Applications open for Screen Support Scheme (Malta)

The scheme focuses on supporting producers who aim to distribute a finished audiovisual production internationally or seek sales agents or distributors to reach wider audiences; enabling participation with a selected film, selected short film, or participation in international markets and festivals; and covering costs related to submitting qualifying productions to recognised international film festivals.

The scheme provides funding that may cover up to 100 percent of eligible project costs. The maximum funding available includes up to €20,000 for promotional support, up to €5,000 for participation in an international festival, and up to €2,500 for international festival submissions. In the case of participation in an A-List festival, the maximum funding may increase to €40,000 for promotional support and €10,000 for festival participation. Funding is disbursed in two instalments, with 70 percent released upon signing the grant agreement and the remaining 30 percent provided after the final report is approved.

Eligible costs may include advertising and promotional material, media advertising, subtitling and translation, film marketing services, festival accreditation fees, screening room rentals, travel and accommodation for one producer and the director or writer-director, insurance, visa expenses, and festival submission fees. These costs must be directly linked to the promotion and international exposure of the audiovisual production.

This scheme provides financial grants to support the promotion and international visibility of audiovisual productions including fiction, animation, and documentaries. It is intended to assist producers during the promotion stage, particularly when seeking distribution opportunities, sales representation, or international exposure through film festivals and markets. The support may include promotional activities, participation in international festivals or markets, and submission of productions to recognised festivals.

Applicants are encouraged to consider the principles outlined in the Right to Culture Resource Pack when developing their proposals, particularly in relation to community engagement and the protection of cultural rights in creative work. They are also expected to follow the principles of the Artist Status Charter, which promotes artistic freedom, accessibility, recognition of formal and informal skills, fair socio-economic conditions, non-discrimination, ethical practices, and respect for intellectual property and international employment laws.

The scheme is managed by Arts Council Malta and is open to independent audiovisual entities legally registered in Malta and individual audiovisual professionals who are Maltese citizens or hold a Maltese permanent residence permit, Maltese citizenship certificate, or Maltese passport.

In the case of entities, at least one director or the majority of shares must be held by Maltese citizens or persons with permanent residence status in Malta. Applicants must also be registered with the relevant regulatory body, possess a VAT registration certificate, and hold the full chain of title for the project. Projects must meet at least two of the following conditions: the producer, writer, or director must be a Maltese citizen or hold permanent residence status in Malta.

Projects supported under the scheme must be cultural audiovisual works such as feature films, TV series, creative documentaries of at least 52 minutes, or short films intended for festivals, television, or video-on-demand platforms. These projects must contribute to Maltese or European culture, support the development of the film and television industry, or demonstrate cultural value through their content.

Applications are first screened for technical and artistic eligibility before being evaluated by a panel appointed by Arts Council Malta, which may include both local and international professionals from the film sector with relevant experience.

For more information, visit The Malta Arts Council.