The Malta Film Commission is putting the pieces together for the fourth installment of the Mediterranean Film Festival, scheduled to be held in the island’s capital Valletta from June 21-28.
It would be hard to top last year’s event, which marked a landmark moment for Malta that celebrated the island’s 100-year history as a filmmaking center dating back to the first production filmed there, in 1925. Sons of the sea But festival director Pierre Agius and festival curator Mark Adams have a plan in place for the program, based on the theme “Beyond Together.”
The film program will expand from three to five branches: Big Screen Competition featuring the best of mainstream cinema, Mediterranean Competition featuring new cinema from the Mediterranean region highlighting local stories and talent, Mare Nostrum for films with an environmental message, Best of the World for new cinema from around the world to Malta and Malta focusing on specifically local films (shorts and features) that highlight island talent.
Also on the horizon will be screenings followed by directors’ Q&As which will take place at the Embassy Cinema in Valletta, events at two outdoor screening venues, Upper Barracca Gardens and Fort Ricasoli Counterguard, and other bespoke programmes, panels and master classes from notable names. Past speakers include director Mike Leigh, editor Yorgos Mavropsaridis, Academy Award winners Nathan Crowley and Rick Carter, director Catherine Hardwicke, casting director Margery Simkin, and blockbuster filmmakers Jon Watts and Jake Schreier.
Contest titles will be presented by a judging panel of creatives, tasked with selecting the Golden Bee award winners. Medals will be distributed at a ceremony held on June 28. Russell Crowe attended last year to receive the Legend of Cinema Award, highlighted by his work in… GladiatorWhich was filmed in Malta.
“The Mediterranean Film Festival continues to grow as a platform connecting Malta to the global film industry. Furthermore, it continues to reflect Malta’s long-term vision for film infrastructure, including the development of land and sea theatre,” explained Malta Film Commissioner Johan Grech, who last year hosted a diverse group of production insiders to promote the island’s rich 40 percent tax rebate incentive to keep the cameras rolling in 2025 and beyond. “With the 2026 edition, we are not only expanding the festival’s programme, but strengthening its role as a meeting point for talent, ideas and opportunities. ‘Beyond Together’ reflects exactly the direction we are heading in – building partnerships, attracting productions, and positioning Malta as a serious and competitive player in the international film scene.”
Agius added: “Our focus for 2026 is clear – to elevate the audience experience and the relevance of the festival to the industry. By expanding the program and strengthening our international collaborations, we are creating a festival that is culturally meaningful and globally connected.”
Ticket sales for all performances will be donated to local Maltese cancer charity Puttinu Cares.
