PN airs concerns on the Mediterrane Film Festival and questions its cost
Whilst the PN acknowledged the benefits of events like the Mediterrane Film Festival, which came to a close on the 30th of June, it raised several points on the costs of the event and spoke of the Film Commissioner's "lack of professionalism" and spe
Whilst the PN acknowledged the benefits of events like the Mediterrane Film Festival, which came to a close on the 30th of June, it raised several points on the costs of the event and spoke of the Film Commissioner's "lack of professionalism" and spending as well as the ultimate benefit of such "exorbitant fees" when the film industry in Malta remains "fragile".
The PN said that the Mediterrane Film festival with the Golden Bee Awards in Malta, which saw various activities throughout the whole week had a "state of the art" opening and conclusion using the best equipment for the smallest details. It said that it appears that the Film Commissioner still has an "open cheque book" which allows him to spend millions in this event, which will be a yearly affair.
The PN recognises and believes in the importance of this industry, which it said should continue flourishing and guarantee work for the Maltese in this sector. It said, however, that its concern lies with how one person, the Film Commissioner, "dictates everything himself without consulting anyone else whilst." Meanwhile, the PN said, the Minister for Tourism and other entities, with the Prime Minister's blessing, continue to spend millions for these events. It went on to point out that this film festival is estimated to have cost €3.9 million alone.
The PN continues to ask for professionalism from the Film Commissioner. It also asked about a film that was screened during the awards in which the Film Commissioner was the protagonist and about how much it cost the taxpayer. It also questioned why many of the winners were not present for the awards yet thousands were spent to bring famous actors over to announce the names of the winners.
The PN said that the Minister refrained from giving a guarantee about how many millions were spent, about who they will benefit to bring more films to Malta and for the Maltese to have work opportunities, and also, it said he refrained from saying how much income the Maltese economy is making with these films. The party said that it remains concerned about how high budget films are leaving Malta for other countries; and that one can never justify the pay of the Film Commissioner, as Tourism Minister, Clayton Bartolo, attempted when there is a lack of professionalism; when there is a lack of respect towards local filmmakers, amongst others.
It said that it is committed to see that this industry keeps on growing but not for the gain of one or two people.
The PN said that the concept of setting up such activities to attract work to Malta is good but it is greatly concerned about how the millions that the Film Commissioner, with the blessing of the Labour government, will actually render and do the Maltese economy any good when the country is currently in €10 billion in debt.
The PN noted what the Maltese President, Myriam Spiteri Debono, told the Film Commissioner; to respect the principles of accountability and good governance which the PN itself had also spoken of, when, last summer, it requested the General Auditor to investigate the Film Commissioner.
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