Malta film festival cost secrecy sparks public concern

Malta’s Ministry for Culture is once again facing mounting scrutiny following revelations that Film Commissioner Johann Grech brought back British television personality David Walliams to host the Mediterrane Film Festival for a fourth consecutive year. Despite ongoing controversy and previous public backlash over Walliams’ remuneration, neither Culture Minister Owen Bonnici nor Grech have disclosed the cost to taxpayers for his latest appearance.

This continued silence has reignited criticism over the lack of transparency surrounding the management of public funds allocated to the country’s flagship film event. Sources within government circles have described the decision as emblematic of a growing disregard for accountability, especially in light of Walliams’ previously reported €120,000 payment for a two-hour presentation at the 2022 Malta Film Awards.

Public funds and political discretion

The matter has become more than a question of event planning; it now involves serious concerns about public procurement procedures and the potential misuse of state resources. The absence of a competitive process and the lack of publicly available contractual terms raise important governance issues.

Multiple sources claim that Grech—who enjoys considerable political protection under Prime Minister Robert Abela’s administration—has used a network of government entities to draw funds in a manner that avoids proper procurement oversight. This decentralised funding strategy reportedly allows the commissioner to bypass standard checks and balances, including parliamentary scrutiny, competitive bidding, and ministerial oversight.

Ongoing Freedom of Information challenges

Following the refusal of both Bonnici and Grech to clarify how much was spent on Walliams’ 2025 appearance, The Shift News has filed a Freedom of Information (FOI) request in an effort to obtain documentation related to the festival’s expenditures. The media house has previously won a legal challenge on a similar FOI case relating to the 2023 edition of the festival, yet the information is still being withheld pending an appeal by the Film Commissioner.

Despite the Data Protection Commissioner having ruled in favor of public disclosure, Grech’s appeal has resulted in continued delays, further deepening public frustration and suspicion. Requests for payment records relating to the 2024 and 2025 editions remain unresolved, pending ministerial or judicial intervention.

Unexplained spending and growing budget estimates

Although the exact costs remain undisclosed, reliable sources within the festival’s logistics teams estimate that the Mediterrane Film Festival annually consumes between €4 million and €5 million. These figures are said to cover a wide range of expenses, including luxury accommodations, charter flights, catering, stage production, fireworks displays, and guest transportation via yachts.

A considerable portion of this budget appears to be allocated to an exclusive gala night, which critics argue serves more as a networking soirée for a politically connected elite than a legitimate cultural celebration. Dozens of invitees are believed to be acquaintances of both Grech and Bonnici, raising concerns about favouritism and lack of merit-based inclusion.

Celebrity involvement and selective disclosure

David Walliams’ recurring presence at the event has become a focal point of criticism, not just due to the high fees allegedly involved, but also due to the absence of any public tender or formal justification for his repeated selection. The absence of contractual transparency raises questions about whether the funds spent align with principles of good governance and value for money.

Similarly, Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja has also become a consistent figure at the event, with his performance arrangements likewise shrouded in opacity. While there is no indication of wrongdoing, the refusal to disclose even the most basic information—such as performance fees, flight and accommodation costs—undermines public trust.

Historical context: From awards night to full-fledged festival

This ongoing financial controversy can be traced back to the 2022 Malta Film Awards, where David Walliams made his debut as host of a prominent, state-funded event that is believed to have cost taxpayers more than €1 million. Public outcry at the time focused on the disproportionate cost for a brief event in a country facing multiple social and economic challenges.

By 2023, the event was transformed into the Mediterrane Film Festival, an expanded version encompassing screenings, industry panels, and awards ceremonies over several days. While the format change was positioned as a step toward international cultural recognition, the financial oversight remained consistently vague.

Political fallout and ignored warnings

The controversy has not unfolded in a vacuum. In 2023, then Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo—who has since been removed from office—reportedly instructed Grech not to repeat practices deemed excessive and unjustified. These instructions appear to have been ignored.

One particularly contentious decision by Grech involved commissioning a 10-minute short film with a €500,000 budget, in which he personally acted. This expenditure drew significant criticism from opposition politicians and members of civil society, many of whom labeled it as an irresponsible use of funds intended for promoting Malta’s creative industries.

Grech’s actions, far from being reined in, seem to have continued unabated, raising broader questions about ministerial oversight and the rule of law.

A systemic lack of accountability

The sustained lack of transparency regarding the Mediterrane Film Festival illustrates a broader governance issue in Malta’s cultural sector. While cultural promotion is a legitimate and valuable use of public funds, the absence of rigorous financial controls and public reporting mechanisms opens the door to potential abuse and fosters public cynicism.

Repeated refusals by Minister Bonnici to provide basic fiscal disclosures—such as festival budgets, procurement documents, and guest honoraria—suggest a troubling trend toward opacity. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abela’s continued endorsement of Grech, despite multiple controversies, raises legitimate concerns about the politicisation of state-funded cultural initiatives.

International image versus local responsibility

Events like the Mediterrane Film Festival are often promoted as instruments of soft power, intended to boost Malta’s international profile and attract foreign investment. However, these goals must be balanced with domestic expectations for integrity, fairness, and fiscal prudence.

By failing to address the growing chorus of questions from journalists, opposition figures, and cultural stakeholders, the government risks eroding the very credibility it seeks to build on the international stage. The repeated use of foreign celebrities at significant public cost, without competitive processes or proper accounting, adds fuel to the perception of institutional impunity.

Conclusion

The ongoing controversy surrounding David Walliams’ involvement in the Mediterrane Film Festival, and the larger issues tied to its financing, should serve as a catalyst for reform. While Malta has much to gain from cultural diplomacy and global outreach, these objectives must not come at the cost of transparency, public trust, or legal compliance.

Immediate steps should include the publication of detailed accounts for all public cultural expenditures, the establishment of independent oversight bodies for event procurement, and a renewed commitment by government officials to act in the public interest rather than personal or political gain.

FAQs

What is the Mediterrane Film Festival?
It is an annual film festival in Malta, aimed at showcasing cinematic talent and promoting the island as a cultural destination.

Who is David Walliams and why is he involved?
David Walliams is a British comedian and author who has been hired to host the festival for four consecutive years.

How much was David Walliams paid?
In 2022, Walliams was reportedly paid €120,000 for a two-hour event. Costs for 2023–2025 remain undisclosed.

Why is there controversy surrounding the festival?
The main concerns relate to the lack of transparency about public spending and the absence of competitive procurement.

Who is Johann Grech?
He is Malta's Film Commissioner and the main figure behind the organisation and funding of the Mediterrane Film Festival.

What role does Owen Bonnici play?
As Culture Minister, he is politically responsible for the oversight of the Film Commission, but has not disclosed key financial details.

Has any legal action been taken to reveal the costs?
Yes, Freedom of Information requests and appeals have been filed by journalists, but many records remain inaccessible.

What is the estimated cost of the festival each year?
Estimates suggest the festival costs taxpayers between €4 million and €5 million annually.

Are other celebrities involved in the event?
Yes, Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja has also been a regular performer at the festival.

What reforms are being called for?
Critics urge greater financial transparency, public tenders for contracts, and independent oversight of cultural spending.