Malta Short Film Festival and first edition of the Malta Film Expo launched

The ninth edition of the Malta Short Film Festival and the first edition of the Malta Film Expo were launched yesterday by Minister Owen Bonnici.

Speaking at the launch, Bonnici remarked how, "Accessibility, sustainability, and professionalism in the cultural sector, as well as economic contribution, are three fundamental pillars upon which the cultural investments are based."

Both events, organised by the Malta Film Foundation, are benefitting from the Cultural Partnership Agreement – a funding programme launched in 2016. The Minister said that we are currently reaping the fruit of this investment, referring to the funding programme that has given space to organisations and festivals to organise events in a sustainable manner over a period of three years.

The government's initiatives and programmes are increasing professionalism in the sector, with the end result being a better cultural product offered to the public, Bonnici added.

Moreover, activities such as the Malta Film Festival serve to attract more tourists to visit Malta. 

Bonnici added that the government will keep investing in the cultural sector – a sector already contributing to the country's economic growth, so much so that in 2016 the cultural sector contributed to 5% of the Gross Domestic Product.

from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2s8mXUF
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