The island nation of Malta may be small, but it's a giant film set. Numerous films and TV series have been shot here, including the Swedish film ”Syndabocken,” which received seven Guldbagge Awards earlier this year!
”The Scapegoat” is a thriller about fraudsters, dodgy deals, and blackmail in the Swedish e-gaming colony on Malta, set against a backdrop of brilliant sun, blue sea, historic cities, and magnificent cliff landscapes. The film is not only set in Malta, it was also filmed there. MKalkara marina is one of several marinas featured in the film, as is the majestic Fungus Rock and Dwejra Cave. The rocky coastal landscape around the unique saltwater lagoon of Dwejra is on Malta's sister island, Gozo, and attracts many tourists thanks to diving, rock climbing, and boat trips. The Baroque capital Valletta, known for its many cultural treasures and therefore declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, also flashes by.
”The Scapegoat” has been co-produced with, among others, the production company Pellikola and the Maltese producer Oliver Mallia took to social media after the film won seven Guldbagge awards:
”This achievement is a result of the incredible tour de force accomplished by Malta's finest professionals: production designer Jon Banthorpe, sound engineer Aleksandar Bundalo, hair and make-up designer Jackie Grima, casting director Edward Said, first assistant director Beppe Abela, production coordinator Elaine Bonello, location manager Slavko Vukanovic, gaffer Oliver Agius, grip Marvin Shead, and the entire production team. Many thanks and huge congratulations to everyone involved.”
Malta is often called the Hollywood of the Mediterranean. The island has become a favourite, not least for film director Ridley Scott. He has described Malta as an architectural gem. He filmed ”Gladiator” here, and his latest film ”Napoleon”, which was released in cinemas in November, was also partly filmed here. In the film's opening scene, the frigate Etoile du Roy sails into Golden Bay, which boasts one of the west coast's finest beaches. The 17th-century fort, Fort Ricasoli, represents Toulon in the Napoleon film, and in Scott's next film, ”Gladiator 2”, the fort has been transported to Roman times and will also be joined by the Colosseum. Filming is currently underway, and the film is due to premiere this autumn.
Other films and TV series filmed here in whole or in part include ”Game of Thrones” (Season 1), ”Troy” (2004) starring Brad Pitt, and ”Captain Phillips” (2013) starring Tom Hanks. In ”Murder on the Orient Express” (2017), Valletta served as Jerusalem. In ”The Count of Monte Cristo” (2002), the city represented Marseille.
Film buffs can discover Malta's filming locations on guided tours, and there are also special ”Game of Thrones” tours. If that's not enough, you can always immerse yourself in the world of film as an extra. Thousands of extras can be needed in front of the camera when mass scenes are being filmed.
According to the press release.
