As of last week, Eurimages, which provides financial backing for the development, production and early-stage marketing of international feature film co-productions, can count 39 European countries alongside Canada among its members. With Malta’s entry, effective from 22 January, audiovisual producers established in the archipelago will now be eligible to apply for Eurimages support for their projects, significantly expanding their access to European co-production financing and networks.

Beyond project funding, Malta’s membership also allows events and initiatives taking place in the country and aimed at promoting international film co-production to be supported by the fund. Malta will be represented within Eurimages’ governing body, the Board of Management, by Arts Council Malta.

Commenting on the accession, Eurimages president Roberto Cicutto welcomed Malta as the fund’s newest member state: “We are delighted that Malta has taken this step towards closer integration into the international film co-production community. We look forward to cooperating with our partners in Arts Council Malta to ensure Malta’s membership in Eurimages reinforces cinematographic creativity and helps forge new international relationships.”

Meanwhile, Dr Luke Dalli, executive chairperson of Arts Council Malta, added: “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 also a strategic opening for Maltese stories to be developed, financed and shared internationally. It is a defining step forwards for Maltese cinema.”

Malta’s entry into Eurimages further consolidates the body’s role as a key pillar of European film co-operation, while opening up new prospects for the international visibility and sustainability of Maltese cinema.