Film industry: Short-term results 'should not come at expense of long-term success'

Short-term results in the film industry should not come at the expense of long-term success, the Malta Producers Association (MPA) told The Malta Independent on Sunday when asked about local industry members’ views on the state of the industry

By: independent.com.mt

Jul 28 2024
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Film industry: Short-term resu

Short-term results in the film industry should not come at the expense of long-term success, the Malta Producers Association (MPA) told The Malta Independent on Sunday when asked about local industry members’ views on the state of the industry and the performance of the Film Commission.

“Our islands have long been a magnet for international filmmakers, bolstered by governmental incentives that have ramped up significantly in the past years,” said Charlie Cauchi, chairperson of the MPA. He remarked that such measures are essential, as they recognise the industry's importance to Malta's cultural and economic fabric while ensuring its international competitiveness during a challenging period for the global industry.

Having said that, he argues that “the pursuit of the servicing sector must not overshadow the domestic sector’s growth, which has laboured to establish itself for many years despite dire means”. He believes that it is only long-term success which can genuinely foster Maltese economies, skillsets and stores.

The MPA chair suggested that the situation could be radically improved “if authorities were to appropriately consult with experienced stakeholders”. He continued that authorities should then work to implement relevant models which have proven to be successful in other countries.

There has been much criticism levied towards film commissioner Johann Grech’s expenditure as of late, with the most recent example being the €500,000 spent on a 10-minute short film in which the commissioner himself was featured as an actor. With that in mind, The Malta Independent on Sunday asked the MPA what it would do if it had access to the funds that the Film Commission has.

Cauchi said that the role of money has emerged as a pivotal point at the heart of Malta’s current filmmaking debate. He added that the MPA has made it clear that the government’s commitment to boost funding to €2m is not just a number, “but one which would reap economic and cultural returns”. However, he said that the conversation does not end with funding and that to have a truly sustainable and prosperous domestic and servicing industry, there is a need for a sound national film policy and infrastructure.

He said that despite the inclusion of specific screen industries in Malta’s National Cultural Policy, for many years filmmaking has “remained conspicuously absent from Malta’s cultural public policy discourse”. He said that this oversight neglects film’s dual nature as both a cultural artefact and an economic asset, “integral to the fabric of society that values equity and freedom”.

“The call to action is clear,” Cauchi remarked. “A well-considered, sustainable plan is imperative, one that transcends quick fixes and addresses the chronic underfunding and marginalisation of the domestic film industry.” He summarised that building a solid foundation is not just beneficial, but essential for the emergence and flourishing of Malta’s audio-visual sector, “ensuring its role as a cornerstone of national culture and economy”.

This media house asked Cauchi if people have spoken to the MPA regarding mistreatment or any other potential grievances with the state of the local industry, to which he replied that members have voiced dissatisfaction over what they have perceived as a lack of forthcoming dialogue.

Recently, renowned Maltese filmmaker and co-founder of the Take Two production company, Abigail Mallia, said that she plans to move to the United States of America as she feels that she has already done all she can in Malta. Mallia had said that she felt she could no longer use her talent in Malta. Furthermore, she said that she was tired of fighting to create something meaningful. Such sentiments are indicative of local talent and producers being unhappy with the current state of the local industry.

Cauchi explained the issue further by saying that it is essential for stakeholders to be included in conversations when implementing essential measures for film servicing, “such as issuing new rebate guidelines and pledges”. Cauchi said that producers making their own content have often been unable to access funding in a consistent, sustainable and transparent way. He continued that many have also “highlighted the significant structural power imbalance”, which he said is most apparent in the treatment of the film servicing sector versus that of those working on domestic productions, which he believes feel undervalued in the current system.

“The MPA believes a more equitable environment for all parties involved in the audio-visual sector can be achieved if an informed ecosystem is implemented.”

With that being said, Cauchi was asked if the MPA has had any contact with representatives of the government concerning these matters, and whether he believes such concerns or suggestions will be seriously considered by the government.

He answered that the MPA has indeed initiated a series of meetings “with critical figures in the relevant government authorities”. He said that the agenda is clear, and it is to forge an infrastructure which fosters the long-term success of the servicing industry and creates a level playing field for the domestic sector, which would enable it to produce for both the local and international markets. Cauchi said that for these two goals to genuinely function, they cannot be mutually exclusive.

“We are happy to report that in the coming weeks, the MPA will see pivotal meetings with relevant officials across the Tourism and Culture ministers, both of which cover our sector.”

Cauchi said that although the recent media attention has brought awareness to the industry, if the Maltese audio-visual landscape is to align with the standards and successes of international counterparts, then what is needed now is informed and concrete collaboration between stakeholders and the relevant authorities. “Our resolve is for substantial and lasting change,” he concluded.