MALTA'S MOVIE LOCATIONS: EXCURSIONS TO FAMOUS FILMS SETS
The island of Malta has long been a popular location for filming. The diversity of its landscapes, found almost nowhere else, is of great interest to screenwriters. In this blog, we'll look at how the island of Malta can become a dynamic film set that puts the spotlight on cinema from around the world.
It could be that your favourite TV series or film was shot in Malta, and you didn't even know it!
- Game of Thrones:
Who doesn't know the famous series Game of Thrones? This mythical series was filmed in several different countries, including Malta!
Fort Manoel is Game of Thrones' Great Seven of Baelor, the temple of the Faith of the Seven. It was in front of this fortress that Ned Stark had his head cut off in front of his daughters. (s01, ep09)
Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta, was used for many scenes in Game of Thrones. Most of the scenes were shot in the streets of Mdina. One of the scenes filmed in Mdina was the fight between Ned Stark and Jamie Lannister. This scene was shot in Mdina's Mesquita Square. A very brutal scene in the Silent City! (s01, ep05)
Malta's capital, Valletta, was also the setting for the series Game of Thrones. If you've ever walked through the streets of Valletta, you're sure to have come across a film location. At first glance, it's hard to understand that some of the scenes in the series were filmed on the streets of Valletta, because of the many edits and effects that the film-makers added to the streets... But once you're there, you'll realize that you're in for a shock!
The wedding scenes between Daenerys and Khal Drogo were shot in Gozo. If you watch this scene in the series, you can see the Azur Window. In 2017, this arch collapsed due to a storm. But the filming of Game of Thrones on this location was the subject of controversy because they hadn't respected the ecosystem of this site, which is actually a protected area. This could have damaged the site, including the Azur Window. That's why the Game of Thrones directors decided to continue filming the series in Croatia. (s01, ep02)
Many other Games Of Thrones scenes were filmed in Malta. In Mtahleb, on those imposing cliffs, or in the city of Rabat near Mdina. And many more besides, but let's move on to the other series and films!
- Popeye:
As you may have guessed, Popeye Village takes its name from the 1980 film Popeye starring Robin Williams. Popeye Village is located in Anchor Bay, north of Malta. The village was created especially for the film. Although most of the scenes were shot in this village, others were filmed in Comino. It has been restored since 1980. Today you can visit the village as an amusement park for all ages. There's something for everyone, with shows, slides, characters, and traditional houses from the film. To get in, however, you'll have to pay 24€ for adults and 16€ for children (high season rates). Alternatively, you can always take photos from the heights of this magnificent village.
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- By the sea:
By the sea, this romantic and dramatic film starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Joli released in 2015, was shot in Malta, more precisely in Gozo. You can see the Mgarr Ix-Xini gorge and the Ta Cenc hotel, where some of the scenes were shot. If you've never seen it, I recommend you do!
- Troy:
Troy, a classic film once again starring Brad Pitt, was filmed in Malta. In this 2004 film, Fort Ricasoli in Kalkara was used to represent part of the city of Troy. Other scenes were shot in Comino and Tuffieha Bay. You could say Brad Pitt loves shooting in Malta!
- Gladiator:
Gladiator, an epic film starring Russell Crowe as Maximus. Some scenes were shot in Vittoriosa (one of the Three Cities), more specifically at Fort Ricasoli. Other scenes were shot at the St Michael Bastion. If you ever watch this film again, try to find out which scenes were shot in Malta. Mind you, it's not easy - some locations were altered during filming to suit the era of the movie!
- The Count of Monte Cristo:
The Count of Monte Cristo, a film directed by Kevin Reynold that plays on adventure and romance, was shot at several locations in Malta. Many scenes were shot in the streets of Valletta, Birgu and Mdina. The Comino Tower and Gozo's Azur Window were also involved in the filming of this 2002 movie. Unfortunately, as you may have read above, the Azur Window no longer exists following its collapse in 2017.
Malta is much more than a sunny Mediterranean tourist destination. It's a veritable paradise for filmmakers and series creators, offering a variety of natural and historical settings. From the ramparts of Valletta to the natural beauty of the Blue Grotto and the silent alleys of Mdina, Malta has become an ideal backdrop for a multitude of films and series.
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