Following the release of the Gladiator 2 trailer as well as criticism directed towards the Malta Film Commissioner during the Mediterrane Film Festival, Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo and Film Commissioner Johann Grech issued statements addressing the situation.
The film commissioner shared a bit of the trailer and explained how this is the result of three years of meetings and lots of work to bring Gladiator 2 to the big screen.
‘A clear example that when we invest, we achieve more’, wrote Grech, explaining how 720 Maltese crews and over 1,300 extras worked on the film.
‘In January over 33,000 locals attended the ‘Ġurnata Ma tal-FIlms’ where they witnessed the sets of Gladiator 2. Sets that you will recognise in the trailer.’
Grech also revealed that another blockbuster will begin filming in Malta. The Tourism Minister also reiterated the hard work that went into the film’s creation, writing:
‘We are committed to continue working to attract more films to our country, whilst strengthening the investment in the local industry.’
This also follows a recent statement by the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) and the Malta Producer’s Association (MPA), critiquing the Mediterrane Film Festival for ‘overlooking the realities of grassroots filmmakers in Malta.’
MEIA & MPA pointed out a ‘glaring absence of Maltese films at the festival, suggesting that the local industry’s success is not being fully realised.’
They emphasised three key issues: the need for a cohesive National Film Policy, the promised but unfulfilled increase in the Domestic Screen Production Fund, and the urgent requirement for revised cash rebate guidelines.
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