– The Malta Film Commission head explains how the archipelago is turning production growth into long-term workforce and infrastructure policy
On day two of this year’s Mediterrane Film Festival (21-28 June), the Malta Film Commission hosted the national conference “Taking the Film Industry to the Next Level: Upskilling the Film Workforce in Malta”, where it launched the first phase of Malta’s National Crew Standards Frameworks, covering seven core production departments and 73 crew roles, alongside a €2 million Opportunity for All Scholarship Fund.
A new March 2026 impact study also describes the sector as having shifted from sporadic, project-based activity into a structural contributor to growth: its GVA contribution rose from 0.28% in 2005-2017 to 0.83% in 2018-2025, peaking at 2.16% in 2023, while annual GDP contribution increased from €30 million before 2018 to €173 million after 2018. Employment effects rose from around 500 to 2,500 FTEs per year, and the net fiscal benefit linked to film activity grew from €3 million to €12 million per year.
These figures formed the backdrop to our conversation with Malta film commissioner Johann Grech, who has been steering the body’s recent push to turn the Mediterranean archipelago’s appeal as a servicing hub into a broader skills, infrastructure and competitiveness strategy. Grech framed the past year as the moment when the country’s ambitions began to translate into concrete tools for its workforce and studio ecosystem.
Cineuropa: When we spoke last year, upskilling was central to your strategy. What has changed over the last 12 months?
Johann Grech: We are now moving from talk into action. During the conference, we launched the framework for our upskilling programme, as well as a €2 million budget for scholarships for crew. Last year, we were talking about our vision; today, we are putting that vision into action through concrete measures.
We have also launched seven different programmes to upskill our crews, which we are doing with Film London. They started this week during Mediterrane, and include production, hair and make-up, camera and DIT, among others. We are investing heavily, and I think our strategy is working. Today, we have more people working in the industry, and we want to invest even more in our people.
Our strategy is based on investment: investment in skills, education and training; investment in infrastructure; and also investment in sharpening our cash-rebate programme so that we remain competitive globally.
Are these courses connected to your work with MCAST?
We work with the Education Department and MCAST University, but these programmes are different. The ones we launched are more specific. We are working with the trade, the film industry and organisations such as Film London to build programmes based on our needs.
You also mentioned a new census of the Maltese film workforce. What is emerging from it?
This is the second census in the history of the Malta Film Commission. The first was done three years ago. With all of the bold changes we have made, I felt we needed another real picture of the industry. Based on a sample of 800 people, the results are clear. Around 70% of our crew said they had the opportunity to work in the industry over the last ten years. Today, based on our numbers, we have between 800 and 1,000 people working full-time in film. The commission is working with the University of Malta on the census.
Which international markets remain most important for Malta?
The UK is a key market for us, like the USA. Then there’s Canada, Europe and potentially Australia. In Europe, we follow the European Convention. We have a memorandum of understanding with Canada, another one with China, and we are working on a treaty with Australia.
The servicing side is clear, but what about local talent and local artistry?
The commission is focused on international business. That is our remit: bringing business to Malta. Local production funds are handled by Arts Council Malta. But we are still creating huge opportunities for local crew and local creative people. When an international film comes to Malta, the first opportunity is for local crew and local talent.
How do you see the festival developing as both a cultural event and a business tool?
The festival is one of the best marketing tools we have ever created. It places us on the global map, consolidates our position, attracts more business and provides a platform for networking. It also gives us a voice to talk about the art of film. We want to be a real player on the global stage.
What are the next infrastructure goals?
We are building the first global LED super stage. The concept has been approved by the government, and we are finalising the international public call for bidders to build our concept, develop our design and start operating it. It is an €80 million project, not only for the soundstage, but also for studio facilities. We want to build world-class studios so that Malta can keep competing.
Can you mention any recent notable foreign shoots?
Jason Statham recently shot a film here in April, his second in Malta, and he will return after the festival for another one. We also had The Madame Blanc Mysteries and Guy Ritchie‘s Viva La Madness. So far this year, we have had six feature films, five TV series and two co-productions.
