PRESS RELEASE BY THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR YOUTH, RESEARCH AND INNOVATION Launch of the 9th Edition of the Malta Youth Film Festival and the 5th Edition of the Jumpstart Film Festival – A national platform that continues to give voice to youth cr

Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, in collaboration with the Malta Film Foundation and the VET & STEM Programmes Directorate within the Ministry for Education, has officially launched the 9th edition of the Malta Youth Film Festival (MYFF) and the 5th edition of the Jumpstart Film Festival. These two festivals have become essential pillars in Malta's youth cultural calendar, continuously creating a space where creativity, vision and identity of a new generation can develop and be expressed with courage and artistic thought.

During his address, Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti emphasised the importance of continued investment in young people's art and storytelling as part of Malta's long-term vision for Malta 2050. He highlighted that film is not only an artistic product, but a medium through which young people can say: 'I have something to tell, and I want you to listen.' He stated, “These festivals are giving our country a new level of confidence in the capabilities of our youth. When we place a camera in their hands and give them a platform, we are not only producing films, we are shaping the next generation of thinkers, narrators and creatives. Malta Vision 2050 also means a Malta that listens to and supports the voice of its youth."

The MYFF, which is currently open for submissions at youth.gov.mt, offers young people aged 16–30 the opportunity to express their cinematographic talent individually or in groups, with films of up to 10 minutes in length and a €600 prize for Best Film. Submissions close on 4 May 2026. The Jumpstart Film Festival, aimed at secondary students (Years 9–11), encourages young people to develop creative and technical filmmaking skills, with submissions open until 3 December 2025, and a Showcase Event on 25 March 2026, where trophies and €300 worth of equipment will be awarded to the winning school, while the Best Film will be screened during MYFF 2026. Both platforms have acted as catalysts for numerous creative careers, with many previous participants furthering their studies, work or production ventures within the film industry.

Joyce Grech from the Malta Film Foundation praised the crucial role of these creative spaces in developing new talent. She stated that “the MYFF and Jumpstart didn't exist ten years ago — today they stand as proof of how much talent and vision Maltese youth possess. We are proud to see young people grow in this sector and proud to be part of the step that leads them into a creative career."

Jumpstart alumni Enrique Camilleri reflected on how the festival opened the door to filmmaking for him for the first time. “Jumpstart gave me the courage to believe I was capable. From an idea in a classroom to my first short film, the festival gave me that push. Without it, I might never have asked myself whether I could be a storyteller or director."

Malta Youth Film Festival alum Daniel Mallia highlighted the personal and professional value the experience gave him. “The MYFF was my starting point. I learned to work as part of a team, to think with vision, and to tell stories that move people. This platform does not only offer awards, it gives life to dreamers."

The Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Research and Innovation remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower and elevate the talent of young Maltese creatives. These festivals are not isolated events but rather a part of a continuous process of building a creative, competitive and vibrant future.