Malta has officially become a member of Eurimages, the Council of Europe's film support fund. This marks an important milestone for our country's domestic audiovisual sector and its integration into the European cultural landscape.

Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici described this as a strategic milestone for Malta's audiovisual industry, saying that, "Malta's membership in Eurimages reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening the cultural and creative sectors through transparent merit-based structures. This step opens up new opportunities for local filmmakers to collaborate internationally and compete at European level."

The partnership had a comprehensive evaluation process, led and coordinated by the Arts Council Malta. As part of this process, a Maltese delegation travelled to Strasbourg to formally present and defend Malta's accession report to representatives of Eurimages.

Arts Council Malta Executive Chairman 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 are decisively moving onto the European co-production stage, with access to networks, partners and funding that can transform their ambition and potential into tangible realities. This is not only a recognition of the quality and maturity of our local producers, but a strategic opening for Maltese stories to be developed, funded and shared internationally. It is a step forward that defines Maltese cinema."

Eurimages is the cultural support fund of the Council of Europe. Active since 1989, it comprises 38 of the 46 member states of the Strasbourg-based Organisation, plus Canada. This support fund has a total annual budget of around €27.5 million, which comes essentially from member states' contributions as well as from returns on loans granted by the Fund.

Malta's accession to Eurimages will allow 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.

Read more here.

https://artscouncilmalta.gov.mt/malta-ufficjalment-stat-membru-ta-eurimages/