Film producers say Tourism Minister refusing to meet them

The Malta Producers’ Association (MPA) has over the last few months repeatedly but unsuccessfully called for meetings with Minister Farrugia Portelli to discuss pressing matters related to the state of the film sector in Malta.

The association said in a statement that it has called upon the Prime Minister to intervene. Emails sent to the Minister and the Prime Minister to date remain unanswered and unacknowledged.

Whilst failing to understand the reason behind such discriminatory and unacceptable treatment, the MPA encourages Farrugia Portelli to fulfil her role as a Government Minister and to answer the emails sent and to expediently provide the association with a meeting.

Matters such as COVID-19, the case of discrimination towards film companies by the Film Commissioner and the recently completed yet still undisclosed operational review on his operations need urgent attention. Moreover the continued unexplained delay for the launch of this year’s Film Fund and delays in incentive time-frames are also matters of urgent concern that will have repercussions for our industry if delayed any longer.

With reference to recent articles in the media, whilst it is positive and welcoming to note that productions are slowly finding their way back to our islands, the MPA cannot accept this fact as the solution to the problems that members of the MPA are facing.

As stakeholders of the industry, the members of the association have a right to dialogue with the Minister responsible for film and expect to have a constructive conversation about current concerns and a way forward for the film and TV sector which provides great cultural and economic value to our country, the association said.