Malta’s first national film policy that sets the industry’s vision for the next four years was released by Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis.

The National Film Policy 2016-2020 seeks to address issues on the industry’s infrastructure, and focuses on investments 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 we implement a long-term strategy to ensure Malta’s competitiveness in the industry is maintained,” the minister said.

According to the policy document, employment within the industry would also be regulated, after evaluations of the national minimum conditions of employment had been made.

A specific legal framework should be introduced.

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

Filmmakers 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.

Dr Zammit Lewis said that through the measures, Malta would be placed on the international map as a film destination. It would also create opportunities for education.

There had been a drastic increase in the number of productions in Malta over the past three years, he said, with €100 million generated last year.

In 2014, the film industry made €29 million while in the previous year the figure stood at €5 million.