22/06/2023 - A diverse range of activities will take place at the inaugural edition of the festival, including conferences, master classes, round-tables and panel discussions

The Mediterrane Film Festival is ready to unspool as a celebration of cinema and creativity, bringing together the best talents from the Mediterranean region. The inaugural edition will run from 25-30 June on the picturesque islands of Malta. The festival aims to unite the MED9 countries, an alliance of nine Mediterranean and Southern European Union member states, including Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain, fostering collaboration, opportunity and a shared love for the art of filmmaking.

Throughout the festival, a diverse range of events will take place, including conferences, master classes, round-tables and panel discussions, most of which will be held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta. Here’s a closer look at some of the highlights of the upcoming days.

On 26 June, the schedule kicks off with the 2030 Strategy conference, featuring renowned speakers such as Johann Grech, the Malta Film Commissioner, and Clayton Bartolo, the Minister for Tourism of Malta. This will be followed by a panel discussion titled "The Mediterranean Studio Landscape", moderated by Grech and featuring representatives from HBO and Warner Bros UK, among others. Additionally, an intriguing panel discussion on "Arthouse and Independent Cinema in the Digital Age" will bring together filmmakers and writers from Croatia, Portugal and Malta to explore the evolving landscape of independent filmmaking. The day concludes with a thought-provoking panel discussion titled "National Broadcasting Stations and Remaining Relevant for Audiences in the Age of Streaming Platforms", with representatives of Croatian TV, CyBC, RTV Slovenia and the Public Broadcasting Service of Malta.

Tuesday's schedule features an engaging panel discussion entitled "Location, Location, Location", with speakers from the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, the Hellenic Film Commission, and experienced location managers from Malta and the USA. Following this, industry experts Matt Hookings from Camelot Films and Gary Raskin from Raskin Law will lead a master class on “Raising Money for Film”, offering valuable insights and answering the audience’s questions. The focus then shifts to public financing models, with a panel discussion featuring representatives from various countries, including Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Slovenia and Malta, who will explore co-financing, co-production and the incentive landscape. Furthermore, Florian Wieder will lead a master class on “The Creative Design Process”, providing attendees with an in-depth understanding of the creative aspects of film production. The day culminates in a panel discussion on “Film Financing Models”, comparing approaches from the USA, the UK and the EU, with contributions from producers and industry experts hailing from Croatia, Cyprus, Greece and Slovenia.

Wednesday begins with the “Skills Debate Conference”, featuring notable speakers such as Vince Marmara from Sagalytics, Beverly Cutajar from the Malta Film Commission, and representatives of the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, the Deputy Ministry of Culture (Cyprus) and the Slovenian Film Centre. At Stargate Studios, a panel discussion titled "Trends in AI & Digital Technology" will bring together industry experts from the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, Rupture Studios, Stargate Studios Malta and ARRI Solutions. Another panel discussion on "Data Economy, Entrepreneurship & Marketing in the Film & TV Industry" will feature representatives from the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, Comscore, the University of Ljubljana, Ampere Analysis and Malta Enterprise.

The final day of the programme begins with the Creative Europe – MEDIA Desk Roundtable, followed by the Malta Enterprise Roundtable, providing platforms for meaningful discussions and collaboration. Later in the day, Frank McDonnell from DryLab will lead a master class on the role of the DIT (digital imaging technician), and Stephen Dullaghan from Rupture Studios will conduct a master class on “Virtual Production” at the studio in Burmarrad. Additionally, a panel discussion titled "Championing Sustainable Measures – Best Practices" will bring together speakers from the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, ARTFX, the Creative Europe – MEDIA Desk of Greece and Creast Network. Drew Comins from Creative Engine Entertainment will host a master class on “Producing for Film & Television”. Finally, the schedule concludes with a thought-provoking panel discussion on “Industry Work Standards”, which will focus on gender and inclusion in film, setiquette and diversity.

The Mediterrane Film Festival thus promises to be an exciting and enriching experience, offering industry professionals and cinema enthusiasts alike a platform to network, share knowledge and celebrate the vibrant Mediterranean film culture.