Plizio Visual Lab

Rinella Film Studios

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

Rinella Film Studios in Kalkara, officially known as Mediterranean Film Studios, is a world-renowned facility specializing in maritime cinematography. Since its establishment in 1964, the studio has focused on complex water-based special effects, boasting two of the largest water tanks in the world for film production. These specialized tanks allow filmmakers to simulate the open ocean within a highly controlled and safe environment. Major blockbuster films including 'Gladiator', 'Troy', and 'U-571' have utilized these facilities, earning Malta a reputation as a 'Mini-Hollywood' in the Mediterranean. The studios significantly boost the local economy by providing diverse employment opportunities for craftsmen, extras, and technical crews. Its strategic coastal location and consistent sunlight make Rinella a premier choice for large-scale international production houses seeking high-quality SFX infrastructure.

Location: Malta
Top sights: Villa Bighi · Esplora · Rinella Bay
Nearby: St. Julian's (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	15	14	15	16	19	23	26	27	25	23	20	16
Rain mm	74	65	51	33	17	11	4	10	63	82	95	82

📋 Practical info

🏭

What is this place?

The Rinella Film Studios are a well-known film studio in Malta featuring special water tanks for underwater filming. They have served as a location for numerous international productions and play a key role in Malta's booming film industry.

🚪

Visiting

The studio is generally not open to the public as it is actively used for film productions. Occasionally open days or guided tours are organized, especially when no filming is taking place.

👀

Where to view it

The best public viewpoint is the coastal road along Rinella Creek, from where the studio halls and distinctive water tanks are visible. The nearby hills of Kalkara also offer a good view of the premises.

🧺

Local products

In the area, local markets offer Maltese specialties such as Fenek (rabbit), Ġbejniet (fresh cheese), and Pastizzi. Olive oil and wine from the Maltese islands are also typical regional products.

📆

Active season

The studios are active year-round, with increased filming activity in spring and autumn when the weather is most stable. Summer months often bring blockbuster productions that fully utilize the facility.

➕

Nearby

Combine the visit with the historic city of Vittoriosa (Birgu), featuring Fort St. Angelo and the Maltese Maritime Museum. The nearby capital Valletta provides a wealth of cultural attractions and restaurants.

Geography

Coordinates

35.89400, 14.52400

Facts

Founded in 1964 by special effects expert Jim Hole.
Home to one of the largest water tanks in the world for film.
Used for productions such as 'Gladiator', 'Troy', and 'U-571'.
Features a deep tank and a shallow horizon tank.
Located in Kalkara, adjacent to the historic Fort Rinella.
Key driver for Malta's international film services industry.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Esplora Science Centre<1 km · SWExplore →

St. Helen's Gate2 km · SExplore →

Floriana2 km · WExplore →

Tigné Point2 km · NWExplore →

Xgħajra Promenade2 km · SEExplore →

Emmanuel Delicata Winemaker2 km · SWExplore →

Ta' Xbiex3 km · WExplore →

Tarxien3 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Rinella Film Studios (10)

Villa Bighi

A villa in Malta.

Esplora 🏛 museum

A museum in Malta.

🌐 esplora.org.mt🕒 Tu-Fr 09:30-16:00; Sa 10:30-05:00; Su 11:30-06:00

Rinella Bay

Bay in Malta.

Wreck of SS Margit

Wreck of the SS Margit in Malta.

Fort Ricasoli🏰 castle

Fort in Malta.

Il-Port il-Kbir

Natural harbour in Valletta, Malta.

Fort Saint Angelo🏛 museum

Fortification on Malta.

Ricasoli Lighthouse

Lighthouse in Malta.

Auberge de Castille et Portugal

Auberge in Birgu.

Auberge d'Auvergne et de Provence

Auberge in Birgu.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What famous movies were filmed here?

Movies like 'Gladiator', 'Troy', and 'U-571' utilized the studios and water tanks.

Are the studios open to visitors?

Only during special events or organized tours, as it is an active production site.

What are Rinella Studios especially famous for?

For their massive water tanks located right by the sea, used for filming sea battles.

Where are the studios located?

They are located in Kalkara, near Fort Rinella.

Can you see the sets?

Partially, sets can be seen from the outside when walking along the coast.

Rinella Film Studios: where is it located?

Rinella Film Studios is located in Malta.

Rinella Film Studios: what is there to see?

Highlights include Villa Bighi, Esplora, Rinella Bay.

Rinella Film Studios: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.

Rinella Film Studios: why is it worth visiting?

Rinella Film Studios in Kalkara, officially known as Mediterranean Film Studios, is a world-renowned facility specializing in maritime cinematography.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe

More places in Malta →