Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1529221
5 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 13 NOVEMBER 2024 NEWS JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt MATTHEW VELLA mvella@mediatoday.com.mt FILM producers are facing un- precedented delays in receiving promised funding, and cash re- bates with some waiting months to pay their crews and service providers, the Malta Entertain- ment Industry and Arts As- sociation (MEIA) said on late payments from the Malta Film Commission. "Such delays can cripple pro- duction, forcing filmmakers to halt work or scramble to cover payroll," said MEIA president Maria Galea. Earlier this week, the MFC's cash rebate scheme – which offers up to 40% back on qual- ifying expenditures as a means of attracting international productions and stimulate the economy – was given a clean bill of health by an audit car- ried out by the Malta Universi- ty Services. But MEIA said delayed pay- ments were jeopardising the financial viability of local pro- jects. "While MEIA has been working closely with the Min- istry of Tourism to address these issues, resulting in most of our members finally receiv- ing their payments for pre due funding, some remain pending and issues keep being raised," Galea said. "We have received com- plaints that emails are also be- ing ignored. Industry insiders express concerns that these payment issues reflect deep- er instability, raising critical questions about the commis- sions operational efficiency and financial management, as well as yet again lack of respect towards creative professionals. "The perception that the MFC struggles to honour its commitments continues to de- ter public trust and ultimately harm the incentives them- selves." Complaints regarding late payments extended beyond the MFC, the MEIA said, with many members expressing frustration with other public entities as well. Delays in pay- ment for services rendered and logistical support have also become increasingly common, with some waiting over four months for compensation. "Such delays create an atmos- phere of uncertainty that stifles productivity and leads to com- promised projects or service quality. Moreover, there have been instances where contracts were issued only after work had commenced or even com- pleted. This practice raises eth- ical concerns and complicates financial planning for crea- tives who must operate under uncertain contractual obliga- tions," Galea said. "When contracts are finalised post-factum, it creates an en- vironment where profession- als cannot confidently forecast their income or secure neces- sary resources for upcoming projects." MEIA said that establishing clear payment timelines, en- hancing communication with industry professionals, and implementing robust account- ability measures were essential steps toward restoring confi- dence in public institutions. "When funding mechanisms lack transparency and ac- countability, they erode trust between creative profession- als and governmental bodies," Galea added. Film Commission delays in funds and rebate crippling local productions – MEIA Maltese producers raise alarm over ripple effect of late payments in funding and services to creatives from Malta Film Commission A developer is persisting in his attempt to build an apartment block overlooking Wied il-Għa- sel in Mosta, less than two years after withdrawing a previous proposal that was recommended for refusal by the Planning Au- thority's case officer, who had described it as "objectionable in principle." Once again, developer Em- manuel Camilleri is proposing the development of a five-floor apartment block at a site off Triq Franġisk Mangion, making only minimal changes from the previ- ous attempt. The site, located at the edge of the picturesque valley, hosts a number of pomegranate and al- mond trees and enjoys a degree of protection granted to buffer zones of protected areas. As it did in 2022, the Superin- tendence of Cultural Heritage is objecting to the application, say- ing it can find "no justification" for the uptake of more land in the protected valley. The application also includes extensive excavation for an un- derground car park in the ar- chaeologically sensitive area. The new application was sub- mitted by the same architect as the one withdrawn in 2023, for- mer Labour MP Charles Buha- giar. More than 100 objections have been submitted in recent days against the proposed devel- opment. The first application for a five-storey apartment block out- side development boundaries at the edge of Wied iċ-Ċawsli in Mosta was withdrawn in 2023 after the case officer described the proposal as "objectionable in principle" and in breach of vari- ous planning policies. The Environment and Re- sources Authority had warned that the development would re- quire new roadworks, as the site is currently accessed through a very narrow alley unsuitable for adequate vehicular access. The application was withdrawn just days after the publication of the case officer's report recom- mending refusal. Developer persists in attempt to develop Mosta valley plot The site is located at the edge of the picturesque valley