Complaints about Malta’s current film commissioner Peter Busuttil did not reflect the local film sector’s performance and were likely the result of “personality clashes”, Economy Minister Tonio Fenech said yesterday.
Several people within the local film industry are reportedly unhappy with Mr Busuttil’s performance as commissioner and had last February met with the Prime Minister to air their grievances.
But according to Mr Fenech, complaints, although vociferous, were not a fair reflection of the true picture. “The Commission is doing great work, and there are many others in the industry who would vouch for this. The Government wants to ensure everyone is on board, but remember that those who have complained are not the only people working in the sector.”
Film industry insiders claim the current commissioner has struggled to promote Malta as a viable international film destination and the sector is struggling as a result, with many foreign productions making limited use of Maltese crews.
In a letter service providers sent to the Prime Minister, they complained that “the commissioner’s manner and knowledge ability have been found lacking and embarrassing on several occasions...Malta cannot afford to waste precious time in the hope he will be a fast learner.”
Malta Film Commission chairman Anthony Sammut suggested those complaining were clinging to old work practices. “Those used to receiving cash rebates argue that more money automatically equals more productions. But that’s old thinking,” he said.
Culture Minister Mario de Marco told The Times that unease with Mr Busuttil might stem from the gradual transition period the local film industry was going through.
“We’re trying to gradually move towards having a stable indigenous film industry which doesn’t rely so heavily on foreign productions. It’s a work in progress.”
Both ministers were speaking to The Times minutes after having awarded €239,000 in development and production funds to 13 local projects, ranging from feature films to documentaries, through 2012’s Malta Film Fund.
Mr Fenech said that the Government had spent some €940,000 in aiding local film productions over the past four years. That sum included direct grants such as those handed out yesterday, as well as training courses offered by the Film Commission.
He also announced that three foreign film productions had agreed to shoot scenes in Malta next year. They include the Falklands War-themed British film Destroyer, a €5 million French film based in Afghanistan, and a television series.
The Malta Film Fund had been established with the aim of helping Malta’s local film industry grow and flourish, Dr de Marco said. He pointed to productions such as Dear Dom – a success at the local box office – as proof that there was a market for endemic productions.
Previous Malta Film Fund beneficiaries include Simshar, Malta’s first-ever full feature film for an international audience and a two-time recipient of Malta Film Fund grants. The film is currently in production.