Application Deadline: 18th November 2025
Rank Order
Beneficiary: Hereonin Ltd
Reference number: SSSI20-25-6544
Project Title: Zafzifa
Amount awarded: €40,000
Zafzifa explores the complexities of life on the Maltese islands through a story of love, loss, and resilience. Shot guerrilla-style on 16mm film Zafzifa is a visceral portrait of two souls who find love only to be torn apart by circumstance. At once deeply rooted in Maltese culture and universally resonant, the film reflects on the ambiguities of contemporary life while giving voice to parts of society often overlooked. Sant’s debut feature, Bahar Zmien (Of Time and the Sea), premiered at FIDMarseille and went on to secure theatrical runs in prestigious UK arthouse cinemas such as London’s ICA Cinema and HOME (Manchester), before international distribution across both mainstream and specialist VOD platforms. Building on this proven track record, our new film Zafzifa seeks to amplify the global presence of Maltese arthouse cinema through ambitious promotional and marketing initiatives, beginning with its world premiere at the Cairo International Film Festival.
Application Deadline: 15th April 2025
Rank Order Strand 1
Beneficiary: DO Productions
Reference number: SSS32-25-5812
Project Title: Popeye: A New Adventure Begins
Amount awarded: €24,990
When lost soul Leo comes to live with his Maltese grandparents while his parents sail off in search of shipwrecks, fate guides to him a mysterious and magical old movie set where he encounters a force of nature who helps him find his place in the world: Popeye.
Beneficiary: COSTANTINO FILM LTD
Reference number: SSS33-25-5814
Project Title: The Cheese Gang
Amount awarded: €22,000
A gang of culinary misfits from Malta, Italy and beyond attempts the unthinkable: robbing the world’s largest cheese bank in Modena to restore dignity to real Parmigiano Reggiano. THE CHEESE GANG is a cultural heist comedy celebrating Mediterranean identity, food heritage and creative rebellion. Blending humor, action and emotion, the film follows a chef, a hacker, a vintage car collector, and a fireworks queen on a mission to reclaim flavour, justice, and a future worth dreaming. Set between Malta and Emilia-Romagna, it’s a tribute to authenticity in a world full of imitations.
Beneficiary: Marta Vella
Reference number: SSS24-25-5765
Project Title: Blanket Ban
Amount awarded: €25,000
In a country where abortion is completely outlawed, four women’s lives collide with an unyielding system, forcing them to make impossible choices. Inspired by true events, Blanket Ban is a four-part limited series that lays bare the hidden struggles of those impacted by Malta’s strict abortion laws. A mother unable to support another child, a student seeking options during the pandemic lockdown, a woman deceived into pregnancy by a manipulative partner, and a couple confronting a fatal fetal anomaly after IVF—each faces a harrowing journey shaped by stigma, secrecy, and survival. As their stories unfold, the series captures the stark realities of life under the ban, blending intimate drama with sharp political insight. At once heartbreaking and defiant, Blanket Ban reveals the resilience, grief, and quiet acts of rebellion that challenge a nation’s silence.
Beneficiary: ARZELLA FILMS
Reference number: SSS16-25-5686
Project Title: Little Bird
Amount awarded: €24,610
In 1960, Malta is torn apart by the brutal murder of eight-year-old Twanny Camilleri. As shocking revelations surface, the investigation unravels a web of family secrets, publichysteria and a mysterious trial that leaves a nation questioning the truth behind the gruesome crime.
Beneficiary: Pro-Motion Limited
Reference number: SSS13-25-5567
Project Title: Is-Siġill ta’ Atlantis
Amount awarded: €16,777
Is-Siġill ta’ Atlantis is a feel-good, family-oriented, Maltese-language television series about Julian (an 11-year-old computer geek), Amber (a 9-year-old adventurous girl) and Appostrofu (a 12-year-old ghost) who must learn to work together to unravel a series of clues that take them all over Malta’s historical sites and museums to locate the ‘lost’ city of Atlantis. During their life-changing journey, the children learn what the meaningful things in life really are.
Beneficiary: ATTARDVILLE PRODUCTIONS
Reference number: SSS25-25-5773
Project Title: Ħbieb Tassew ma’ Fonzu l-Fenek – Season 2
Amount awarded: €24,394
Ħbieb Tassew ma’ Fonzu L-Fenek – Season 2 continues to follow the adventures of best friends Fonzu the rabbit, Miċu the cat, Benna the cow and Lola the ladybird, who manage a family amusement park in and around their Castle, hosting children, adults and celebrities whilst keeping an eye out for Ġanni the rat and his insidious plots.
Beneficiary: Malta Production Hub Ltd
Reference number: SSS41-25-5838
Project Title: Anchor
Amount awarded: €24,750
As Malta’s historic drydocks face closure, a revered but weary welder is unexpectedly thrust
into the spotlight when his skill becomes the key to saving thousands of jobs—yet his deepest
desire is to walk away, even if doing the right thing means sacrificing the peace he's longed for his entire life..
Beneficiary: Jamie Vella
Reference number: SSS29-25-5788
Project Title: The Last Harvest
Amount awarded: €23,500
The Last Harvest is a powerful exploration of destiny, land, and legacy. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing 1960s Malta, it tells the story of Cikku Fenech — a stubborn farmer whose defiance against internal modernisation and foreign rule transforms him from man to myth, and from myth to outlaw. Where the defenders of the old world and the dreamers of the new collide in violent transition. Cikku finds himself trapped between submission and self-destruction. Beneath the scorching Maltese sun, through family, soil, and sacrifice, the film paints an intimate Mediterranean Western about land, pride, and the price of resistance. Like a gathering storm, we begin with the warmth of rural life and honest labour, but gradually spiral into frustration, violence, and a gripping manhunt across the rugged Maltese coastline.
Beneficiary: Samira Damato
Reference number: SSS31-25-5804
Project Title: The Rooster is not a Rooster
Amount awarded: €12,787
The Rooster is Not a Rooster is a bittersweet, feature-length thriller laced with tenderness and humour, about the search for a place to belong—even as the world around you suddenly falls apart.
When her mother dies unexpectedly, MICHELA — a high-achieving Eurocrat with a talent for diplomacy — hits pause on her polished Brussels career to return to her hometown and care for her ailing father. Swapping policy memos for local council meetings and late-night elder care, Michela dives headfirst into small-town life. Desperate to reestablish her own identity, she opens herself up to old friends, new politics, and anyone who might offer a second chance. But between kusksu, shady contractors, and her father’s worrying ramblings, Michela begins to sense that the warmth around her might be getting colder – as her pursuit for meaning leads her to ruffle the feathers of some dangerous people, who come knocking.
Beneficiary: Nokkla Productions
Reference number: SSS27-25-5777
Project Title: FAR FROM THE TREE
Amount awarded: €23,370
Fleeing a ruthless mafia boss in Malta, 35-year-old hacker Maeve escapes to Belfast seeking solace in her estranged father, Sean, a con artist-only to find he’s in deep trouble with the local mafia.
Beneficiary: Abigail Mallia
Reference Number: SSS36-25-5832
Project Title: Il-Management
Amount awarded: €25,000
The creators of Deceduti – Abigail and Carlos, have teamed up with US writer Harris Danow (Mo, Dead To Me, Dying For Sex) to create a 30-minute dark comedy TV show that dives into the chaos of Paula’s inner world. Welcome to the Mindhouse – a quirky, ever-changing space that represents Paula’s conscious/ subconscious and unconscious dimensions. Middle-aged, newly single, and spiralling quietly, Paula is guided – and sabotaged – by the wildly unqualified team of personalities she never hired – a catastrophist, a cynic, a romantic, a life coach, and a woman who’s just really into tea. Think Fleabag meets The Office, only the office location is inside Paula’s mind. Kind of like Inside Out, but not as healthy and not for kids.
Beneficiary: Limestone Pictures Ltd
Reference Number: SSS35-25-5828
Project Title: Fish
Amount awarded: €21,186
FISH is a character-driven thriller that explores the harrowing world of modern slavery in the fishing industry. The story follows Brent, a young Belgian student, who wakes up trapped aboard a remote fishing vessel in Southeast Asia after a night of partying—forced into labor under brutal conditions. Inspired by real survivor accounts, the film confronts the hidden human cost behind the global seafood trade, touching on themes of privilege, complicity, and resilience. Though set entirely at sea, we plan to shoot key sequences using Malta’s renowned water stages, in co-production with Limestone Pictures. Directed by Jimmy Hendrickx and Kristian Van der Heyden, FISH blends documentary realism with fictional storytelling to engage international audiences with a socially urgent issue. We are in seeking support to finalize the script writing stage and refine the production design to be able to start development stage
Beneficiary: Chris Dingli
Reference Number: SSS30-25-5801
Project Title: The Break Up
Amount awarded: €20,849
The Break Up is a quirky, heartfelt romantic comedy series told in reverse. Each of the six episodes begins with a recently separated couple on awkward dates with someone new. A passing comment sparks a memory, launching us into a flashback, narrated (often contradictorily) by both exes. As the season unfolds, we slowly piece together the story of their relationship, their flaws, and their eventual breakup. Set in modern-day Malta, the series offers an authentic, emotionally resonant, and humorous look at love, memory, and second chances. Told with wit, vulnerability, and a good dose of silliness, The Break Up subverts the romantic comedy formula to deliver something unique, modern, and universally relatable.
Beneficiary: Angelique Muller
Reference Number: SSS17-25-5690
Project Title: Summer drift
Amount awarded: €24,817
Sixteen-year-old Léa arrives in Malta from France for a summer with her estranged father – a free-spirited digital nomad who embraces life’s fleeting joys. While she yearns for independence, friendship, and first love, he remains stuck in a world of short-term pleasures. As their unspoken tensions simmer beneath the Mediterranean sun, the summer turns into a quiet battlefield of misunderstandings, resentment, and fragile attempts at connection – until their bond is tested to its breaking point.
Beneficiary: Patrizia Marani
Reference Number: SSS05-25-5336
Project Title: Gozo, the Island of Bel Canto
Amount awarded: €11,136
In the wake of Calypso who lured Odysseus with her singing, the mythical Ogygia is becoming an international hub for the art of Opera, attracting some of the world’s most famed opera artists and spawning remarkable local talents, who are striving to rise to international stardom. This film will tell their life stories and how they have shaped the unique musical scene of the Island of Belcanto.
Beneficiary: Toontuloon Ltd
Reference number: SSS06-25-5379
Project Title: Birds’ Life: Avian Encounters in the Mediterranean Basin
Amount awarded: €24,953
From the windswept cliffs to the vast open sea and bustling cityscapes, Birds’ Life: Avian Encounters in the Mediterranean Basin takes viewers on an awe-inspiring journey into the lives of the diverse bird species that populate the Mediterranean region. Each episode unveils different aspects of the fragile equilibrium that sustains these avian populations, highlighting the intricate connections between birds, humans, and the environment. Throughout the series, one message resonates: these remarkable creatures need our help, and their survival is intertwined with our own. Through stunning footage, interviews with accomplished authorities in the field, and dynamic animations, we reveal the secrets of flight, migration, and survival in skies, seas and landscapes. As we witness these masters of aviation in action, we uncover the difficulties they experience – from changing climates to human interference – and celebrate their vital role in Mediterranea’s past, present and future.
Beneficiary: Watermelon Media
Reference number: SSS11-25-5528
Project Title: IL-ĦAJJATA
Amount awarded: €25,000
IL-ĦAJJATA is a ten-episode drama that unravels the extraordinary journey of fashion designers Charles & Ron—two dreamers who dared to redefine Mediterranean style. From Charles’s childhood in Birkirkara, enchanted by fabric and form, to his fateful meeting with Ron, a Dutchman seeking renewal, their story is one of passion, artistry, and resilience.
Against Malta’s luminous landscapes and the grandeur of global fashion capitals, their rise is fraught with creative battles, industry betrayals, and the relentless pursuit of innovation. Flowing gowns echo the geometry of Maltese tiles, while structured silhouettes mirror the island’s baroque soul. But beyond fashion, IL-ĦAJJATA is a tale of love, loyalty, and the struggle for civil liberties in Malta—a fight stitched into the very fabric of their journey.
A visual and narrative triumph, the series sweeps from 1990s Malta and the Netherlands to Parisian ateliers, Milan’s catwalks, and New York’s towering skyline.
Beneficiary: Anthony Mizzi
Reference number: SSS08-25-5469
Project Title: Joseph & I
Amount awarded: €24,145
A struggling filmmaker stumbles upon a derelict townhouse slated for demolition in Malta, only to discover it once belonged to forgotten Hollywood actor Joseph Calleia. Through a blend of raw documentary footage, archive films, and imaginative sequences, he attempts to reconstruct Calleia’s legacy, and in doing so, confronts his own questions of identity, ambition, and the fragility of memory.
Beneficiary: Falkun Films
Reference number: SSS43-25-5841
Project Title: freelancers
Amount awarded: €25,000
Freelancers is a dramatic dark comedy about Flow, an up-and-coming photographer who struggles to maintain her freelance career with non-paying clients. Kicked-out of her Amsterdam flat and with a mounting debt, she moves into a shared apartment space with a group of struggling freelancers. Even with a deteriorating mental health and constant poor business decisions, together Flow and the freelancers scheme on how to get career success, and most importantly, vengeance on non-paying clients.
Beneficiary: Inclusive Limited
Reference number: SSS40-25-5837
Project Title: A SPOONFUL OF SAMMY
Amount awarded: €15,000
A Spoonful of Sammy is a six-part character-driven drama about a neurodivergent 12-year-old boy whose gift for cooking becomes a lifeline in a world that misunderstands him. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD, Sammy struggles with emotional regulation and sensory overload—until a new teacher, Emily, recognizes his talent and challenges the rigid school system on his behalf. As she builds an unconventional curriculum around his passions, both face institutional resistance, personal burnout, and social backlash. The series explores the tension between inclusion and equity, idealism and reality, compassion and control. Visually warm and emotionally resonant, the show blends poetic cooking sequences with raw, intimate drama. Sammy isn’t about fixing a child—it’s about changing the lens through which we see difference. A deeply human story, it speaks to anyone who’s ever felt unseen—and to those brave enough to see differently.
Beneficiary: Anastasia Ilyinichna Segalovich
Reference number: SSS46-25-5855
Project Title: Scenes from the end of the world
Amount awarded: €22,455
In a seaside cafe at the edge of the city, the stories of its patrons unfold as they wait for the long overdue end of the world.
Beneficiary: Nannu Karm Productions Limited
Reference number: SSS09-25-5493
Project Title: Karamellu tar-Rahal t’Isfel – Season 4
Amount awarded: €24,974
Karamellu tar-Raħal t’Isfel – Season 4 continues the story of a young boy living with his parents and grandparents in Raħal t’Isfel, a part of the village of Żejtun. Set in the 1950s, the series brings to life a bygone era, where many things differ from today. As Karamellu’s family goes about their daily affairs, the audience rediscovers Maltese culture, traditions, and the vibrant community spirit of a Maltese village through his experiences. With a heartwarming and nostalgic tone, this new chapter deepens the connection to the past while introducing fresh moments of discovery and warmth. The fourth season of ‘Karamellu tar-Raħal t’Isfel’ continues to show viewers the small world and the way of life of Maltese children in the 1950s, when life in Malta was much calmer. Some episodes in this season take the viewer along with Karamellu on adventures of the glorious season of Christmas.
Beneficiary: Jameson Cucciardi
Reference number: SSS19-25-5707
Project Title: What The Wind Takes
Amount awarded: €22,500
At the reading of her grandfather’s will, Calypso is tasked to create a painting with his ashes as a homage to his life. Obliged to fulfil his wish, she will be forced to put aside her career and rediscover her roots in hope of finding inspiration.
Beneficiary: Bruga Filmproduction
Reference number: SSS28-25-5786
Project Title: L-Art Bejnietna (The Land Between Us)
Amount awarded: €22,230
Amid the stillness of rural Malta, a woman hides her pregnancy from her emotionally distant husband, igniting a slow-burning tragedy that ends in flames, only for the land to offer a quiet redemption beyond their final silence.
Beneficiary: Roughcut Ltd.
Reference number: SSS38-25-5834
Project Title: Nota Nieqsa
Amount awarded: €25,000
Alex is an out of luck musician working at a bar where his late guitarist father used to perform. When his best friend and boss decides to sell the bar, Alex must come to terms with losing the final link to his father and start forging his own path, all while dealing with a scheming ex-girlfriend, his bandmate, and finishing his father’s last song.
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Rank Order Strand 2
Beneficiary: ATTARDVILLE PRODUCTIONS
Reference number: SSS15-25-5779
Project Title: ĦBIEB TASSEW MA’ FONZU L-FENEK – SEASON 2
Amount awarded: €49,928
Ħbieb Tassew ma’ Fonzu L-Fenek – Season 2 continues to follow the adventures of best friends Fonzu the rabbit, Miċu the cat, Benna the cow and Lola the ladybird, who manage a family amusement park in and around their castle, hosting children, adults and celebrities whilst keeping an eye out for Ġanni the rat and his insidious plots.
Beneficiary: Solari Productions Limited
Reference number: SSS21-25-5825
Project Title: Glorja
Amount awarded: €42,480
A teenager is torn between her community’s traditions and the outsider who offers her a different future.
Beneficiary: Limestone Pictures Ltd
Reference number: SSS23-25-5827
Project Title: EDEN
Amount awarded: €42,373
Eden is an ecological thriller film and is primarily intended for an international audience of lovers of the genre but at the same time, in line with recent trends in commercial film world cinematography, it tackles highly topical themes with dark fairy tale tones, and therefore can find channels of diffusion also in the festival circuit and intercept an arthouse audience. It serves as a high end model for the potential of Maltese European co-production striving the potential of reshaping the Maltese Film Making Industry.
Beneficiary: Rupture House Ltd
Reference number: SSS14-25-5767
Project Title: Skyship Horizon
Amount awarded: €41,536.
Skyship Horizon is a visually rich, culturally grounded animated series that reimagines Malta’s architectural heritage, spiritual history, and cultural psyche through speculative worldbuilding.
Set on the monolithic Menhir, two opposing cultures exist in tension. Above, the order-bound skyfaring society of Caelium Prime thrives within a rigid tradition of control and continuity. Far below, in the Earthbound caves, nomadic tribes follow mystic paths through a realm of resonance — a Hypogean world shaped by Malta’s megalithic legacy. The series explores themes of exile, technological ambition, ancestral memory, and reconciliation — echoing both Maltese and broader European tensions between heritage and modernity. Blending mythology, Maltese design, and real-time animation, the story follows a girl who unwittingly awakens a sentient skyship. Bound by resonance but never chosen, she becomes the missing link in a broken system. Skyship Horizon is a poetic reflection on identity, legacy, and what remains when harmony is lost.
Beneficiary: Kukumajsa Productions Ltd
Reference number: SSS03-25-5345
Project Title: Efil
Amount awarded: €50,000
EFIL is an omnibus feature, composed of six segments, led by a Maltese team and unfolding across the globe. We follow the story of a human life – spanning birth to death – via six milestones revolving around culturally specific rituals, each taking place in a different region of the world. This is a story which celebrates our common humanity – through our similarities and our differences, for better and for worse. This is also a film which does what it shows; actively bringing us together as people/s, not only on our screens, but also behind-the-scenes.
At a time of increasing divide and turmoil, it is an important project to embark on.
Beneficiary: Turi Ltd
Reference number: SSS11-25-5657
Project Title: Id-Di u d-Do
Amount awarded: €25,520
Di u Do is an animated series for children aged 2–5 that follows two opposite characters—Di, daring and impulsive, and Do, cautious and thoughtful—as they navigate everyday challenges together. Inspired by the popular Maltese phrase “Di u Do”, which describes an inseparable bond, the series puts a fresh twist on the idea—showing that great friendships don’t require being the same. Through visual humor, gentle narration, and rich emotional storytelling, the series supports early childhood development by exploring empathy, resilience, and self-awareness in a playful, meaningful way.
Beneficiary: Inclusive Limited
Reference number: SSS26-25-5857
Project Title: AŻIŻ
Amount awarded: €26,100
AŻIŻ is a bold LGBTIQ+ series set in Malta and Tunisia, following the secret relationship between 18-year-old Matteo and Aziz, a closeted Muslim hotel night porter with an undocumented past. As their bond deepens, the series explores forbidden desire, identity, and emotional survival across lines of culture, religion, and class. Set against Malta’s rich multicultural backdrop, AŻIŻ offers an intimate LGBTIQ+ narrative that challenges power, belonging, and the tension between faith and freedom.
Beneficiary: Prickly Pear Productions
Reference number: SSS29-25-5865
Project Title: Tessie & Blanche
Amount awarded: €37,849
‘Tessie & Blanche’ is a feature-length period drama based on the lives of Malta’s first female university graduates in the 1920s, exploring their friendship, activism, and radical vision for equality in a highly patriarchal society. Their bond is tested as they navigate public pressure, personal desires, and the limits of the era’s acceptance. The story explores sisterhood, class, and the tension between personal freedom and collective struggle. Drawing from real events and characters, the story blends historical detail with emotionally driven storytelling to shed light on a little-known feminist history. The script is complete and written in English, with trilingual dialogue (Maltese, English, Italian) that reflects the authentic cultural landscape of the time.
Beneficiary: Roughcut Ltd.
Reference number: SSS22-25-5826
Project Title: Unur, Fama u Glorja
Amount awarded: €47,300
A former boxing coach lives through tragedy that unfolds after an injury involving his son.
Beneficiary: Nannu Karm Productions Limited
Reference number: SSS10-25-5653
Project Title: Karamellu tar-Rahal t’Isfel – Season 2
Amount awarded: €49,943
Karamellu tar-Raħal t’Isfel – Season 2 continues the story of a young boy living with his parents and grandparents in Raħal t’Isfel, a part of the village of Żejtun. Set in the 1950s, the series brings to life a bygone era, where many things differ from today. As Karamellu’s family goes about their daily affairs, the audience rediscovers Maltese culture, traditions, and the vibrant community spirit of a Maltese village through his experiences. With a heartwarming and nostalgic tone, this new chapter deepens the connection to the past while introducing fresh moments of discovery and warmth.
Season 2 of Karamellu revisits childhood memories with humour and heart, from village fairs and pranks to a trip to Gozo and quirky animal tales. Blending nostalgia with fun, it celebrates simplicity, empathy, and community while gently encouraging openness to change through playful yet meaningful stories.
Beneficiary: Nokkla Productions
Reference number: SSS16-25-5803
Project Title: Is-Sinjura tal-Verdala – The Blue Lady
Amount awarded: €49,730
When Ylenia 30’s, begins to restore a fresco at Malta’s historical Verdala Palace, she unknowingly invites the spirit of The Blue Lady into her body, unleashing a centuries-old vengeance against a secret circle, with murderous consequences.
Beneficiary: Toontuloon Ltd
Reference number: SSS04-25-5380
Project Title: Birds’ Life: Avian Encounters in the Mediterranean Basin
Amount awarded: €49,346
From the windswept cliffs to the vast open sea and bustling cityscapes, Birds’ Life: Avian Encounters in the Mediterranean Basin takes viewers on an awe-inspiring journey into the lives of the diverse bird species that populate the Mediterranean region. Each episode unveils different aspects of the fragile equilibrium that sustains these avian populations, highlighting the intricate connections between birds, humans, and the environment. Throughout the series, one message resonates: these remarkable creatures need our help, and their survival is intertwined with our own.
Through stunning footage, interviews with accomplished authorities in the field, and dynamic animations, we reveal the secrets of flight, migration, and survival in skies, seas and landscapes. As we witness these masters of aviation in action, we uncover the difficulties they experience – from changing climates to human interference – and celebrate their vital role in Mediterranea’s past, present and future.
Beneficiary: Urban Canyons Limited
Reference number: SSS25-25-5856
Project Title: Divided Banners
Amount awarded: €50,000
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, Divided Banners tells the epic and tragic story of two Irish brothers, bound by blood but divided by the conflict engulfing Europe. Eoin, driven by revolutionary ideals, fights for the occupying French forces inside Valletta. Liam, seeking only peace, is forcibly conscripted into the blockading British army outside the walls.
As the brutal siege unfolds, the brothers discover they are unwitting enemies, fated to aim their weapons at each other. Caught between them is Chiara, a resilient Maltese woman navigating the treacherous landscape of occupation. Divided Banners is a powerful historical drama exploring the shattering human cost of war, fractured loyalty, and impossible choices against the unique backdrop of Malta’s struggle for survival.
Beneficiary: Take//Two
Reference number: SSS30-25-5867
Project Title: Everything We Knew Was Wrong
Amount awarded: €49,800
The development of a one-hour series called Everything We Knew Was Wrong that explores how a community slowly rips itself apart when mysterious lights appear in the sky that no one can explain. It’s a little like what happened in New Jersey at the end of last year, only in our show the lights seem to trigger experiences like lost time, visions, synchronicities, and other phenomena.
On a deeper level, though, it’s about how polarized things can get when people no longer agree on what is and isn’t real – which is pretty much the world we’re living in today.
Beneficiary: Hereonin Ltd
Reference number: SSS06-25-5420
Project Title: Lixandra
Amount awarded: €49,725
As Manwel Dimech, a political exile, lies dying in a decaying hospital, his devoted follower Juann Mamo races against time to secure his return home. But as their hopes fade, both men are forced to confront a deeper exile—not just from their homeland, but from time itself.
Beneficiary: COSTANTINO FILM LTD
Reference number: SSS27-25-5862
Project Title: Don’t Quit
Amount awarded: €43,169
After a mysterious plane crash, Jack and Lucy wake up on a remote island with no memory and a countdown device embedded in their wrists. The landscape is hostile, and something unseen is watching them. As fragments of memory resurface, their bond deepens—but so does the danger.
Don’t Quit is a psychological thriller with dystopian elements, where survival, identity, and memory loss intertwine in a tense, atmospheric setting. The story explores emotional trauma and resilience under pressure, blending genre appeal with psychological depth.
With a co-direction by Maltese and Italian filmmakers and a confirmed co-production interest from France, the project is built for strong international visibility. Distribution is backed by Italian partner Distribuzione Indipendente, with plans for festival circulation and global streaming potential.
Targeting genre enthusiasts and elevated horror audiences, Don’t Quit is a compelling and scalable audiovisual concept with cross-market relevance.
Beneficiary: The Interior Design Conversation
Reference number: SSS24-25-5831
Project Title: The Interior Design Conversation
Amount awarded: €50,000
Two spirited knowledgeable hosts, who are friends in real life, will explore how interior design shapes every single aspect of how we live, they will showcase unique aspirational locations, and demystify interior design concepts to provide the viewers with the inspiration and knowledge to enhance their own spaces. Interacting with Maltese and international locals and experts to reveal the transformative power of a well-crafted space. They will showcase not only the historic, but also the contemporary evolution of Malta, bringing all its beauty and character to the world.
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Rank Order Strand 3
Beneficiary: Falkun Films
Reference number: SSS16-25-5846
Project Title: RAVJULATA
Amount awarded: €35,000
Ravjulata (What Women Do When Men Die) is a joyful and vibrant celebration of sisterhood and feminine resilience, following five Maltese women as they embrace grief and find strength in each other.
Beneficiary: Angelique Muller
Reference number: SSS05-25-5463
Project Title: I wanna be your dog
Amount awarded: €35,000
A scrappy stray dog, desperate for food and belonging, latches onto two young men who take him in only for chaos to unfold when their reckless attempt to cover up a bizarre accident spirals into darkly comedic disaster.
Beneficiary: Fabrizio Ellul
Reference number: SSS08-25-5656
Project Title: Soho’56
Amount awarded: €24,700
Soho’56 is a set of vignettes of life in Soho – London of 1956, a criminal mob known as the Malta Syndicate ruled this district through power, vice and violence reaching a culmination with the murder of Tommy ‘Scarface’ Smithson by Philip Ellul. Soho’56 is a 15 mins 2D animated short based and inspired by the book ‘Passport to Vice’ by Matthew Vella.
Beneficiary: Mizzi Media House Ltd
Reference number: SSS11-25-5750
Project Title: The Malta Inquisition
Amount awarded: €29,350
Exploring the dark and complex history of the Roman Inquisition in Malta, this docu-drama delves into three significant cases that shaped the island’s religious and social fabric. Using historical reenactments and expert commentary, Mill-paġni tal-Inkwiżitur examines the fear, curiosity, and quest for justice that permeated these trials. Set against the backdrop of Malta’s iconic Inquisitors Palace and other historic locations, the film uncovers the harsh realities of the Inquisition, revealing the interplay of power, religion, and authority. Through the lens of these cases, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of Malta’s turbulent past while also reflecting on the broader implications of justice and human rights.
Beneficiary: Richard Starkey
Reference number: SSS10-25-5730
Project Title: Burden
Amount awarded: €35,000
Enraged by the modern world, a disturbed man’s plan to punish a stranger is shattered when he discovers she knows his darkest secret – and carries a far more terrifying one of her own.
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Rank Order Strand 4
Beneficiary: Nannu Karm Productions Limited
Reference number: SSS07-25-5654
Project Title: Karamellu tar-Rahal t’Isfel – Season 2
Amount awarded: €164,868
Karamellu tar-Raħal t’Isfel – Season 2 continues the story of a young boy living with his parents and grandparents in Raħal t’Isfel, a part of the village of Żejtun. Set in the 1950s, the series brings to life a bygone era, where many things differ from today. As Karamellu’s family goes about their daily affairs, the audience rediscovers Maltese culture, traditions, and the vibrant community spirit of a Maltese village through his experiences. With a heartwarming and nostalgic tone, this new chapter deepens the connection to the past while introducing fresh moments of discovery and warmth.
Season 2 of Karamellu revisits childhood memories with humour and heart, from village fairs and pranks to a trip to Gozo and quirky animal tales. Blending nostalgia with fun, it celebrates simplicity, empathy, and community while gently encouraging openness to change through playful yet meaningful stories.
Beneficiary: Jericho Dominion Film & Distribution Ltd
Reference number: SSS08-25-5746
Project Title: NATIVITY
Amount awarded: €450,000
Francis Battista, a washed-up boxer turned low-level thief, is burdened by his past and desperate to reclaim custody of his daughter. When The Nativity, a long-lost Caravaggio masterpiece, resurfaces in the criminal underworld, he agrees to one final job. But as the heist draws near and a relentless Interpol agent closes in, Francis must confront the fractured truths that have long haunted him.
Beneficiary: Falkun Films
Reference number: SSS14-25-5853
Project Title: In Memory of Times to Come
Amount awarded: €164,868
A utopian social experiment has erased historical trauma from memory But someone wants Alia to remember
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Rank Order Strand 5
Beneficiary: TheCreatives Limited
Reference number: SSS08-25-5836
Project Title: Il-ħobża
Amount awarded: €20,000
Il-Ħobża is a 13-part documentary series consisting of short 8-minute episodes that delve into the cultural, historical, and emotional significance of Maltese bread—il-ħobża—as a vital thread in the social fabric of Malta. Each weekly episode explores the role of bread not just as food, but as a symbol of community, memory, and identity. By featuring personal and collective narratives from diverse individuals and communities—including religious convents, families of various cultural backgrounds, and even residents of the Corradino Correctional Facility—Il-Ħobża presents a multidimensional portrait of this everyday yet profound heritage object.
The series adopts a visually intimate and observational style, combining cinematic visuals of baking rituals, archival footage, and poignant interviews with everyday citizens, elders, historians, and culinary experts. Each story is a vessel for values deeply rooted in Maltese tradition—generosity, resilience, and togetherness—while also reflecting on evolving practices in a modern society.
Beneficiary: Take//Two
Reference number: SSS06-25-5809
Project Title: Il-Mixja (The Walk)
Amount awarded: €20,000
Join Carlos DeBattista, producer, screenwriter, filmmaker, and TV presenter, as he embarks on a unique journey through Malta’s hidden treasures. Combining his passion for history and the outdoors, Carlos treks across the Maltese countryside with a personality guest, uncovering their personal stories, fascinating anecdotes, and local legends. Together, they explore Malta’s rich heritage while heading to a destination of historical, archaeological, ecological, or natural significance. At each destination, they are joined by an expert, such as an archaeologist, botanist, or biologist, who provides scientifically relevant insights, offering viewers an authentic and educational experience. The program also emphasizes environmental responsibility and good outdoor practices, promoting respect for Malta’s natural beauty. With humour, reflection, and a deep connection to Malta’s identity, ‘Il-Mixja’ is a celebration of the island’s history, culture, and environment, blending storytelling, adventure, and conservation in an engaging and meaningful way.
Beneficiary: Media Exclusive Limited
Reference number: SSS07-25-5817
Project Title: Valletta Football Club – The Documentary
Amount awarded: €20,000
The documentary series will explore the multifaceted journey of Valletta Football Club, using its story as a platform to highlight key themes within the world of sports. A central focus will be on sports education, emphasising the critical role that knowledge, discipline, and training play in developing athletes both on and off the field. By showcasing the unwavering passion of the club’s players, officials, and supporters, the series aims to inspire a deep appreciation for the dedication required to succeed in sports. It will provide an in-depth look at the commitment of athletes, shedding light on the daily sacrifices and hard work necessary to overcome challenges and push the club toward future success.
Beneficiary: Altarocca Ltd.
Reference number: SSS10-25-5871
Project Title: L-Aħwa fl-Awstralja
Amount awarded: €20,000
L-Aħwa fl-Awstralja is a documentary series that explores the lives of Malta-born & Maltese descendants in Australia, the largest Maltese diaspora in the world with over 234,000 people of Maltese heritage. Supported by the Kultura TV scheme in 2020, the first series aired in 2024 and sparked a wave of national pride. Audiences were deeply moved by the sight of descendants speaking Maltese and preserving cherished traditions particularly through food and culture. Following its strong reception, there has been growing demand in both Malta, Australia and beyond to highlight new voices and regions. This next chapter will expand to further areas within Queensland, New South Wales & Victoria. Through intimate storytelling and a warm visual style the series continues to explore themes of identity, belonging & cultural memory. L-Aħwa fl-Awstralja offers strong international appeal, educational value and emotional depth. It keeps the Maltese story alive across generations & borders.
Beneficiary: Pro.Motion Limited
Reference number: SSS02-25-5502
Project Title: Fuq l-Istess Paġna
Amount awarded: €19,998
Fuq l-Istess Paġna is a weekly half-hour television programme that promotes books in Maltese and local authors, illustrators, photographers and other professionals involved in the publishing industry (including book designers, translators, etc). The programme will also promote the use of the Maltese language.
Fuq l-Istess Paġna will include:
– A biography* of the featured author/poet;
– A feature* about the chosen book;
– Snippets/Readings from the book;
– Interviews with featured author/poet;
– Comments by the featured book’s illustrator/photographer/other professional.
*Both using 2.5D animation
The writing style, language and jargon used in the book will be dissected. An Advisory Board will select featured books including new books launched during the National Book Festival. Thus, Fuq l-Istess Paġna will also promote the festival accordingly.
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Rank Order Strand 6
Beneficiary: Roughcut Ltd.
Reference number: SSSI16-25-6316
Project Title: Representing Ciao Ciao at MIPCOM
Amount awarded: €5,500
Ciao Ciao is a local Maltese film which had received rave reviews from locals and international film critics at its World Premiere at the Mediterrane Film Festival. Now, Keith Tedesco and Fabrizio Fenech have been accepted to represent Ciao Ciao at MIPCOM, which is the world’s top global content market in Cannes. From the 13th until the 16th of October, this film will be officially represented by the director and producer under the Creative Europe Media Umbrella stand, a unique opportunity to showcase Maltese culture and talent to over 4,500 buyers from 100 countries.
Beneficiary: Jericho Dominion Film & Distribution Ltd
Reference number: SSSI15-25-6312
Project Title: International Promotional Campaign for The Theft of the Caravaggio at TIFF Market 2025
Amount awarded: €6,000
The Theft of the Caravaggio is a 35mm-shot mystery thriller inspired by the 1984 disappearance of Caravaggio’s St. Jerome Writing from St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta. Set in 1980s Malta, it follows Orpheus, a man whose grip on reality begins to falter as he is forced to confront the truth he has long denied. The film had its world premiere in competition at the 2025 Mediterrane Film Festival, where lead actor Paul Kissaun was nominated for Best Performance. Written and directed by Joshua Cassar Gaspar, The Theft of the Caravaggio is now set to be presented to international distributors through a buyers-only market screening at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), as part of its strategy to secure global sales and further festival circulation.
