Malta has officially become a member of Eurimages, the Council of Europe’s film support fund, marking a significant milestone for the country’s domestic audiovisual sector and its integration within the European cultural landscape.
Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici described this as a strategic milestone for Malta’s audiovisual industry, and said that, “Malta’s membership in Eurimages reflects our continued commitment to strengthening the cultural and creative sectors through merit-based, transparent structures. This step opens new opportunities for local filmmakers to collaborate internationally and compete on a European level.”
The membership followed a comprehensive evaluation process, led and coordinated by Arts Council Malta. As part of this process, a Maltese delegation travelled to Strasbourg to formally present and defend Malta’s accession report before Eurimages representatives.
Executive Chairman of Arts Council Malta Luke Dalli stated that “Malta’s accession to Eurimages is a historic milestone for our domestic film industry. It marks the moment when Maltese filmmakers move decisively onto the European co-production stage, with access to networks, partnerships and financing that can transform ambition and potential into tangible realities.This is not just recognition of the quality and maturity of our local producers, but a strategic opening for Maltese stories to be developed, financed and shared internationally. It is a defining step forward for Maltese cinema.”
Eurimages is the cultural support fund of the Council of Europe. Active since 1989, it numbers 38 of the 46 member states of the Strasbourg-based Organisation, plus Canada. This support fund has a total annual budget of approximately €27.5 million, which derives essentially from the contributions of the member states as well as returns on the loans granted by the Fund.
Malta’s accession to Eurimages will enable local producers to access one of Europe’s most significant film co-production funding mechanisms, further strengthening the sustainability and international reach of Malta’s audiovisual sector.
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