Watch: ‘This Is An Attack On Malta’, Film Commissioner Warns, Saying Cash Rebate Critics Are ‘Trying To Take Away Your Job’
Malta Film Commission Johann Grech has just issued a five-minute video following a turbulent week for the country’s industry.
“This is an attack on the country,” Grech said in the strongly-worded statement which he said was directed to “the crews and everyone who works in films”.
Later, he even claims that “whoever speaks about the rebate is trying to take away your job and your future”, referring to this week’s revelation that some €143 million of the country’s taxpayer money went to film and TV series cash rebates in the the last five years.
“Let’s not go from working in films to applying for work,” Grech warned. “Instead of more business in films, we will end up being out of business.”
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Despite the rather long statement, at no point did Grech make any reference to the recent allegations of large cash rebates given to around 54 films and TV series which chose Malta in the last half a decade – or even his own lavish travel and accommodation expenses which have reportedly rivalled even some of Malta’s ministers.
In the statement – which more than anything ended up sounding like a politically-charged clap-back – Grech went on to say “we are all Maltese brothers and sisters”, telling everyone that they are “strong together” and “with us, everyone works and benefits.”
“We are not going to stop here,” he ended by pledging. “We are not going to stop now. We will not leave you alone. This government is determined to invest and continue building the film industry.”
What do you make of Grech’s statement? Sound off in the comments below.
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