Building on the strong momentum of previous editions, the 2026 Festival will expand both in scale and ambition, offering a richer programme of screenings, industry engagement, and cultural experiences that position Malta as a dynamic hub for international filmmaking.
Led by Festival Director Pierre Agius and Festival Curator Mark Adams, the 2026 edition will expand its film programme from three to five strands:
- Big Screen Competition: A celebration of the best of mainstream cinema, bringing bold cinematic visions to the big screen and featuring filmmaking talent, both established and new, from around the globe.
- Mediterranean Competition: Focusing on new cinema from the broad Mediterranean region, the competition shines the spotlight on local stories and talent, celebrating the diversity and ambition of filmmakers and stories from the region.
- Mare Nostrum: In the Roman Empire, ‘Mare Nostrum’ was a term that referred to the Mediterranean Sea, meaning "Our Sea" in Latin. The section focuses on films with an environmental message.
- Best of the World: A showcase bringing exciting new cinema from around the world to Malta, embracing a broad variety of genres and styles it is a chance to revel in vibrant and exciting new films.
- Malta Focus: A chance for guests from outside Malta as well as local film-goers to dip into local films – shorts and features – that display the skills and ambition of local filmmakers.
Screenings featuring Q&As with filmmakers taking place at The Embassy Cinema in Valletta as well as two outdoor screenings, namely: Upper Barrakka Gardens and Fort Ricasoli Counterguard.
The 2026 Festival will be anchored by the theme “Beyond Together” — a reflection of Malta’s growing role as a connector between cultures, industries, and creative talent. The theme speaks to a shared ambition: to move beyond borders, beyond formats, and beyond expectations — together.
It reinforces the Festival’s commitment to collaboration, international dialogue, and the continued growth of Malta as a destination for global storytelling.
In addition to public screenings, the festival brings back its prestigious industry strand, this year housed at an iconic location in Valletta, offering panel discussions and masterclasses from notable industry figures. Past speakers include BAFTA-winning director Mike Leigh, editor Yorgos Mavropsaridis (Kinds of Kindness, Poor Things), Oscar-winning production designers Nathan Crowley (Wicked) and Rick Carter (Avatar, Lincoln), director Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight, Lords of Dogtown) and casting director Margery Simkin (Top Gun, Mamma Mia!).
The festival’s esteemed competition titles will once again be evaluated by a distinguished Jury of accomplished creatives, whose discerning eye will determine the recipients of the coveted Golden Bee Awards, to be unveiled at a special Gala event on June 28, 2026.
This year’s Jury, Industry and Film programmes will be announced through May 2026.
The 2026 Golden Bee Awards have also been increased to include:
Big Screen Competition:
- Best Feature Film
- Best Performance
- Best Screenwriting
- Best Original Score
- Audience Award
Mediterranean Competition:
- Best Mediterranean Film
- Special Jury Award
- Audience Award
Mare Nostrum:
- Audience Award
Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech said, “The Mediterrane Film Festival continues to grow as a platform that connects Malta to the global film industry. Furthermore, it continues to reflect Malta’s long-term vision for film infrastructure, including the development of the Land–Sea Super Stage. 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 opportunity. ‘Beyond Together’ reflects exactly where we are heading — building partnerships, attracting productions, and positioning Malta as a serious and competitive player in the international film landscape.”
“Our focus for 2026 is clear — to elevate both the audience experience and the industry relevance of the Festival. By expanding the programme and strengthening our international collaborations, we are creating a Festival that is both culturally meaningful and globally connected.” said Festival Director Pierre Agius.
Ticket sales for all screenings will once again be donated to local Maltese cancer charity Puttinu Cares.
2025 marked a centenary of filmmaking in Malta, celebrating 100 years since the island hosted its first feature film, Sons of the Sea (1925). Over the decades, Malta has evolved into a premier international production hub, known for its historic architecture, versatile landscapes, and world-renowned water-based facilities at the Malta Film Studios. From Gladiator and Troy, to Game of Thrones and Napoleon, the island has played host to some of the world’s most iconic productions. With continued investment, government support, and a growing talent pool, Malta’s rich cinematic legacy is poised to shape the next century of global filmmaking.
The 2025 edition of the Mediterrane Film Festival recorded over 11,400 attendees, achieving a global media reach exceeding 3.15 billion and generating an Advertising Value Equivalent (AVE) of $21.9M. Malta continues to strengthen its position as a competitive international production hub, supported by a 40% cash rebate, continued investment in infrastructure, and a growing local talent base capable of servicing large-scale productions year-round. Recent years have seen Malta host a diverse range of international film and television productions, further reinforcing its reputation as a reliable and versatile filming destination.
