Film Commissioner Johann Grech joined the Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, on a set visit of the production ‘The Travel Writer’, on Wednesday afternoon in Birgu.
The British film, with a running time of 90-105 minutes, began filming in Malta mid-February, and will shoot for 25 days.
‘The Travel Writer’, directed by renowned director Heide Ewing, tells the story of Sam Nicholson, a travel writer who retires to a quiet Sicilian village in 1985. However, Nicholson soon finds himself caught up in a mystery, a secret web of power, and even love.
Since Malta is standing for 1980s Sicily, the creative team behind the production has chosen several Maltese villages that offer the most Mediterranean and traditional atmosphere, including Manikata, Żebbuġ, Dingli, Rabat and Żurrieq.
As a result of the strategies implemented by the Malta Film Commission, the production is providing another opportunity Maltese crew members to work, grow and invest in a sustainable carrier within the film industry. In fact, this production is a clear example of how, through its strategy over the past eight years, the Film Commission has succeeded in transforming what was once a seasonal industry into one that runs year-round.
Film Commissioner Johann Grech and Minister Owen Bonnici meet producer Hal Sadoff (right) and script writer Mark Mills.
‘The Travel Writer’ is one of eight productions currently active in Malta. The production is working with a significant crew, the majority of whom are Maltese and Gozitan.
During the visit. Minister Bonnici stated the cash rebate programme has become an important pillar for the development of Malta’s film industry, as it continues to attract high-level productions that not only strengthen the country’s reputation as a competitive destination for international filmmaking, but also create new employment and investment opportunities for Maltese crew.
Minister Bonnici added that this success proves how cultural and economic policy with a clear vision can have a tangible impact on the country’s creative economy.
Film Commissioner Johann Grech together with Minister Owen Bonnici and actor Corey Mylchreest during a visit to the set of The Travel Writer, meeting members of the production crew.
Film Commissioner Johann Grech explained that, beyond direct investment in the economy, projects such as ‘The Travel Writer’ contribute to the upskilling of crews, the growth of the industry and greater international visibility for Malta.
He emphasised that the work to build a sustainable industry at an accelerated pace. Grech stated that the commission will remain committed to attracting international productions that bring long-term value to Malta’s film industry, while continuing to strengthen Malta’s infrastructure and local crews.
