Gozo public consultation held on the first National Film Policy

by Gozo News · October 9, 2015

The Minister for Tourism Dr Edward Zammit Lewis and Gozo Minister Dr Anton Refalo, today took part in a public consultation, which took place in Gozo today, and focused on the first draft National Film Policy.

The Minister for Tourism said that “for the first time in the 90 year history of films in our country, we will have a National Film Policy in order to give clear direction to this sector.”

He said that this draft had been drawn on a number of parameters that are considered important to the infrastructure of the industry, including financial incentives, employment, education, field work, the development of skills and screen tourism.

“The Tourism Ministry has already appointed an advisory committee formed of interested parties, which worked together to draw up the first draft of a policy to focus on the industry.”

Dr Zammit Lewis stated that “by the end of 2015, this industry will have contributed €100 million into the economy of our country, this is compared to the €29 million generated last year and €5 million in 2013.”

Zammit Lewis added the Malta Film Commission had introduced new incentives and worked on an extensive marketing campaign around the world. ” This work is bearing fruit, particularly in Gozo, when last year, the island hosted its largest production with the film – By the Sea.”

“The Government is working towards the point where workers in this industry have employment throughout the year and Gozitans have work in Gozo. This is the aim for a greater effort to encourage more people to specialise in this industry.”

The Minister for Tourism explained that the Government had also revised its incentives in the industry including increased funding by the Malta Film Fund, with two funds, one for development and one for production, with a total allocation of a budget of € 250,000.

Dr. Edward Zammit Lewis concluded by urging Gozitans to be part of this National Film Policy and submit their suggestions before the document is finalised.

The Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo said that last year’s production of By the Sea, was the largest film ever made in Gozo and had created many jobs for the island, as well as contribute millions of euros into the economy of Gozo.

“The film industry is a good advertisement for the country, with tourists choosing to visit the island just because of scenes that they have seen on film.”

He added that this industry also has a multiplier effect “Apart from money paid to the film crew and other services directly related to the film industry, a large amount of money is spent on hotel accommodation, transport and entertainment.”

Dr Refalo said that the industry needs people to build film sets, take care of the props, administration of films, transport logistic coordinators, Producers, directors and camera persons. “Therefore there is also a plan to hold courses in Gozo to enable Gozitans to acquire the skills necessary to start working in the film industry.”

The Minister said that the biggest problem faced by the filmmakers in Gozo is the lack of a properly equipped building with the necessary facilities for the production of films. “For this purpose, it is intended to provide a building in Gozo for enterprises of various services, it will be built the help of European funds on the site formerly occupied by Malta Diary Products.”

The Minister for Gozo concluded by encouraging Gozitan stakeholders to “put their views forward on the draft policy, which will be designed to include and integrate Gozo; possibly giving it a particular role as a unique location and distinct from that of Malta.”