Malta is seeking a private operator to redevelop and manage the Malta Film Studios in Kalkara under a 65-year concession estimated to have a value of €744 million. The project covers a 92,400-square-metre site and is being presented as a major investment in Malta’s ambition to strengthen its position in the global film industry. Plans include a deep-water tank and “super stage”, a shallow tank facility, and new offices and production buildings. The Malta Film Commission has described the proposed development as the world’s first global land-sea super stage and a key pillar in its long-term strategy. The successful bidder will finance, build and operate the complex, while setting an annual fee payable under the concession. The €744 million figure represents projected revenues over the 65-year period rather than the expected construction cost. The studios must be fully operational within four years, with failure to meet the deadline potentially resulting in the loss of the concession. (Times of Malta)
Survey finds limited appetite for larger families despite incentives
Nearly half of respondents in a new survey have said government incentives would not persuade them to have more children, underlining the challenges Malta faces in reversing its declining birth rate. The survey, carried out for the President’s annual State of the Nation conference, found that 47.6% would not be swayed by financial or other incentives, while 36% said they would consider having more children and 16.4% remained unsure. Resistance was strongest among those aged between 36 and 45, with 61.7% saying incentives would not change their decision. The findings come as Malta’s fertility rate has fallen to a record low of 1.01 children per woman in 2024, compared with 1.06 the previous year. Malta’s rate is also significantly below the EU average of 1.34 and well short of the replacement level of around 2.1 children per woman. (Maltatoday)
University professor calls for stronger commitment to Maltese language
Head of the Department of Maltese at the University of Malta Professor Adrian Grima has called for a renewed commitment to the Maltese language, warning that its future depends on how widely it continues to be used by families, educators and society. Addressing a Victory Day commemorative event, Grima said Malta should embrace its multilingual character while ensuring Maltese remains central to the country’s identity. He noted that while Maltese remains the first language of most citizens, language patterns among younger generations are changing, with more than a third of those aged between 16 and 25 considering both Maltese and English to be their first language. Grima said the greatest threat to Maltese was not the growing presence of foreign residents or the strength of English, but a possible decline in its everyday use. He called for more books, films, games, podcasts and technology in Maltese, as well as stronger support for language institutions and greater opportunities for all residents to learn the national language. (TVM News)
