Malta's Film Sector Generates Over 1.5 Billion Euros In Economic Value

Malta's film industry has grown into one of the country's most powerful economic engines, generating sustained value, attracting international capital and driving development across multiple industries. 

An independent study by Dr Aaron G. Grech, Chief Officer for Economics at the Central Bank of Malta (CBM), found that film production has cumulatively generated more than 1.5 billion euros in gross value added for the Malta economy, with over 1.2 billion euros of that created since 2018. The annual value generated by the sector rose from around 30 million euros before 2018 to approximately 173 million euros each year thereafter, almost six times its previous contribution.

The scale of the impact is clear when measured against wider economic performance. Film production accounted for an average of 0.28% of gross value added between 2005 and 2017, rising to 0.83% since 2018 and reaching a record 2.16% in 2023. In that year, almost one-fifth of all recorded economic growth was attributed to film production activity.

The benefits extend well beyond the studios with international productions filling hotels with cast and crew, raising demand for restaurants and catering, and creating work for transport, construction and retail businesses. It’s unlikely to slow down anytime soon. Streaming platforms are investing heavily in new content, rewarding jurisdictions that have the right infrastructure and expertise like Malta. 

The planned Land-Sea Super Stage embodies the country’s ambition when it comes to the film production industry. The stage combines large-scale land and marine production capabilities in a single integrated facility. It demonstrates how strategic investment, long-term planning and effective execution can deliver extraordinary returns for the wider economy, with the most promising chapter still ahead.