Throwback To When Johann Grech Was Asked To Shout Out One Maltese Film… And Didn’t
In August of 2022, Malta’s Film Commissioner, Johann Grech, was asked by an American interviewer to recommend one film created and executed by Maltese people… and he didn’t.
“Our local, indigenous industry is still young. We have films that are appearing in the global domain, and we are investing heavily to ensure that more films reach beyond Malta and are successful,” he said, dodging the very clear and direct question.
He stated that the goal is to create “tomorrow’s filmmakers” and “being the best”, neglecting today’s creatives that have been widely successful with their work.
Films like Luzzu and Limestone Cowboy have been a point of pride for the local film industry, however, Grech neglected to mention them, or any other when he was asked to recommend “one film that’s made by Maltese creatives”.
Throughout the interview and prior to this question, Grech praised foreign filmmakers and studios who used Malta for its unique destination and history, namely Ridley Scott and Colin Trevorrow. He stated that the aim is to keep Malta as a destination and a story on the big screen.
The clip resurfaced after local director, actor, and producer Maxime Durand shared it to Facebook saying:
“I’m really confused. I don’t know which Film Commissioner to believe, the one of last year or the one of this year…”
Grech has recently found himself in a stir of controversy after it was revealed by industry insiders that a 10-minute promo video shown in the Mediterrane Film Festival and which features him as a protagonist cost upwards of €500,000. It was also stated that Grech enjoyed a lavish trailer worthy of A-list celebrities and employed a foreign director for the project.
He featured in the film alongside David Walliams who has also been involved in Maltese controversy after he was paid a whopping €120,000 to host the 2022 Malta Film Awards.
What film do you think he should’ve recommended?
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