Malta Film Commission launches Mediterrane Film Festival

The Malta Film Commission has announced the launch of the Mediterrane Film Festival, an annual convention focussed on film and creativity.

The inaugural event will take place in Valetta, Malta between June 25 – 30.

Together, the MED9 nations (Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain) participating in the festival will host conferences, key-note talks, workshops and visits to current and historic film sets.

The festival programme will be announced at Cannes Film Festival. The curated shortlist features outstanding films from each of the MED9 nations.

Attendees of the convention include Maltese and international filmmakers, actors, crew, studio executives, and producers. Representatives from the Malta Film Commission, British Film Commission will also be in attendance, with various academics, investors, and Hollywood executives making it a must-attend event.

Malta’s Film Commissioner Johann Grech said: “At the core to this year's convention is a set of pledges tied to our vision of creating a world class film industry.

“We will actively participate in the education of our children for early schooling, creating resources for teachers. We will foster an environment of learning and growth.”

In addition to the festival programming the Malta Film Commission has created a fund of €100,000 for a Maltese short film to be produced.

Grech confirmed that the fund will “provide the necessary mentoring and support throughout the project to ensure that the project is on the road to success.”

He added: “The film industry in itself is not an exclusive, private club. We want to see more social mobility. We want to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and crew.”