A new film shot in Malta called Romancing the Cure is set to be released in 2021.
Romancing the Cure is described by its production team as a family faith film with action, adventure and romance elements.
The film is lensed by Hollywood director Matt Shapira (Lionsgate - A Swing of Things & Finding Love in Quarantine) and its cinematographer is Eitan Almagor.
The production team, speaking with The Malta Independent, said that the movie is the journey of Colton Riggs, played by David A.R. White (Beckman & God's Not Dead), a former detective who retires to Malta. He begins a business of tours on his Luzzu boat based out of Marsaxlokk. Riggs accidentally stumbles upon a secret formula, a panacea that will cure the world of disease, thus becoming its reluctant guardian. Riggs, however, encounters evil forces that want to take it for themselves.
Director Matt Shapira & David A.R. White (Colton Riggs)
Aside from David A.R. White, the ensemble cast also includes Golden Globe nominee Steven Bauer (Scarface, Traffic, & Queen of the South) Jeff Fahey (LOST, Silverado) International actress' Lauriane GIlleron (Stand up Guys) Nataly Rapti Gomez (Romeo & Juliet) Emmy award winner Vincent De Paul (Tesla & House of Cards), Matthew Marsden of Helen of Troy shot on location in Malta (Rambo & Transformers) Kira Reed Lorsch (Beckman & Acts of Desperation) Andre Claude (Vikings & Game of Thrones) Alex Watson (Finding Love In Quarantine) Yasmin Canli (Bridge of Spies) John Bryant & Adam Micallef as Luigi Santini.
Steven Bauer (Claudio Fairbanks) on location at Villa Bologna.
Asked why they chose Malta as a location, the production team said that the locations in Malta are “so textured and historical. We were very happy to collaborate with actor/producer Matthew Marsden (Helen of Troy & Rambo) who showed us the unique seascapes and landscapes of Malta. We were so enthralled by its distinctive look. Moreover, the film has a great faith element so we were pleased to shoot on the location of St Paul's island. When prepping the script, we researched apostle St. Paul who was shipwrecked on his way to Rome in AD 60, an event which saw the beginning of Christianity in Malta. Furthermore, tradition has it that Publius, the Roman Governor of Malta at the time of Saint Paul's shipwreck, became the first Bishop of Malta following his conversion to Christianity.”
Approximately 75% of the crew is made up of locals, the team said and a large percentage of their budget is being spent in Malta. “A large portion of the film is being shot in Malta in Marsaxlokk, Buggiba, Valetta, Fort St. Elmo, Mellieha and Attard. Director Matt Shapira and the film’s stars have such high praises about filming in Malta that they are already in talks of a sequel to the franchise "Romancing the Cure" aka "Colton's Cure", "Love On The Rock". Furthermore, director and star David A.R. White said: "We arrived in Malta as guests and we leave feeling like family."
Chris Mc Kay, David A.R. White (Colton Riggs) Godwin & Anthony McKay in Marsaxlokk
“The production team has found filming in Malta so wonderful. Revenge Films LLC, Pureflix, & Quality Flix have collaborated with Oliver & Chris Mallia, Pelikolla Ltd. and this working relationships has proved to be seamless. The crew has surpassed all expectations. Also, Julien Guillaumier at the Malta Film Commission has been instrumental in facilitating all the needs of the US co-production.”