Malta’s Streets to Star in HBO’s ‘Great Siege’ Drama
Malta’s Historic Streets to Star in HBO’s ‘Great Siege’ Drama
Imagine this: the cobbled streets of Valletta, the ancient walls of Fort St. Elmo, and the azure waters of the Grand Harbour transformed into a 16th-century film set. This isn’t a scene from a historical fantasy, but a reality unfolding in our very own backyard. HBO’s upcoming drama series, ‘The Great Siege’, is set to be filmed right here in Malta.
From Page to Screen: The Great Siege of Malta
‘The Great Siege’ will bring to life one of Malta’s most pivotal moments, the Great Siege of 1565. The 150-day siege, led by the Ottoman Empire, is etched in our collective memory, and now it’s set to captivate global audiences. The series is an adaptation of the novel ‘The Siege’ by Maltese author Steve T. Aquilina, who has expertly woven historical facts with fictional narratives.
Malta’s rich history and architectural heritage will serve as the perfect backdrop for this epic tale. The production team is currently scouting locations across the island, with Valletta, Mdina, and the Three Cities expected to feature prominently. The historic streets of these cities will echo with the sounds of cannons and the clatter of horse hooves, transporting viewers back to the 16th century.
Malta’s Growing Film Industry: A Star on the Rise
Malta’s film industry is no stranger to the limelight. With its diverse landscapes, tax incentives, and English-speaking crew, the island has become a popular filming location. Recent productions include ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘World War Z’, and ‘By the Sea’ starring Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. ‘The Great Siege’ is set to further cement Malta’s status as a premier filming destination.
But it’s not just about the big names and the big budgets. The local film industry also provides opportunities for Maltese talent. From actors and extras to crew members and support staff, ‘The Great Siege’ promises to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. It’s a win-win situation, and one that the local government is eager to capitalize on.
Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection, Clayton Bartolo, expressed his delight at the news, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome HBO to Malta. This is a fantastic opportunity for our island to showcase its rich history and cultural heritage to a global audience.”
What’s Next for ‘The Great Siege’?
Production on ‘The Great Siege’ is expected to begin later this year, with filming set to take place over several months. The series is slated for release in 2023, so we’ve got a bit of a wait ahead of us. But for now, we can enjoy the excitement of knowing that our island’s history is about to take center stage.
As for the rest of us, we can look forward to spotting familiar landmarks on our screens and perhaps even catching a glimpse of the production in action. Who knows, you might just find yourself walking through history while picking up your morning coffee at Strait Street.
