with financial incentives, the minister said. These would include cash rebates, investments through the Malta Film Fund as well as fiscal incentives.

It’s crucial that we keep the momentum we have built going

According to the policy document, employment within the industry would also be regulated, after evaluations of the national minimum conditions of employment was made and a specific legal framework should be introduced.

Dr Zammit Lewis said that through the measures to be implemented in the coming years, Malta would be placed on the international map as a filming destination. Opportunities for education would also be created, he said.

In the past three years, the number of productions increased drastically, with €100 million being generated last year. In 2014, €29 million was generated while in the previous year, this figure stood at €5 million.

See policy here.