The Malta Film Commission (MFC) has successfully attracted major film productions to Malta, helping to generate €231.5 million in film production spending between 2018 and 2022.

This achievement has positioned Malta as a desirable destination for international filmmakers and brought economic benefits, which the NAO report recognizes as a positive return on investment (ROI) largely due to the 40% cash rebate incentive.

However, the NAO emphasizes that this rebate program—awarding a record €47 million to the Gladiator sequel—requires careful evaluation to ensure value for money and alignment with broader socio-economic priorities.

While the government asserts the rebate returns triple its investment in economic impact, the NAO report highlights governance and transparency issues within the MFC.

Notably, it points out that high spending on promotional events like the 2022 Malta Film Week lacks sufficient documentation to prove cost-effectiveness, raising questions about public fund usage.

The NAO also noted that while the MFC’s calculations on job creation and economic benefits are broadly accurate, some employment data includes retained jobs that would be lost without ongoing production activities.

In response to critiques, the MFC has taken steps to improve administrative efficiency, including hiring additional staff, and maintains that its incentives align with industry best practices.

Looking forward, the MFC aims to enhance its infrastructure and further bolster Malta’s competitiveness in the global film market, focusing on long-term benefits balanced with improved transparency and governance.

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