Deadline: 14-Apr-2026
The Malta Screen Support Scheme provides financial assistance to professionals and independent audiovisual entities across all stages of filmmaking, from scriptwriting to feature film production and cultural programming. The scheme supports cultural and creative audiovisual works, including short films, feature films, and content for private broadcasting stations.
Program Overview
The Screen Support Scheme is designed to strengthen Malta’s audiovisual sector by supporting the creation of high-quality cultural and creative projects. It provides targeted funding and mentoring for independent audiovisual entities and professionals, ensuring that local talent can develop and produce innovative content for both domestic and international audiences.
Funding Strands
The scheme consists of five funding strands, each targeting a specific stage or type of audiovisual production:
1. Pre-Production – Scriptwriting (First Strand)
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Supports early project stages including scriptwriting and research for fiction, documentary, and animation
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Requires involvement of an experienced scriptwriter or script consultant for new writers
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Covers treatments for documentaries and foundational project materials
2. Project Development (Second Strand)
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Supports development activities such as script refinement, research, team selection, budgeting, and audience definition
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Prepares projects for pitching at markets, festivals, and industry events
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Applicable for fiction, documentary, and animation projects
3. Short Film Production (Third Strand)
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Provides grants for producing short films in animation, documentary, or fiction formats
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Encourages original projects with potential mentoring from industry experts
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Supports international co-productions with valid co-production agreements
4. Feature Film Production (Fourth Strand)
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Funds the production of feature-length fiction, documentary, and animation projects
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Offers mentoring and financial support for local productions
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Supports participation in international co-productions with demonstrated collaboration
5. Cultural Programmes (Fifth Strand)
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Supports the creation of cultural audiovisual content for private broadcasting stations in Malta
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Provides grants and mentoring to promote high-quality cultural content
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Encourages international co-productions with formal agreements
Who Can Apply
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Independent audiovisual entities legally registered in Malta
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Individual audiovisual professionals who are Maltese citizens or hold Maltese permanent residence, citizenship certificate, or passport
Purpose of Funding
The Screen Support Scheme aims to:
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Promote the development and production of culturally and creatively significant audiovisual content
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Support the Maltese audiovisual industry at all stages of project development
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Facilitate local and international collaboration through co-productions
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Offer mentoring and guidance to strengthen creative and technical capacities
How to Apply
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Confirm eligibility as an independent audiovisual entity or Maltese audiovisual professional
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Identify the appropriate strand based on the project stage or type of content
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Prepare a detailed project application, including script, research, budget, and team details
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Submit the application according to Malta’s Screen Support Scheme guidelines
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Participate in mentoring and industry support opportunities as outlined for each strand
Why This Scheme Matters
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Provides critical support to the Maltese audiovisual sector, enhancing cultural production
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Encourages innovation and creativity in film, animation, and documentary projects
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Strengthens international collaborations and co-productions
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Builds capacity and professional skills among local audiovisual professionals
FAQs
1. Who is eligible for the Screen Support Scheme? Independent audiovisual entities registered in Malta and individual Maltese audiovisual professionals.
2. Which stages of filmmaking are supported? Scriptwriting, project development, short films, feature film production, and cultural programmes for broadcast.
3. Can international co-productions receive funding? Yes, with valid co-production agreements for short films, feature films, and cultural programmes.
4. Is mentoring provided? Yes, mentoring from industry experts is offered for certain strands.
5. What types of content are eligible? Fiction, documentary, animation, and cultural audiovisual programmes.
6. Are individual professionals eligible? Yes, if they are Maltese citizens or hold a permanent residence permit, citizenship certificate, or passport.
7. Does the funding cover all production costs? Funding varies by strand and may cover eligible production, development, and mentoring costs.
Conclusion
The Malta Screen Support Scheme empowers local audiovisual professionals and independent entities to develop and produce culturally significant content. By providing funding, mentoring, and opportunities for co-production, the scheme enhances the creative capacity of Malta’s audiovisual sector and supports the creation of high-quality, innovative cultural works.
For more information, visit The Malta Arts Council.