Fort Ricasoli in Kalkara is slowly being transformed into ancient Egypt as preparations are in full swing for a film by Oscar-winning director Alejandro Amenábar.
Columns, decorated with hieroglyphics and topped with faces of ancient Egyptians, head covered in a blue and gold head-dress, are quickly taking shape.
A statue of what looks like an Egyptian pharaoh lies on the ground at the 17th century fort, which is buzzing with activity.
During a visit by Investments Minister Austin Gatt on set yesterday morning, details on the film were sparse. Spanish line producer José Louis Escolar said the film, with a budget of €50 million (Lm21,465), had not yet been announced, and details would be given during an official launch at a later date.
He said the film did not even have a name yet, and currently has the working title of 'MOT', although designs in the fort's workshops had 'Mists of Time' written on them.
Mr Escolar was also tight-lipped when asked who was starring in the film, saying only that it was being directed by Mr Amenábar, whom he described as "one of the most talented directors in Europe today".
The 35-year-old Spanish director won an Oscar for best foreign language film for the classic The Sea Inside. He also directed the 2001 film The Others, starring Nicole Kidman, and this will be his second English-language film.
According to a number of websites, a film about King Tutankhamen was expected to be filmed in Malta. But the film about the young Egyptian pharaoh is directed by someone else.
Yet, the props being readied for the Malta film clearly indicate an Egyptian influence. And, with a smile, Mr Escolar - who has worked on a number of renowned films, including Kingdom of Heaven, said the set was environmentally friendly since wood and plaster were being used for the props.
Parts of the fort are also being incorporated in the film, with a primitive church being constructed in part of it.
Apart from Fort Ricasoli, filming will also take place on location in Mdina, Valletta and Marsaxlokk.
The film, which is estimated to require 76 shooting days, is expected to inject at least €21 million (Lm9 million) into the economy. Almost 400 Maltese people have already been employed, the majority of them plasterers and carpenters, and by the end of shooting some 700 locals would have been employed with the production crew.
This is the first film to be shot in Malta following new incentives introduced by the Government for the film industry last December.