Malta and China are in talks to develop a film industry cooperation agreement, Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said yesterday as he announced the shooting of Sonata Malta, the first Chinese film to ever be shot in Malta.

Speaking during the launch of new initiatives by the Malta Film Fund, Dr Zammit Lewis said that in the second half of last year, the industry generated around €28 million, after Malta managed to attract nine productions.

Since the beginning of last year, the Film Commission had invested around €1 million to train Maltese workers and artists.

Incentives offered by the Malta Film Fund were being revised and the fund now had a total allocation of €250,000, he said.

This year, the commission had announced five incentive schemes and would provide further help for qualifying projects. Certain cases would also enjoy total financing.

Mr Zammit Lewis said the government’s goal was to develop a local film industry and have a workforce ready to accept a number of foreign productions.

The commission is still riding on the back of last year’s success with the filming of the movie By The Sea at Mġarr ix-Xini, featuring Hollywood’s most golden couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

The Oscar-winning actress, who debuted as a director in the film, had thanked the “endless hospitality and generosity” as she wrapped up production.

“It has been such a fulfilling experience to shoot By the Sea in Malta, and I am honoured to have spent time on this beautiful island learning about its rich history and fascinating culture,” Ms Jolie said.