Film Productions Enhance Malta's Appeal as a Top MICE and Wedding Destination

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | June 14, 2017 | News

Malta Blue Marble Destination Services Thugs of Hindostan

Intensive advertising campaigns across the various film markets have ensured that Malta has gained a place on the international film production scene. Having strengthened Malta’s visibility in the US, Canada, Europe and Russia, the Malta Film Commission is now aiming to secure new important but challenging markets. It is for this reason that following 2016’s drive in China, in 2017, the Film Commission is now targeting India.

With big-budget film ‘Thugs of Hindostan’ being shot in Malta at the moment, the destination is set to grow in popularity in India as a MICE and Weddings destination. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Sheikh, the film will be packed with complex action sequences shot at various locations in Malta.

Talking about how films that are shot in a destination can enhance the appeal of the place, Jaideep Venugopal, Director, Blue Marble Destinations remarked, “Bollywood films have in the past catapulted destinations in terms of destination awareness and aspirations for the Indian MICE and Wedding Clients. ‘Thugs of Hindostan’ will be a game changer for Malta and BlueMarble Destination Services. With the biggest Bollywood Stars featured in the film, the destination cannot go unnoticed. BMDS has already established itself as a strong DMC focused on the Indian MICE and Destination Wedding Market in Malta. Top Indian Wedding planners such as WDC & MEW have already been to Malta and have already brought Social Events to Malta. The traction will grow exponentially.”

Mainstream international film productions that have been shot  in Malta include The Count of Monte Cristo (2002), The Whale (2013), Munich (2005), By the Sea (2014), Gladiator (2000), Agora (2009), 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016), Assassin’s Creed (2016), among others. Tamil film Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (2010) was also shot here.

Engelbert Grech, Malta Film Commissioner remarked, “It's not the first time that Malta has hosted the filming of an Indian production, but we're very proud to acknowledge that Yash Raj Films chose Malta for parts of its latest production Thugs of Hindostan starring Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. We believe that Malta has much to offer to Indian filmmakers and augur that this prestigous and prominent production will only serve to bring Malta and India closer."

India has a very strong film industry and gaining a foothold in this market would provide the Malta Film Commission with access to one of the largest Film Industry in the world. The Malta Film Commission’s efforts in India are also being supported by the High Commission in New Delhi, particularly High Commissioner Stephen Borg who was instrumental to secure a number of meetings with high calibre production companies.

Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said that the recent marketing initiatives of the Malta Film Commission are delivering tangible results. Malta could benefit hugely when it features in Indian productions not only due to the investment in the local film infrastructure but also in promoting Malta’s beautiful locations as touristic destinations.