For 100 years and in the spirit of creativity, Malta has welcomed film producers and directors attracted by the island’s clear blue skies, comfortable sunny weather and crystal blue seas. From the earliest silent films to blockbuster historic epics, Malta has provided striking backdrops and production facilities for one hundred years. It all began with the British Admiralty when ‘Sons of the Sea’ was first filmed on Maltese shores. Since then, film makers travelled to Malta for the unique scenery this small Mediterranean island provides and enhancing stories of Science Fiction to historic nautical adventures. With the establishment of the Malta Film Studios in 1964, the island became more than just scenery with the addition of their renowned water tanks enabling one-of-a-kind productions suitable for large-scale special effects and outstanding underwater scenes. The industry’s big break came with the production of the Bedford Incident, which was the first film to utilise the facility’s shallow water tanks. Later, the film Raise the Titanic required even more precise special effects and larger stage which was purpose-built to accommodate vast marine sets and ambitious water scenes. Exceptional world-class productions such as these motion pictures have put Malta on the world map as a destination for large-scale spectacle and precision production. As demand for Malta’s film facilities expanded, so was their ability to offer a more extraordinary range of locations and production techniques. One particular location in Malta is the 350 year old Fort Ricasoli, built in 1670 to deter and withstand sieges. Throughout its history, it played a crucial role in the defense of Malta, notably during the French invasion of 1798 and the relentless bombings of World War II. The fort acted as a gatekeeper to Grand Harbour, ensuring the security of the Maltese archipelago. After the war, Fort Ricasoli’s military role diminished but finding new life as a film set for international blockbusters has also made it possible to restore much of the structure for new purpose. Its rugged landscape and historic structures have been featured in films such as ‘The Gladiator’ and ‘Troy’ This location was due mostly in part to its authentic historical backdrop which went further to showcase Malta’s cinematic allure on the global stage. Today Fort Ricasoli is admired from various vantage points around Grand Harbour and is visited by many tourists.
In recent years, Malta’s film industry has been transformed and what was once seasonal in terms of production has now become year-round driven be excellence and cinematic ambition. Today, Malta is truly a global force in the world of film and television production, ready to serve more countries as a world-class destination of production and exceptional setting.
The gold and silver proof quality coins are produced by the Royal Dutch Mint at their facilities in Houten, Netherlands on behalf of the Central Bank of Malta. Designed by the Malta Film Commission, the obverse side features a centred image of the iconic entrance of Fort Ricasoli – Europe’s largest film backlot which honours Malta’s role as a world-class film destination. The image of the Fort’s entrance is surrounded with stylised golden sunrays and flowing waves evoking the island’s light and the famous water tanks of the Malta Film Studios, all framed by a timeless film strip. Above the primary design is the text 100 SENA FILMS F’MALTA and the commemorative years 1925 and 2025 placed below and along the lower rim. The reverse of the coin is designed by artisan engraver Noel Galea Bason and features the coat of arms of Malta centred along with the text MALTA and the year of issue 2025. The crest is partially surrounded with twelve stars representing the European Union with the coin’s denomination of 50 EURO (gold) or 10 EURO (silver) placed below the primary design along the rim.
Denomination Metal Weight Diameter Quality Maximum Mintage 10 Euro.999 Silver 31.1 g. 38.6 mm. Proof501 50 Euro.916 Gold6.5 g.21 mm.Proof175
Available from the 24th October, each gold and silver coin is encapsulated and presented in a custom case branded with the Malta Coin Centre logo and accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information please visit the e-webshop of the Malta Coin Centre.