The Malta Film Commission is putting the pieces together for a fourth installment of its Mediterrane Film Festival, set to take place on the island’s capital city of Valletta from June 21-28.

It may be hard to top last year’s event — a milestone moment for Malta that celebrated the island’s 100-year history as a filmmaking hub dating back to the first production that shot there, 1925’s Sons of the Sea — but festival director Pierre Agius and curator Mark Adams have a plan in place for the program, anchored by the theme “Beyond Together.”

The film program will expand from three to five strands: Big Screen Competition featuring the best of mainstream cinema, Mediterranean Competition featuring new cinema from the Mediterranean region with a spotlight on 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 Focus for specifically local films (shorts and features) that highlight island talent.

Also on the horizon will be screenings followed by filmmaker Q&As that will take place at Valletta’s Embassy Cinema, events at two outdoor screening venues, Upper Barrakka Gardens and Fort Ricasoli Counterguard, and other custom programming, panels and masterclasses from boldfaced names. Previous speakers include filmmaker Mike Leigh, editor Yorgos Mavropsaridis, Oscar-winners Nathan Crowley and Rick Carter, filmmaker Catherine Hardwicke, casting director Margery Simkin, and blockbuster filmmakers Jon Watts and Jake Schreier.

Competition titles will be screened by a jury of creatives, tasked with selecting the winners of the Golden Bee Awards. The honors will be doled out at a gala on June 28. Russell Crowe turned up last year to accept a film legend award, underscored by his work in Gladiator, which filmed in Malta.

“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,” explained Malta Film commissioner Johann Grech, who last year played host to a variety of production insiders to promote the island’s rich 40 percent tax rebate incentive to keep 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 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.”

Added Agius: “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.”

Ticket sales for all screenings will be donated to the local Maltese cancer charity Puttinu Cares.