More access to audio-visual content in Malta and Gozo was discussed by MEP Therese Comodini Cachia during a meeting with KRS representatives in Valletta. Comodini Cachia, the European Parliament rapporteur on the Copyright reform, met Gavin Hamilton-Deeley and Alex Pace.

KRS are responsible for the distribution of movies in Malta and Gozo. The meeting formed part of a series of meetings with major stakeholders in Malta and in the European Union.

During the meeting, it was discussed how the European market will see several changes within the next two years because of Brexit. This can also leave an impact on the distribution of movies.

It was noted that the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, can negatively impact the Maltese and Irish markets, since the distribution rights of movies in both countries is closely related with the British market. Remarks were also made on the production of movies locally, the filming of blockbusters in Malta and the positive impact on the economy.

Therese Comodini Cachia explained how the copyright reform will eventually lead to more digital access to consumers, thus including movies. She emphasised that content creators need to receive fair remuneration for the works they produce and stressed that digital platforms have a key role in this aspect. The introduction of Netflix in Malta was also discussed and how the access to content led to a decrease in piracy.

The KRS representatives said that education is fundamental for more people to realise that piracy is equivalent to theft and that leaves a negative impact on the creative sector.

Therese Comodini Cachia explained that the European Commission is coming up with a series of proposals regarding piracy and enforcement.

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