Malta Film Commission Ordered To Provide David Walliams Invoices For Hosting Film Awards
Malta’s Film Commission has been ordered to give electronic copies of its invoices issued by David Walliams for hosting the Malta Film Awards.
The Tourism Ministry has been shooting down freedom of information requests from several media houses and organisations, including Lovin Malta, since January.
The Information and Data Protection Commissioner has now ordered that the invoices be handed over to The Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation.
According to Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo, the Malta Film Week cost €1.3 million, dwarfing the €400,000 budget for the awards ceremony. Despite promises, no breakdown of the costs was ever provided.
It was reported that British comedian David Walliams was allegedly paid over €200,000 to host the Malta Film Awards.
The Daphne Foundation asked the Film Commission for all invoices it received from Walliams, or his agents or associated companies or individuals, or on their behalf, in connection with the show.
The Film Commission refused the FOI request, claiming “there is good reason for withholding the requested document.”
A complaint was filed since the documents requested were not exempt under the Freedom of Information Act. The documents would also fulfil promises of transparency and would not prejudice many commercial interests.
Still, the Malta Film Commission refused to provide the documents, citing confidentiality
The IDPC has now ruled that the confidentiality clause in the agreement with Walliams could not be used to prevent disclosure of the amount he was paid.
The Malta Film Commission now has 20 days to file a complaint to the Appeals Tribunal or hand over copies of the invoices.
What do you think of the Malta Film Commission’s refusal to provide the figures?
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