The results of Strands 1-5 under the Screen Support Scheme have just been announced whereby thirty-one audiovisual projects will be receiving a total of €2,883,916. The selected projects include six screenwriting projects, twelve projects that are currently being developed, four short films, six feature-length productions and three cultural programmes.
The selected projects cover fiction, documentaries, animation and cultural programmes. They include new scripts, research, projects currently in development and in the final stages of presentation to the industry, short films about to start the production stage, feature-length productions and cultural programmes intended for private broadcasting stations. Together, these results support the work that goes into screen production at different stages, from concept development to production and preparation to reach wider audiences.
Strand 1 offers support in the screenwriting stage and in the carrying out of research related to cultural and creative audiovisual productions in Malta. The published results show €145,288 allocated to six projects. Strand 2 supports the wider process of development whereby 12 projects will receive a total of €538,628.
Strand 3 supports the production of short films of fiction, documentaries and animation. Four projects were awarded a total of €140,000. Strand 4 supports the production of feature-length audiovisual productions of the same format. Six projects received a total of €2 million with individual grants varying from €103,000 to €450,000.
Strand 5 supports original cultural programmes for private broadcasting stations, particularly audiovisual works requiring investment and which may have limited access to private funds. Three projects each received €20,000 amounting to a total of €60,000 being given in Strand 5.
Minister for Arts, Culture and National Heritage, Dr Malcolm Paul Agius Galea said, “Malta Vision 2050 envisions long-term investment in films as part of our island’s national direction. Thanks to investments such as the Screen Support Scheme, we are fulfilling this strategy to specifically offer artists and projects of high quality work a direct advantage. We are investing in the development of talent, and in the potential of production, from the first stages of screenwriting to final completion and presentation on a global scale.
Furthermore, this initiative delivers on an electoral pledge and provides direct support to local film producers through targeted assistance developed in consultation with artists themselves. The Screen Support Scheme will continue to be launched annually, providing greater reassurance and stability to film producers. The funds allocated to the scheme will continue to increase, while the scheme itself will be regularly updated to respond to the sector’s emerging needs.”
Dr Luke Dalli, Executive Chairman at Arts Council Malta said, “If we wish to have a strong audiovisual industry, we must invest in the entire production process, starting from screenwriting and research, through to development, production and internationalisation. This scheme is founded on the conviction that creativity is an entire process, and that we must accompany our creatives throughout each important stage of their journey.”
Rita Falzon, Director of Funds at Arts Council Malta, said “The Screen Support Scheme is part of Arts Council Malta’s continuous strategy of strengthening the films sector in Malta. The scheme is structured in such a way to offer support at every level, from screenwriting to development and production, while also encouraging professional planning and stronger presentation to international partners and collaborators. The scheme gives artists and independent audiovisual entities access to funds in the stage that is most relevant to the work they are carrying out.”
Strand 6 of this scheme will remain open for applications until noon of the 18th November 2026, or until all scheme funds are fully disbursed. This strand supports the international production of works of fiction, documentaries and animation which have been completed no later than 18 months before submission, or which are in an advanced stage of development. The support can cover direct distribution, work with sales agents or distributors, participation in festivals and selected markets, and submission of work to recognised, international festivals.
The final results of Strands 1 to 5 can be found on www.artscouncil.mt.
