Another milestone continues to strengthen Malta’s presence in the global film industry
Arts Council Malta hosted the first-ever Malta Pavilion at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. The initiative marked a significant milestone for Malta’s local audiovisual sector, providing a dedicated presence at one of the world’s most prestigious film gatherings.
The Malta Pavilion served as a meeting point for local filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals, while creating a space for networking and the forging of international connections. The pavilion reflected ongoing efforts to strengthen Malta’s position within the global film landscape, ensuring that Maltese creatives are not only present at key international festivals, but are also able to participate meaningfully.
This initiative is part of a wider drive to creat new opportunities for Maltese filmmakers and producers. Recent developments included Malta’s official membership in Eurimages, the Council of Europe’s cultural support fund for co-production, which has expanded access to international financing and collaboration for Maltese filmmakers.
Likewise, Arts Council Malta’s presence at this year’s EFM Market showed the value of having a dedicated space where Maltese industry professionals could meet international counterparts and explore co-production opportunities. This raised the visibility of Maltese work in a highly competitive global environment.
During the festival, meetings were held with key international stakeholders, including Eurimages, the European Film Agency Directors Association, EAVE – European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs, and the Berlinale Co-Production Market. Conversations centred around establishing strategic connections that could benefit Maltese filmmakers and the wider audiovisual ecosystem. They also enabled the finalisation of several training opportunities for local filmmakers, further supporting professional development within the sector.
Executive Chairperson of Arts Council Malta, Dr Luke Dalli, said: “The establishment of Malta’s first national pavilion at Cannes represents an important step in the long-term vision outlined in Strategy 2030, where international cultural exchange, creative excellence, and sustainable sector development remain central priorities. Our presence at Cannes is not simply about visibility, but about creating tangible pathways for Maltese filmmakers and producers to access international networks, collaborations, and opportunities that can strengthen the local audiovisual sector for years to come.”
Head of the Domestic Film Development and Strategy Unit at Arts Council Malta, Lyona Xuereb Gatt, added: “The Malta Pavilion created an important space for Maltese filmmakers to engage directly with international industry professionals, festivals, and training organisations. The conversations and partnerships initiated during Cannes are opening new opportunities for co-production, training, mentorship, and international exposure, particularly for emerging Maltese talent looking to build sustainable careers within the audiovisual industry.”
Malta’s presence at Cannes offers filmmakers and producers a starting point, rather than a final statement as the pavilion is set to carry forward the momentum created through Eurimages and Berlinale, while opening new routes and opportunities. The work now continues in the follow-up meetings and co-production discussions available to Maltese filmmakers.
