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What a shot! 5 stunning locations featured in the Maltese short film ‘We Three Kings’
Searching for new places to explore? Let film-worthy inspiration guide you!

Francesca Vella

Today marks the feast of the Epiphany, the feast of the Three Kings, and often known as the unofficial day on which one should, often with a heavy heart, remove their Christmas decorations. The spirit lives on, however, in a short film written and directed by local filmmaker Bruce Micallef Eynaud, titled ‘We Three Kings’ that premiered recently at Spazju Kreattiv Cinema in Valletta.

At the premiere, Bruce shared that he got the idea for this film about two decades ago, inspired by his first experience of ‘Lord of the Rings’ on the big screen, followed by Christmas midnight mass – a combination that kept living rent-free in his head until he decided to bring it to the screen. The result is 30 minutes of adventure-filled laughs, offering a fresh, humorous take on the timeless figures of the Three Kings.

Shot by the talented cinematographer Clive Brincat, the film features some gorgeous scenes across Malta, allowing even long-time residents to rediscover familiar views and locations through a cinematic lens.

Here are the locations across Malta featured in ‘We Three Kings’:

1. Palazzo Abela in Tarxien

This little-known palazzo in Tarxien, now operating as a private event venue, provided a fantastic backdrop as a dungeon and a palace belonging to King Herod. No surprise, considering it was built all the way back in the 16th century! Much like the Maltese Islands, the palazzo has a colourful history, having been taken over by the Turks during the Great Siege of 1565, occupied by Bishop Leonardo Abela till the 18th century, and undergone several restorative renovations through the centuries.

2. Chapel of the Penitent Magdalene and Shelters in Rabat

Undoubtedly one of the most exciting parts of the film (although we won’t reveal which part!) takes place inside the Chapel of the Penitent Magdalene in Rabat and its adjacent shelters, which made for the perfect burial chamber in the film. This chapel, sitting close to St Paul’s Basilica in the heart of Rabat, can be easily missed given its small area aboveground, but underground lies a maze of crypts that date back to Malta’s early Christian period, just a few centuries AD.

3. Wied Babu in Zurrieq

Anyone who’s ever hiked in Wied Babu can definitely attest to its filmic potential, with its pathways through untamed trees and bushes, and stunning sea views peeking out of one of Malta’s lushest valleys.

4. Cliffs near Ghar Lapsi in Qrendi & the Victoria Lines in Mgarr

The actors portraying the Three Kings (and all of the film crew) certainly seem to have gotten their daily steps in during filming, as their journey took them across some of Malta’s most picturesque spots, like Ghar Lapsi and the Victoria Lines that cross Malta. One particular shot in the film showcases the Lines in all their glory, making them seem like Malta’s own ‘Great Wall of China’.

5. Villa in Siggiewi

Although this is technically a place that the public cannot visit, its incredible aesthetic acting as a lively ‘bordello’ in the film, complete with a beautiful internal courtyard typical of local houses of character, still deserves a shout out – but you’ll need to go watch the film to see what we’re talking about!

If you missed the premiere and are itching to see more, stay tuned for more ‘We Three Kings’ screening dates, coming up soon!

Which of these places have you visited?

6th January 2025


Francesca Vella
Written by
Francesca Vella
Francesca has always felt most at home in a cinema or theatre, particularly if musicals are involved. She loves to read, write, and share about her experiences of both the fictional and the real world.

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