The Malta Film Commission has unveiled the Industry Programme and international jury lineup for the fourth annual Mediterrane Film Festival, taking place from 21-28 June 2026 across the historic backdrop of Valletta and iconic Maltese locations.
Guided by this year’s overarching theme, “Beyond Together”, the festival “celebrates Malta’s thriving legacy in film, while strengthening its role as a vital bridge between the Mediterranean’s rich heritage and the future of global storytelling”.
“With world-class backdrops that have hosted legendary blockbusters from Gladiator to Jurassic World Dominion, Malta continues to solidify its reputation as an extraordinary destination for international filmmakers,” said a press release.
More information – provided by MFF – is available below.
Industry Programme: Shaping the Future of Film
The Mediterrane Film Festival 2026 Industry Programme is built around a single conviction: that the conversations the screen industry most needs are the ones it rarely has in public.
Over five days in Valletta, the programme brings together international cinema’s most experienced and candid practitioners – including directors, producers, writers, financiers, and platform executives – for a series of panels and masterclasses designed to deliver actionable insights.
Throughout the week, attendees will have exclusive access to a high-calibre lineup of masterclasses led by acclaimed international professionals:
- Producer Masterclass (“Producing Without Borders”): Aaron Barnett (Mutiny, The Silent Hour) and Leif Bristow discuss navigating international co-productions and maximising cross-territory bilateral treaties.
- Acting Masterclass (“Inside the Craft”): Famke Janssen (GoldenEye, X-Men) joins John Ross (Vanity Fair) to examine the mechanics of screen performance and the architecture of a thirty-year career spanning acting, writing, and directing.
- Director Masterclass (“Directing Action for a Global Audience”): Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger) breaks down the demanding craft of directing large-scale action cinema for international audiences, moderated by Steven Weintraub (Collider.com).
- Lifetime Achievement Masterclass: Andy Harries OBE (Left Bank Pictures; The Crown) discusses building one of British television’s most distinctive independent production companies, moderated by Adrian Wootton OBE (Film London & British Film Commission).
A series of curated Industry Panels will run concurrently, “focusing on the intersection of creativity, business, and sector innovation”.
Introducing the Esteemed 2026 Jury
The festival’s expanded competition strands – including the newly introduced Big Screen Competition chaired by Joaquim De Almeida – will be evaluated by a “world-class, distinguished jury of accomplished global creatives”.
“Their expert eyes will determine the recipients of the coveted Golden Bee Awards at the closing Gala on 2 June.”
- The Big Screen Competition Jury:
- Joaquim De Almeida
- Col Needham
- Gina Marsh
- James Nunn
- Mike Goodridge
- Marcelle Genovese
- The Mediterranean Competition Jury:
- Andy Tennant
- Marek Pugh
- Theo Park
“In our 2026 edition, we are expanding the festival’s programme and strengthening its role as a meeting point for talent, ideas, and opportunity,” said Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech.
“’Beyond Together’ reflects exactly where we are building partnerships, attracting global productions, and positioning Malta as a real global player on the world stage. The Mediterrane Film Festival offers a unique blend of breathtaking natural beauty, a skilled workforce, and deep cinematic history, making it the perfect home for the global filmmaking community.”
More information is available on the MFF website.
