Malta’s growing status as a major destination for international film and television productions has been put in the spotlight by The Guardian, which described the country as increasingly becoming a “magnet for big film shoots”.The British newspaper highlighted how the Maltese Islands have doubled for locations ranging from ancient Rome and Sicily to southern France, Greece and the Caribbean, while attracting more than 30 productions annually in each of the last three years.Major productions highlighted include Gladiator II, Jurassic World Rebirth, The Magic Faraway Tree and Jason Statham’s upcoming action film Mutiny.The Guardian also noted that Malta is increasingly getting the opportunity to play itself on screen, including in the third season of Netflix’s Enola Holmes and the upcoming The Order, which is set around the Great Siege of Malta.“For such a small European country, Malta is really punching above its weight,” British Film Commission chief executive Adrian Wootton told the newspaper.The report attributes much of Malta’s international appeal to its filming infrastructure and 40% cash rebate for qualifying productions, describing the country as a major player in the competition to attract international shoots.Film Commissioner Johann Grech told The Guardian that Malta had moved away from having a largely seasonal industry.“Now, we have an industry that is working every day, all year round,” he said, arguing that the sector is becoming an economic pillar for Malta.However, the report also highlighted criticism that the country’s success in attracting major foreign productions has not necessarily translated into equivalent opportunities for Maltese filmmakers, pointing to concerns that local cinematic talent is being neglected.What’s your favourite movie or series filmed in Malta?•