Continuity mistake: Near the end of the film much is made of Alec Guinness' self sacrifice in breaking radio silence to report the position of a German-Italian convoy. By: Malta Film Tours. It's not surprising, then, to learn that the movies, Christopher Columbus, Orca, The Killer Whale and Marco Polo were filmed here. In this post, we are going to be looking at some of our favourite (8 to be exact) movies shot in Malta. While making those mental notes, Malta would have probably been far from your mind for places to visit. In due course he is shot down by German fighters, only the convoy had already sighted him and were shooting at him, so his breaking radio silence surely wasn't going to make his position any worse. Where Can You Travel During the Pandemic? But it shouldn’t have been. While you’re there, you can make your way to the other side of Dwejra, known as the inland sea. The action is best viewed from the deck of one of Captain Morgan's Cruise boats that travel up and down the creeks lining the harbour. • Malta Film Locations for TV Shows and Movies - krolltravel.com Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Tell England. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. We’ve all sat down in front of the cinema screen, or the television, gazed in awe at a particularly breath-taking scene, and made a mental note to visit that idyllic beach, quaint city or historic fort. The historical film, Troy, had several film locations in Malta, including Fort Ricasoli in Kalkara. Troy, the epic adventure war film released in 2004 is loosely based on Homer’s Iliad. Actor Errol Flynn also had an interesting, but indirect, association with films in Malta. The setting crimson sun behind the Azure Window as Khal Drogo and Daenerys hold their wedding ceremony is truly impressive, to the point that fans of the series have flocked to the sister island of Malta to use the same backdrop for their wedding photos. Malta Story. The Battles of Coronel and Falkland Islands. Fort St Elmo. A Guide to Film Locations in Malta We’ve all been there. Set in the trenches of Northern France, but filmed entirely in the UK, on the stretches of Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire – but also in Co Durham and Glasgow >>> 1917 (2020) NEW addition: 26 June 2020 A brightly-coloured, sunny Gotham City? Visitors examine a large stone temple at Hagar Qim before Heritage Malta covered the complex with a large protective tent in 2009. A particularly important location for this series was Mdina, with its gated entrance being highly visible during some of the scenes. It was very important because it could be used to interdict Axis shipping during the war. In due course he is shot down by German fighters, only the convoy had already sighted him and were shooting at him, so his breaking radio silence surely wasn't going to make his position any worse. Single Handed. For the Cyprus hotel that was bombed, the crew used one in cheerful Buġibba. Release Calendar DVD & Blu-ray Releases Top Rated Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Showtimes & Tickets In Theaters Coming Soon Coming Soon Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Lord Peter Baelish’s brothel is also a building that you can find tucked away in a corner while walking the streets of Mdina. Answer 1 of 13: Can any one recommend any locations from movies that were made here? It’s such an interesting story because it’s an island that has been invaded by many different countries.” Here are 10 references and filming locations in Malta as featured in Queen of the South. 1. For a casino, discos, restaurants and a Riviera-like atmosphere, consider fashionable St. Julian's. The noise attracts the walking corpses and they pile themselves on top of each other until they manage to jump over the wall into the crowd. With landscapes and architecture mimicking so many countries, it's not surprising that Malta also offers television locations for shows, such as the British soap opera, Coronation Street. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Short Lets Malta Blog - 6 Things you didn’t know about Valletta, Keeping Warm: 4 Maltese Liqueurs to Consider, Recipe Monday - Qarabagħli Mimli il-Forn (Baked Stuffed Marrows), Seven of the Best Breakfast Places in Malta, Recipe Monday - Torta tal-Corned Beef (Corned Beef Pie), 5 Christmas Treats You Definitely Need to Try in Malta, Christmas Recipe Monday - Imbuljuta tal-Qastan. Consider Malta's capital, Valletta, with its thick walls and bastions rising straight out of the Grand Harbour. It really detracts from the narrative the film is aiming to tell. All photos (189) Select Date and Travellers. The MFC offers specific financial incentives in the form of cash rebates to audiovisual productions shooting on location in Malta. About Malta Film Tours Join local actors on an unforgettable journey through a myriad of iconic filming locations featured in Game of Thrones, Gladiator, Troy, Captain Phillips, WWZ, Alexander, The Count of Monte Cristo, Munich, The Da Vinci Code, Assassins' Creed and many other great productions. Scenes from The Count of Monte Cristo were filmed on the streets and square beside St. Paul's Cathedral in the fortified city of Mdina, which looks as dramatic as Mont Saint-Michel and Carcassonne in France. Experts are saying that it won’t be long before the eroding window collapses. He once owned a wooden trading schooner that had previously sailed the high seas for 70 years. COVID-19 update: See the added health and safety measures this experience is taking. With its blend of a rugged coastline, ancient majestic buildings, and picturesque beaches, it has been a prime location for film makers for decades. Disguised as the south of France, Jerusalem, Athens, Rome, and a myriad of other locations, Malta has featured far more than you think in films. Mġarr ix-Xini, disguised as the south of France in the film, is truly idyllic, situated in a deep valley and has crystal-clear water. They include water scenes in U-571, Cutthroat Island and Pinocchio. Also starring Brad Pitt, it was definitely a far more successful film than By The Sea, reaching the top box office hits and was the 8th highest-grossing film of 2004. The threat of invasion by Axis forces is increasing as air raids wear down its defence. Kicking off the list with a ton of lens flare and twenty-five tons of explosive is Michael Bay’s take on the 2012 attack on a U.S. compound in Libya. What definitely cannot be criticised is their choice of filming location, putting a spotlight on one of the best beaches in Gozo. Several years after he sold it, the ship sank in Maltese waters. However, the most memorable location of all was the Azure Window in Dwejra, Gozo that featured as a backdrop to the Dothraki Wedding. Malta is a small island in the Mediterranean south of Sicily which was controlled by the British during World War II. ( Log Out /  Review of Lascaris War Rooms Reviewed September 15, 2016 Secertly hollowed out of the deep rock, the Allied forces of the Second World War directed operations. Movies in Malta include a diverse selection of local props. Change ). Inside the ramparts, Valletta could be the setting for a European film. 368 reviews. The historical film, Troy, had several film locations in Malta, including Fort Ricasoli in Kalkara. Watch 'Malta Story' film, Alec Guiness filmed 1953 in and around Lascaris War Bunker. Need an elegant opera house? Shopping for fruit and vegetables at Tarxien Market. One of the most vivid scenes of the film is when Gerry visits Jerusalem and encounters a crowd of people inside the walled city chanting and singing. Pursuit of the Graf Spee. Pre-dating Stonehenge, and the Egyptian pyramids, the Neolithic structures were built from mega-ton rocks before humans discovered the wheel and how to make metals. Three arches somewhere in the city wall. The first season of the wildly successful HBO series was shot in Malta, with locations ranging from historic buildings such as Fort St Angelo and Fort Ricasoli, to convents and private gardens. Since it is more difficult to get to than other beaches such as Ramla l-Ħamra, it is usually peaceful, with only a few locals in the area, along with some divers. The island of Malta is significant to the British supply lines to North Africa. If, on the other hand, a location scout is looking for the Middle East, Valletta also suits the bill. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Movies. Released in 2013, the film tells the true story of Captain Richard Phillips (played by … Malta's landscape, with its small terraced fields and vineyards separated by rock walls and hedges of prickly-pear cacti, is reminiscent of Greece and Sicily. Entering this maelstrom is Flight Lieutenant Peter Ross, an RAF photo-reconnaissance pilot. Colorful Mediterranean markets abound, filled with pyramids of lemons, fresh green artichokes and ripe red tomatoes. World War Z, an American action horror film directed by Marc Foster features a zombie pandemic that Gerry, a retired United Nations investigator is trying to put a stop to. Malta may be far from Los Angeles geographically, but that does not mean the island’s unique location and paradise-like setting is not appealing to the film producers and stars of Hollywood.. Measuring only 17 miles (27 kilometers) long and nine (14.5 kilometers) wide, Malta is dominated by the sea. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt made a brief trip to Malta to scout locations for an upcoming project Wenn Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to … The set for the city of Troy itself was built at Fort Ricasoli, which was built by the Knights of St John in the 17th century. If you want to watch a lot of buildings around the island getting shot up to oblivion, then there’s no better film to watch. For just 4 euros, you can take a boat ride that passes near the Azure Window, giving you a great view of the majestic formation up close. Full view. Read more. Shopping for fruit and vegetables at … Some scenes also feature Fort St Elmo in Valletta, a fort which had a crucial role in the Great Siege of 1565. Sailor of the King. Its ornate auberges, such as the Grand Master's Palace, house treasuries of art and antiques. The arches are part of the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta. Save. The Island of Malta I wouldn’t normally complain about stock footage in an older war film, but easily 50 percent of Malta Story is from the archives. The film production studios knew that one of the biggest sensations in the history of TV series needed to impress from its very first season. Die Todesstrahlen des Dr. Mabuse. In 1979, the vessel was refloated and filmed in Malta for the movie musical, Popeye, starring Robin Williams. Here are just a few of the places that you can visit to find out why the camera loves them - including natural landmarks, architectural … If you drive to Anchor Bay, on the southwest tip of the island, you will discover the Popeye film set. It is now expanded into a whimsical village of cartoon buildings in the family theme park, Sweethaven Village. Stage sets have also been constructed on Malta. Malta. Valletta is set to be European Capital of Culture in 2018, which means that there currently are various cultural events happening in the city, making it a great location to visit (or revisit). Despite its globe-trotting story, much of the production was filmed around several Malta locations. Share. Other actor sightings in Malta have included Brad Pitt, Russell Crowe and Sharon Stone. Visit Marsaxlokk. Filming Locations Numerous locations on Malta, Gozo and Comino have appeared in Film and TV productions throughout the years. Treasure in Malta. Alec Guinness stars as Peter Ross, a World War II pilot photographer, who is forced to land in Malta. As the zombies fall over the wall by the dozens, into the midst of the crowd, the panicked crowd starts running down the strangely familiar narrow streets filled with wide shallow steps. As Malta pursues its role as a European Hollywood, don't be surprised to see more of the Maltese Islands' cities, attractions and seascapes lending their atmosphere to film productions and TV scenes. The story itself is a typical romance-war plot but, it does cover a neat and obscure section of … Over the past year the island nation has reaffirmed its appeal as a useful stand-in for Middle Eastern locations. Now that the weather is cooler, it is ideal to combine the trip to the beach with a walk to Mġarr ix-Xini tower, which is the largest of the coastal watchtowers that the Knights of Malta erected on the island of Gozo. Situated on the tiny island of Comino, the long and narrow bay is ideal for a number of activities like swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving, and it is only 25 minutes away by boat from Ċirkewwa. They who dare. Malta Story (1953) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. They … Directed by Brian Desmond Hurst. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. If a director wants to film a busy port, alive with container ships, ship-building and cranes unloading cargo, he can use the Grand Harbour for movie shoots. Continuity mistake: Near the end of the film much is made of Alec Guinness' self sacrifice in breaking radio silence to report the position of a German-Italian convoy. https://www.choiceholidays.eu/blog/things-to-do/malta-movie-locations.aspx The Battle of the River Plate. The Vedette, on Senglea's fortifications is in front. Directed by: Brian Desmond Hurst Actors: Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Anthony Steel Production Company: J. Arthur Rank Organisation Then you have seen movie sets and TV locations in the Maltese Islands. And at the Caffe Cordina, customers sip cappuccino while watching life scroll by in front of their umbrella-shaded tables. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Want colorful fishing boats, nets spread out to dry and fishermen unloading baskets of seafood? Described as a romantic drama, the film featuring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie did not get rave reviews from film critics, who lambasted the film for its narrative shortcomings. The advantage to filming in Malta is that no location is usually further than a 20 minute drive. Sons of the Seas. ( Log Out /  The film focuses upon the island in 1942 as the Germans were attempting to seize it. Title: Malta Story Summary: In World War II, the island of Malta, strategically located and vital to supply lines in the Mediterranean Sea, is fiercely attacked by the Germans, but staunchly defended by the British. 'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations Tour in Malta provided by Malta Film Tours 'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations Tour in Malta. You almost expect Indiana Jones to appear in pursuit of an enemy, upsetting a stack of oranges or releasing some clucking hens from their cages, in the process. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Malta has been a notable Mediterranean production hub in the Mediterranean for several years, with a skilled crew base, a competitive filming incentive and enticing sun-blasted visuals. The Silent Enemy. While Harrison Ford has yet to make a movie here, other film celebrities have, including Roger Moore, in Shout at the Devil, Paul Newman in The Mackintosh Man and Madonna in Swept Away. Bolibar. Also visible in ms016. The Malta Film Commission is a government body set up with the aim of assisting in the production of films in Malta and promoting the islands as a filming location. The Battle of Gallipoli. Located on the east coast of Malta, at Rinella, the tanks at Mediterranean Film Studios (formerly called Malta Film Facilities) have also been used for other TV productions and feature films. It is Malta's proximity to the Mediterranean that has made it such an ideal movie setting. Let’s take a trip down memory lane, and relive some film scenes and their locations. Marsaxlokk buildings, harbor and fishing boats. Today, the ship is permanently docked in Ta' Xbiex, where you can dine in its beautifully preserved hold at a restaurant called the Black Pearl. Unused barracks in Fort St. Elmo, guarding the tip of Valletta, certainly convinced viewers of Midnight Express that the movie was set in Turkey. COPYRIGHT ©2005-2020 Barb & Ron Kroll. Menu. Scenes from the latter movie were actually filmed in a huge water tank bordering the sea, which allowed the director to control wave action, while using the real Mediterranean as a backdrop. For even older film settings, Malta's ancient temples suit the bill. The entire island of Malta is a motion picture studio, studded with diverse locations for film productions and television shows. Looking for a medieval fortress-city? If you also want to frame the perfect wedding picture best be swift about it. £61.67. We’ve all been there. Sliema’s promenade masqueraded as coastal Tel Aviv. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Built in 1731, Manoel Theatre in Valletta is a cultural and architectural gem. Malta Story (1953) starring Alec Guinnes, Jack Hawkins and Muriel Pavlow is based on life in Malta during WW2, the island and its people and the RAF aviators who defended it with their lives. Game of Thrones (2011 – 2019) Filming Game of Thrones in Malta contributed to the series’ worldwide popularity and unanimous appraisal. Aerial view of Fort St. Elmo (left), Grand Harbour and Three Cities. Location permits are required for filming on all government property, which include approvals from the local councils - especially for exterior filming - and permits from any concerned government departments. Lying just south of Italy and North of Africa, Malta is vital to the Axis powers as well. However, some of the most memorable scenes were shot in one of the top tourist spots in Malta : The Blue Lagoon. Malta Film Commission is the first point of contact for filming on location in the country. ( Log Out /  Here are the most famous movies and TV series filmed in Malta! The couple's film is hardly the first film to be filmed in Malta — in fact, Malta probably has more credits than the Jolie-Pitts combined. These impressions are especially strong when viewed from the Vedette (il-gardjola), a lookout tower attached to the fortifications of Senglea (L-Isla) in one of the Three Cities, on the opposite side of the Grand Harbour. Cash rebates to audiovisual productions shooting on location in Malta, Gozo and Comino have appeared in film TV! But none other than Malta ’ s very own capital city, Valletta also suits bill... Malta film Commission is the first point of contact for filming on location in Malta it won ’ be... 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