International film productions in Malta

Filming in Malta

Malta is a Mediterranean archipelago, have year-round sunshine and a rich cultural history.  The islands offer a versatile backdrop, ancient cities, coastal vistas and historic architecture. Iconic films and television series have utilized Malta’s locations, showcasing the island’s capacity to bring different stories to life with authenticity and visual grandeur. From expansive outdoor sets to intimate urban scenes, Malta continues to be a dynamic and versatile backdrop for a wide range of cinematic storytelling.

But why Malta for big cinema?

With over 300 sunny days a year, the natural light is ideal for cinematography, reducing the need for artificial lighting and extending shoot hours. Its compact size allows quick transitions between diverse locations, saving time and production costs. Additionally the architecture, the cities and the wonderful coastline can double for countless global settings, from ancient empires to modern cities.

The Maltese film industry is supported by skilled, multilingual crews and a film-friendly government offering attractive cash rebates and logistical support through the Malta Film Commission. Major productions benefit from world-class infrastructure, including Malta Film Studios and its renowned water tanks.

Whether you’re producing a feature film, series, or commercial, Malta delivers on scenery, support, and professionalism-making it a true hub for international film production.

What films?

Troy, World War Z, Game of Thrones, Jurassic World Dominio, Assassins Creed, Gladiator

Can I visit the film locations in Malta?

Many of the most iconic filming locations are historical sites and public spaces that are open to the public. You can walk through the streets of Valletta and Mdina, explore Fort Ricasoli, or take a boat trip to Comino’s Blue Lagoon. Popeye Village is a must-see for film buffs and families alike, as it has been turned into a fully-fledged tourist attraction. Numerous tour companies also offer specialized film-themed tours.

Can Malta double for other locations on screen?

Absolutely. Malta has convincingly portrayed ancient Rome, Greece, Jerusalem, and even fantasy settings. Its adaptable look and feel make it a flexible option for various geographic and historical settings.

How do the famous water tanks at the Malta Film Studios work?

The Malta Film Studios in Kalkara are renowned for their unique water tanks, which are among the largest in the world. They were specifically designed to facilitate the filming of open-sea scenes in a controlled environment. The key feature is a tank that creates an artificial horizon, allowing filmmakers to simulate vast ocean scenes without the unpredictability of the real sea. The studios can also generate special effects like storms and waves.

Are there professional film crews available in Malta?

Yes. Malta has a growing base of experienced film professionals, including crew members, technicians, and support staff who have worked on major international productions.

Does Malta offer any incentives for filmmakers?

Yes, the Maltese government provides significant financial incentives to attract international productions. The primary incentive is the “Screen Malta” cash rebate, which can offer a reimbursement of up to 40% of eligible production expenditures incurred in Malta. This includes costs for local crew, equipment, accommodation, and location fees. Productions can also receive an advance on the rebate once filming begins.

Game of Thrones

Malta rose to fame among Game of Thrones fans after hosting the wedding of Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen in Season 1. Filmed on Gozo with the Azure Window as a stunning backdrop, the scene made Dwejra Bay iconic — even though the natural arch has since collapsed.

Walk through Mdina’s Main Gate (King’s Landing), where Ned Stark and Jaime Lannister fought, and visit St. Dominic’s Priory in Rabat, where Ned confronted Cersei. Stroll through San Anton Gardens, site of the Red Keep stables, and see Fort St. Angelo and Fort Ricasoli, both used as the Red Keep’s exterior and prison. Finally, stand on Manoel Island, where Ned met his fate in the show’s most emotional moment.

Film Locations: Mdina, St. Dominic’s Priory (Rabat), San Anton Gardens, Fort St. Angelo and Fort Ricasoli and Manoel Island

Jurassic World Dominion

Malta played a key role in bringing Jurassic World Dominion to life, showcasing its stunning and diverse landscapes as the perfect backdrop for this blockbuster. Malta’s well-established film infrastructure and experienced local crews ensured smooth production on set, continuing the country’s legacy as a premier location for major Hollywood productions.

Some scenes were filmed across Malta’s dramatic coastal areas, including the scenic cliffs and beaches that perfectly suited the film’s prehistoric themes. Notably, the crew utilized Malta’s rugged shorelines and natural landscapes to create immersive outdoor environments for dinosaur encounters and intense action sequences. The combination of Malta’s unique terrain and modern filming facilities provided an ideal setting to bring the thrilling story to the big screen.

Film Locations: Valletta, Vittoriosa and the coast at Pembroke

Assassin’s Creed

Set against the backdrop of the Spanish Inquisition, the 2016 film Assassin’s Creed brings the popular video game to life. Starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard and directed by Justin Kurzel, the movie follows Callum Lynch as he explores his ancestor’s memories through a high-tech device. He unlocks the skills of a Master Assassin to combat the evil Templar society.

Many of the film’s most intense battle scenes, including exhilarating rooftop chases and brutal street fights, were filmed on location in Valletta, Malta. The producers expertly used the city’s narrow, winding streets and historic architecture to bring the 15th-century Spanish setting to life, adding a powerful sense of authenticity and visual flair to the action.

Film Locations: Valletta

Gladiator

Ridley Scott’s epic historical drama Gladiator, released in 2000, is a cinematic triumph that was partly filmed on the picturesque Mediterranean island of Malta. The film follows Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general who is betrayed by the newly crowned emperor and forced into slavery. Alongside fellow gladiators, Maximus battles his way through the Colosseum to seek vengeance and reclaim Rome’s former glory.

Malta’s breathtaking landscapes and ancient architecture offered an ideal setting for many key scenes, including the brutal battles in Germania and the spectacular arena sequences. The island’s historic forts, bastions, and timeworn streets also served as a powerful backdrop for some of the film’s most intense and emotional moments.

Film Locations: Fort Ricasoli in Kalkara, the picturesque Valletta Ditch in Saint Michael’s Bastion, Grand Harbour in Valletta

World War Z

Released in 2013 and directed by the talented Marc Forster, the film stars Brad Pitt as Gerry Lane, a former United Nations employee racing against time to save humanity from a devastating zombie pandemic. Some of the most intense scenes in the movie were filmed in the stunning and versatile city of Valletta. Valletta doubled as Jerusalem, where Gerry encounters a group of people inside the walled city, chanting and singing fervently.

The scenes set in ‘Jerusalem’ were actually filmed around Valletta, on the Mediterranean island of Malta, while ‘Atarot Airport’ is portrayed by Malta International Airport in Luqa. The bustling checkpoint through which refugees stream is Wine Wharf (Xatt L-Għassara Ta’ L-Għeneb), located on the southern side of the Valletta peninsula in the Il-Marsa district. Just to the north, the road with overhead walkways that trucks thunder down is Triq il-Vittmi Furjanizi tal-Gwerra on Pinto Wharf.

Film Locations: Valletta

Troy

Malta’s historic treasures and scenic landscapes offered the perfect backdrop for this epic film.

The streets and grand square of Troy were constructed on a ten-acre area inside the 17th-century military complex of Fort Ricasoli, located at the southern entrance to the Grand Harbour in Valletta, Malta. This site once housed the enormous Colosseum set for Ridley Scott’s Gladiator. Immerse in the otherworldly beauty of the Blue Grotto and see how Malta’s rich history and skilled locals contributed to the grandeur of Troy.

Film Locations: Fort Ricasoli and Mellieħa