” The Film Industry Generated One Billion Euro for Malta’s Economy” – Johann Grech
Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech said that Malta’s film industry has successfully transformed from a seasonal activity into a year-round economic pillar, generating one billion euro for the country’s economy over the past five years.
Speaking before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Commissioner Grech highlighted the significant growth achieved under his administration, with 169 productions secured and film budgets surpassing €635 million.
Commissioner Grech explained that this substantial investment has been independently measured through economic reports validated by the National Audit Office (NAO), which confirmed the industry’s billion-euro contribution to Malta’s economy. He also emphasised that Malta now possesses a detailed blueprint of world world-class soundstage designated for filming, supported by permits issued by the Planning Authority.
“With the building of a world-class soundstage underway, we are ensuring long-term careers in the film industry,” Grech stated.
The Commissioner also referred to the Auditor General’s confirmation that Malta’s cash rebate programme is delivering a substantial return on investment.
“For every euro we invest, the film industry generates €3 back into our economy. Through the cash rebate, we have supported employment for Maltese workers; 8 out of every 10 people working in the film industry are Maltese, and over the past two years alone, more than 700 Maltese businesses have been involved in this sector,” he said.
The NAO further confirmed that the economic reports prepared by the Malta Film Commission generally present accurate results regarding the industry’s impact. “Aside from some minor qualifications, the NAO agrees with the figures reported in the Commission’s studies,” the Auditor General’s report stated.
Grech underlined that the film industry has sustained 15,000 jobs over the past five years, with 18% of the country’s economic growth in 2023 alone driven by the film sector.
“This means that €18 out of every €100 of economic growth came from the film industry,” he explained.
Turning to international marketing efforts aimed at attracting further film production investment, which includes the Mediterrane Film Festival, Commissioner Grech noted that the NAO had confirmed the effectiveness of the Commission’s promotional strategy, quoting from the report saying that “our approach follows industry norms and embraces best practices.”
The Mediterrane Film Festival has continued to build on its success, not only as a cultural event but also as a catalyst for economic growth.
He also revealed that the second edition of the festival achieved $21.9 million in media and social media coverage value, a 29% increase over the inaugural edition, which had already secured over $17 million in media value.
With an investment of €5 million in the second edition, the Mediterrane Film Festival generated an economic impact of €9.7 million—an increase of 38% compared to the €7 million economic impact from a €4 million investment in the first edition.
“This means we increased investment by around 25%, but the economic impact rose by 38%,” Grech explained.
He went on to say that the Mediterrane Film Festival has turned ideas and opportunities into tangible results. “Thanks to the Mediterrane Film Festival, we secured film projects that increased their budgets in Malta and attracted significant interest from internationally renowned producers and directors, including the likes of Mel Gibson,” Grech concluded.
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