Film Commission spending raises transparency concerns

Concerns are emerging over the transparency and accuracy of legal declarations made by Film Commissioner Johann Grech, as recent reporting suggests that several direct orders and tenders issued by the Commission in 2024 may not have been fully disclosed in the Government Gazette. The issue raises questions about adherence to public procurement regulations and the management of public funds allocated to the film sector in Malta.

The matter first came to public attention when investigative inquiries by The Shift revealed inconsistencies between the Film Commission's reported expenditures and actual payments made throughout the year. Despite repeated requests, Johann Grech declined to clarify whether all direct orders issued by the Film Commission and financed by the Exchequer during 2024 were declared in accordance with public procurement rules.

Questions Over Direct Orders and Public Disclosure

When pressed further about the apparent discrepancy between the six direct orders reportedly published in 2024 and the larger number of transactions known to have occurred, Grech remained silent. According to sources familiar with the Film Commission’s operations, the six published direct orders do not reflect the full scope of financial commitments made, many of which cover multimillion-euro budgets.

Under Maltese law, government departments and agencies are legally obliged to publish all tenders, direct orders, and quotations used to procure goods and services valued at over €5,000. This requirement is intended to ensure transparency in the management of public funds and prevent potential misuse.

However, the official list published by Minister Owen Bonnici’s Culture Ministry in August 2024 recorded that the Film Commission only issued six direct orders throughout that year. According to this list, the Commission did not obtain any services through tenders or quotations. This declaration appears to be incomplete, considering known expenditures during the same period.

Festival Spending Raises Questions

In 2024, the Film Commission reportedly spent over €5 million in a single weekend to organise the Mediterrane Film Festival, a major cultural event in Malta. The festival regularly invites hundreds of guests, with dinners, entertainment, and other associated costs covered by taxpayers. Reports indicate that these expenditures are not fully documented in publicly available records, and neither Grech nor the Culture Ministry have published comprehensive breakdowns of spending for the 2023, 2024, or 2025 editions of the festival.

Such large-scale spending without detailed public disclosure has raised concerns among observers, who question whether public procurement laws were consistently followed. Critics also highlight the importance of full transparency for events funded with taxpayer money, noting that festival budgets often include substantial sums for catering, logistics, venue hire, and artistic direction.

Breakdown of Reported Direct Orders

Among the six direct orders that were disclosed, Johann Grech reportedly approved the following payments:

• Over €31,000 to Midi, the owners of Manoel Island, for the use of the fort as a festival venue.
• €55,000 paid to PBS director and comedian Ray Calleja to act as artistic director for the festival.
• Approximately €120,000 spent on a book that remains largely unknown to the public.
• €25,000 paid to auditing firm Grant Thornton for “management and advisory services” over a three-month period.

While these figures are disclosed, the public record provides no explanation for numerous other purchases essential for staging a high-profile festival. Missing details include costs for stage setup, lighting, sound equipment, catering, beverages, artist fees, flights, transportation, and various forms of entertainment. These are additional to the regular operational expenses incurred by the Film Commission in its yearly cycle.

Lack of Transparency and Legal Obligations

The apparent omissions in official disclosures raise questions about compliance with public procurement laws. Maltese legislation mandates that any expenditure over €5,000 by government entities must be recorded and published to maintain transparency and accountability. This requirement applies to both tenders and direct orders, regardless of the nature of the goods or services procured.

By publishing only six direct orders in 2024, the Film Commission appears to have provided an incomplete picture of its financial activities. Legal experts suggest that such gaps in reporting may undermine public confidence in the management of state resources, particularly when significant sums are involved.

The absence of detailed expenditure reports for multiple festival editions compounds the concern. In addition to the 2024 edition, spending patterns for the 2023 and 2025 festivals have not been fully disclosed, leaving taxpayers and oversight bodies without a clear understanding of how funds were allocated or monitored.

Importance of Accountability in Public Spending

Public accountability in cultural and governmental organisations is essential to maintaining trust and ensuring that taxpayer funds are used responsibly. Large-scale events, such as the Mediterrane Film Festival, require detailed budgeting, transparent procurement, and accurate reporting to prevent mismanagement or potential conflicts of interest.

While festival organisers and the Film Commission may argue that certain payments are contractual or commercially sensitive, legal frameworks exist to balance confidentiality with the public’s right to transparency. Observers argue that full disclosure of direct orders, tenders, and expenditures is a minimal standard for government-funded projects, particularly when high-profile events are involved.

Failure to provide accurate and complete records can expose government agencies to criticism, erode public confidence, and potentially trigger legal or regulatory scrutiny.

Reactions from Experts and Public Stakeholders

Legal and procurement experts have highlighted the need for rigorous compliance with disclosure laws. “Transparency is not optional when public money is involved,” said one independent analyst. “All government departments must ensure that every expenditure above the €5,000 threshold is declared. Anything less risks undermining public trust.”

Civil society groups and media outlets have echoed these concerns, pointing out that festivals and cultural events, while valuable for tourism and community engagement, should not bypass standard procurement procedures. Without comprehensive reporting, it becomes difficult for watchdog organisations to monitor spending or hold officials accountable.

Calls for Greater Oversight

As a result of these revelations, calls are growing for increased oversight of the Film Commission and its festival-related spending. Advocates argue that publishing a full list of direct orders, tenders, and quotations would enhance transparency and demonstrate compliance with public procurement rules.

Some stakeholders suggest independent audits of the Commission’s expenditures as a measure to reassure the public and stakeholders. By providing detailed financial records, including contracts, invoices, and associated costs, the Commission could demonstrate fiscal responsibility while safeguarding its reputation.

Looking Ahead

The controversy surrounding the Film Commission’s 2024 spending highlights broader questions about transparency and governance in Malta’s cultural sector. While large-scale festivals contribute to the country’s artistic and economic landscape, they also require diligent financial management and legal compliance.

As scrutiny continues, it remains to be seen whether Johann Grech and the Culture Ministry will take steps to address the concerns raised by investigative reporting. Full disclosure of direct orders, tenders, and festival expenditures could set a precedent for improved accountability in Malta’s film and cultural institutions, reinforcing public confidence in the responsible management of taxpayer funds.

Until then, the incomplete records and unanswered questions leave a cloud over the Film Commission’s financial reporting practices, underscoring the ongoing importance of transparency, oversight, and adherence to legal requirements in publicly funded cultural initiatives.

Conclusion

The concerns surrounding the Film Commission’s 2024 spending highlight a pressing need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds within Malta’s cultural sector. While events like the Mediterrane Film Festival play a significant role in promoting the country’s artistic and economic profile, the lack of comprehensive disclosure for direct orders, tenders, and related expenditures raises questions about adherence to legal procurement obligations.

Full and accurate reporting is essential not only to comply with Maltese law but also to maintain public trust in government institutions responsible for managing taxpayer money. The omission of numerous payments and the limited publication of direct orders leave gaps in the public record, making it difficult for oversight bodies, civil society, and taxpayers to assess the responsible use of funds.

Moving forward, transparent documentation of all financial activities, combined with independent audits and open disclosure of festival-related costs, could strengthen accountability and demonstrate the Film Commission’s commitment to ethical and lawful management. Ensuring that public resources are handled with integrity is critical to preserving confidence in Malta’s cultural initiatives and sustaining the long-term credibility of government-funded events.

FAQs

What are the legal requirements for Maltese government departments regarding procurement?
Government departments must publish all tenders, direct orders, and quotations over €5,000 to ensure transparency.

How much did the Film Commission reportedly spend on the Mediterrane Film Festival in 2024?
Reports indicate over €5 million was spent during the 2024 festival weekend.

Who is Johann Grech?
Johann Grech is the Film Commissioner responsible for overseeing Malta’s Film Commission and associated events.

Why is there concern over the Film Commission’s spending?
Concerns arise because only six direct orders were published in 2024 despite evidence of significantly more expenditures.

What was the purpose of the €55,000 payment to Ray Calleja?
Ray Calleja was paid €55,000 to act as artistic director for the Mediterrane Film Festival.

Were all festival-related expenses published?
No, many costs, including logistics, catering, and artist payments, were not disclosed.

How can the public access government expenditure records?
Records are typically published in the Government Gazette or official Ministry reports.

What is the role of oversight in public cultural spending?
Oversight ensures taxpayer funds are used responsibly and in compliance with procurement laws.

Has the Culture Ministry addressed these concerns?
As of now, neither Johann Grech nor the Culture Ministry has provided full disclosure for 2023, 2024, or 2025.

What steps could improve transparency for the Film Commission?
Publishing detailed lists of orders, tenders, and expenses, along with independent audits, would improve transparency and accountability.