Operational review about film commissioner being withheld by Ministry responsible for Malta’s Film Industry – MPA

The Malta Producers Association has learnt that a review commissioned by the Ministry of Tourism mid-March this year, on the shortcomings of the Malta Film Commission and the wrongdoings of its film commissioner, has been concluded over a month ago, however for some reason the findings are being kept under wraps. Why?

To recap – On 25 February, a TheShiftNews investigation revealed that film commissioner Johann Grech was actively pushing seven select local producers when promoting Malta with incoming foreign projects. Given this abuse of public office and the blatant act of discrimination against 14 production service providers, the MPA dutifully called out the serious wrongdoings, asked for the resignation of Grech and requested a meeting with the minister.

On 9 March, Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli agreed to meet. While not removing or at least suspending the commissioner, as would be expected for such wrongdoing, in the meeting the MPA was informed that an operational review of the Malta Film Commission was to be initiated. RSM Ltd was tasked with such review. The MPA had two meetings with RSM in which they repeated their serious concerns about the discrimination of the film commissioner and pointed to the evidence. The MPA also listed several other wrongdoings and mismanagement situations.

Although it seems evident that the review has been used to delay the handling of the matter, it is impossible for it not to acknowledge that wrongdoing was indeed committed because the facts are so stark. It is also suspected that the review will be used as a smokescreen to conceal the full severity of the abuse and allow the case to be swept under the carpet with a slap on the wrist.

But what could possibly be the reason for taking so long? Over one month to reveal the results of a review that should be openly and publicly available from the moment it is concluded…. if there was nothing to hide. The Permanent Secretary had promised that the MPA would be given a copy of the review, and despite reminders of this promise, to date the ministry has not been forthcoming… or even acknowledged the MPA’s emails.

Minister Farrugia Portelli has gone on record saying: “Rest assured that the minute there is evidence of wrongdoing by anybody under my watch, he or she will be chucked out immediately.” The evidence (not allegation) of wrongdoing has been publicly available for over six months and verification of such takes no longer than an hour, so why has no action been taken?

It needs to be stressed that during this time, while all these delays and refusals to meet are the order of the day, this fragile industry is suffering increasing reputational damage and the livelihoods of so many families are being put in jeopardy. The international sector is not forgiving. Reputational damage must be avoided and confidence needs to be restored.

The MPA remains hopeful that the minister will have courage and do what is right swiftly.