The Republic of Malta, a small but powerful island nation, has established itself as a desirable worldwide location for major motion picture productions during the past century. Films like Steven Spielberg’s Munich, Robert Altaman’s Popeye, and Ridley Scott’s Gladiator have all shot there. The much-anticipated sequel to Scott’s 2000 Roman epic has just ended production, and the nation is getting ready for the filming of the newest “Jurassic World” movie.
Director Joshua Cassar Gaspar, co-founder of Valletta Pictures, a Maltese service provider, told Variety that demands to film on the island have “come in like crazy” since the U.S. strikes in 2023. “This is a really busy period. For us, the next two years will be crucial.
Gaspar went on, “The strikes had no effect on us because independent productions continued, and many of us in Malta service TV shows, which were also unaffected.” Similar sentiments are expressed by other Malta-based producers and service providers, who emphasise their advantage over some of their European competitors, such as the U.K., in not being as dependent on Hollywood.
Film producer and Latina Pictures founder Winston Azzopardi remarked, “Most of our crew went on to work on other independent productions when productions had to shut down because of the strikes.” Azzopardi, who most recently contributed to films like “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” and “Napoleon,” starring Ridley Scott, highlighted how the nation has profited from a significant 40% tax rebate that was implemented in the early months of 2023.
Without a doubt, the 40% is the primary draw. Before they even start thinking creatively or considering if the locations will work for their movie, some individuals decide on Malta for the rebate, he continued. While the increased interest in filming in Malta is positive, it also presents a number of new challenges, including rising costs and a staff scarcity. “Much like Venice’s tourism industry, Malta’s film industry is bringing new challenges.”
Although Malta’s crews have increased in size over the past five years, they are still relatively rare when compared to their European neighbours. According to Azzopardi, it is more difficult for Malta to draw in young people to the film industry because of the nation’s low unemployment rates and irregular work schedules.
“While it takes years, I do applaud the efforts made by the Film Commission to increase interest in the industry.” Although it takes time to develop an industry, we do accept trainees. People are difficult to persuade to pursue filmmaking when they can earn the same money working a 9 to 5 job and returning home in the evening to spend with their families.
Even for big works, Gaspar claims he never had any trouble hiring workers. He believes that the primary problem is a lack of infrastructure big enough to handle Hollywood productions. Malta has a long history in cinema. The infrastructure and marketing were lacking. It felt like a step back in time when entering our water tanks. Presenting your work is everything. You need to have something to show if you want to attract major producers to Malta.
Oliver Mallia, the founder of the audiovisual business Pellikola, is approaching the matter differently than many local service providers and production companies who devote all of their attention to catering for foreign shootings. His business recently wrapped up production on a new local movie directed by Alex Camilleri, whose critically acclaimed Sundance Film Festival debut in 2021 was called “Luzzu.”
According to Mallia, “there is a lot of emphasis on using Malta as a location for international productions.” “Yet the nation is full of its own stories, and when we collaborate with individuals like Alex and other up-and-coming filmmakers who wish to tell regional tales on screen, we are hoping to fill this gap.”
Mallia also places a high priority on co-productions in an effort to draw in the know-how of European nations with more developed film industries by utilising Malta’s substantial tax rebate. Pellikola participated in the Swedish coproduction “Shame on Dry Land,” which had its Toronto International Film Festival debut last year.
“With our cash rebates, I was able to raise funds and obtain a significant portion of the film.” This is where it was all filmed. We’re working really hard to portray Malta on film not just as a setting but also as a distinct location with its own unique traits and culture. People should be aware of Malta outside of “Gladiator” sets.
Leaders in the Maltese film industry are appreciative of the demand and optimistic about the near future, despite the challenges posed by the small size of the nation. When asked what they would like to see happen in the next five years, Mallia expressed his desire to see more young Maltese people drawn to narrating their lives on screen, while Gaspar quickly pointed out the necessity for more cutting-edge soundstages. “I think our future is hopeful as long as the rebate is there,” declared Azzopardi in a definitive manner.
