Deadline: 18-Nov-2026
The Arts Council Malta Screen Support Scheme provides grants to promote Maltese audiovisual productions internationally, including films, documentaries, animation, and TV series. Funding can cover up to 100% of eligible costs, with grants of up to €20,000 for promotional activities, €5,000 for festival participation, and €2,500 for festival submissions, with higher limits for A-List festivals. The programme supports producers seeking international distribution, festival exposure, and global audience reach.
Overview
The Screen Support Scheme is designed to strengthen the international visibility and distribution potential of Maltese audiovisual productions.
The programme supports producers who wish to promote completed productions or projects that are at an advanced stage of development. It provides funding for activities such as international festival participation, marketing, distribution promotion, and festival submissions.
Eligible audiovisual works must have been completed within the last 18 months or be sufficiently developed for international promotion.
Key Objectives of the Programme
The scheme aims to enhance the global reach of Maltese audiovisual content and support professionals in the film industry.
The main objectives include:
• Supporting international distribution and sales opportunities for audiovisual productions
• Enabling participation in international film festivals and film markets
• Supporting promotion and marketing of completed productions
• Increasing international exposure of Maltese film and television content
• Helping producers connect with sales agents, distributors, and global audiences
The programme focuses on the promotion stage of production, rather than production or development funding.
Funding Amount and Financial Support
The Screen Support Scheme offers funding covering up to 100% of eligible project costs, depending on the activity.
Standard Funding Limits
• Up to €20,000 for promotional support
• Up to €5,000 for participation in an international film festival
• Up to €2,500 for international festival submissions
Increased Support for A-List Festivals
If the production is selected for a recognised A-List international film festival, the funding limits increase to:
• Up to €40,000 for promotional activities
• Up to €10,000 for festival participation
Payment Structure
Funding is disbursed in two instalments:
• 70% upon signing the grant agreement
• 30% after approval of the final project report
Eligible Costs
The grant may cover a variety of expenses directly related to promoting audiovisual productions internationally.
Eligible costs include:
• Advertising and promotional materials
• Media advertising campaigns
• Subtitling and translation services
• Film marketing and publicity services
• Festival accreditation fees
• Screening room rentals
• Travel and accommodation for one producer and the director or writer-director
• Insurance and visa expenses
• Film festival submission fees
All costs must be directly connected to the international promotion and exposure of the audiovisual production.
Types of Projects Supported
The scheme supports cultural audiovisual works that demonstrate artistic and cultural value.
Eligible project types include:
• Feature films
• Television series
• Creative documentaries of at least 52 minutes
• Short films intended for festivals, television, or video-on-demand platforms
Projects must contribute to:
• Maltese or European culture
• Development of the film and television industry
• Cultural and artistic storytelling
Who Is Eligible?
The Screen Support Scheme is open to both organisations and individual professionals connected to Malta’s audiovisual sector.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants may include:
• Independent audiovisual entities registered in Malta
• Individual audiovisual professionals
Individual applicants must be:
• Maltese citizens
• Holders of a Maltese passport
• Holders of a Maltese citizenship certificate
• Holders of permanent residence status in Malta
Additional Requirements for Companies
For registered entities:
• At least one director or the majority of shares must be held by Maltese citizens or permanent residents
• The entity must be legally registered in Malta
• Applicants must be registered with the relevant regulatory authority
• A VAT registration certificate is required
• Applicants must hold the full chain of title for the project
Creative Team Requirements
Projects must meet at least two of the following criteria:
• The producer is Maltese or a Maltese permanent resident
• The writer is Maltese or a Maltese permanent resident
• The director is Maltese or a Maltese permanent resident
Cultural and Ethical Principles
Applicants are encouraged to align their projects with key cultural and ethical frameworks.
These include:
• The Right to Culture Resource Pack, which promotes community engagement and cultural rights
• The Artist Status Charter, which supports:
- Artistic freedom
- Accessibility and inclusivity
- Recognition of creative skills
- Fair socio-economic conditions for artists
- Ethical practices in creative industries
- Respect for intellectual property and employment laws
These principles help ensure that supported projects contribute positively to cultural development and creative sustainability.
How the Scheme Works
The programme provides targeted support during the promotion phase of audiovisual productions.
Supported activities may include:
• Marketing campaigns for film releases
• Participation in international film festivals
• Attendance at film markets to secure distribution deals
• Submission of films to recognised festivals
• Networking with distributors and sales agents
The goal is to help Maltese productions gain international recognition and distribution opportunities.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Screen Support Scheme.
Step 1: Confirm Project Eligibility
Ensure your production:
• Was completed within the last 18 months or is at an advanced development stage
• Qualifies as a cultural audiovisual work
Step 2: Prepare a Promotion Strategy
Your proposal should include:
• A clear international promotion strategy
• Planned festival participation or distribution activities
• Marketing and publicity plans
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents
Applicants should provide:
• Proof of legal registration (for companies)
• VAT registration certificate
• Documentation proving chain of title ownership
• Budget and cost breakdown
Step 4: Submit the Application
Applications are submitted to Arts Council Malta for review.
Step 5: Evaluation Process
Applications undergo two stages:
- Technical and artistic eligibility screening
- Evaluation by a panel of film professionals, including local and international experts
Projects are assessed based on artistic merit, cultural value, and international potential.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid the following issues when preparing proposals.
1. Weak promotion strategy
Applications should clearly explain how the project will achieve international exposure.
2. Missing ownership documentation
Applicants must demonstrate the full chain of title for the production.
3. Ineligible project types
Projects must qualify as cultural audiovisual works.
4. Unrealistic marketing budgets
Budgets should align with the scope of promotional activities.
5. Lack of cultural relevance
Projects should show a connection to Maltese or European cultural values.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Screen Support Scheme?
The Screen Support Scheme is a grant programme by Arts Council Malta that supports international promotion of Maltese audiovisual productions.
2. How much funding can applicants receive?
Funding can include:
• Up to €20,000 for promotional activities
• Up to €5,000 for festival participation
• Up to €2,500 for festival submissions
For A-List festivals, the limits increase to €40,000 and €10,000.
3. What types of productions are eligible?
Eligible productions include feature films, TV series, documentaries (minimum 52 minutes), and short films intended for festivals or digital platforms.
4. Who can apply for the scheme?
Applicants may include independent audiovisual companies registered in Malta and individual Maltese audiovisual professionals.
5. What costs can the grant cover?
The scheme can fund marketing, festival participation, travel, subtitling, translation, promotional materials, and festival submission fees.
6. How is the funding paid?
Funding is released in two instalments: 70% after signing the grant agreement and 30% after approval of the final report.
7. Who evaluates the applications?
Applications are reviewed by a panel appointed by Arts Council Malta, including professionals from the film industry.
Conclusion
The Screen Support Scheme by Arts Council Malta provides valuable funding to help Maltese audiovisual productions reach international audiences.
By supporting promotion, festival participation, and distribution opportunities, the programme helps strengthen the global presence of Malta’s film and television industry while promoting cultural storytelling and creative innovation.
For more information, visit The Malta Arts Council.
