Ministers participate in public consultation on the draft national film policy

Tourism minister Edward Zammit Lewis and Gozo minister Anton Refalo said they have participated in a public consultation about the draft national film policy at a hotel in Mgarr Gozo earlier today.

“The policy will be the first of its kind in our 90 year history of films in the country and it will be giving the sector a clear direction,” tourism minister Edward Zammit Lewis said at the joint press conference, adding that the policy would secure Malta’s competitivity in the future.

Zammit Lewis also announced that he had chosen a consultative committee made up of interested parties to work together and create the first draft policy for the industry.

“The draft was based on a number of characteristics that are important for the industry including the industry’s infrastructure, financial incentives, the employment and education sector and the development of skills,” he said.

Zammit Lewis said that the sector had taken on a new dimension and begun to leave a highly positive impact on the economy of both Malta and Gozo. 

“By the end of 2015, the industry will have directly injected €100 million into the local economy, which marks a significant increase over the €29 million generated last year and €5 million in 2013.”

Zammit Lewis added that Gozo had benefitted particularly from the ‘By the Sea’, and that the government was working to secure more projects on our sister island.

He added that the government had also revised its incentives in the industry including increased funding by the Malta Film Fund, for development and production of projects.

Refalo said that last year’s By the Sea had created many jobs for the island and that it was the biggest project ever to be shot in Gozo.

“The film industry has a multiplier effects as it not only resulted in crew and service salaries but it even led to those involved spending money on accommodation, transport and entertainment.”

Refalo further added that there were plans to start courses in Gozo to further train Gozitans to gain better skills. He also encouraged stakeholders to invest in the industry and make more equipment available in Gozo.