The Malta Film Commission is launching the inaugural edition of a brand-new film event, the Mediterrane Film Festival. Set to run in Valletta and other locations across the archipelago from 25-30 June, the festival’s official website describes it as “a celebration of cinema and creativity that brings together the best of the Mediterranean region.”

The event aims to serve as a platform for Malta to continue building its film brand image worldwide and attract more film business to the islands. Some recent high-end international shoots filmed across the country include Ridley Scott’s Napoleon, Terrence Malick’s The Way of the Wind and Colin Trevorrow’s Jurassic World Dominion.

The programme will be revealed during the Cannes Film Festival and will showcase films from each of the MED9 countries (an alliance of nine Mediterranean and Southern European Union member states, namely Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain). Screenings will be accessible to the public, and the featured films will be in the running for various awards.

“Attendees can expect an immersive experience at our festival, with a variety of events including panel discussions, masterclasses, and networking opportunities. We strive to create an environment where filmmakers, producers, and directors can connect with industry representatives from the Mediterranean, the United Kingdom and Hollywood,” the official website further explains.

Attendees will include Maltese and international filmmakers, actors, crew members, studio executives, and producers. In addition, there will be representatives from industry bodies, including Mediterranean Film Commission offices and the British Film Commission, as well as executives from Hollywood studios.

Film commissioner Johann Grech said: “The size of our country never deterred us from dreaming big. The Mediterrane Film Festival will bring together the nine unique Mediterranean nations to celebrate  the power of togetherness; the power of creativity; the power of opportunity. Because alone we are small, but together we are better.”

Malta’s Minister for Tourism, Clayton Bartolo, added: “Our shared love for art and storytelling transcends borders, creating a beautiful tapestry of diverse cultures, united in our passion for film. It is in this spirit of togetherness that we look forward to building a bright future for the Maltese film industry, hand in hand with our Mediterranean partners.”

Watch this space.