Access to Mgarr ix-Xini blocked for three months due to Brangelina movie

Access to the public to Mgarr ix-Xini Bay and its environs will be blocked for three months as works on the Brangelina movie are set to kick start on Monday, 18 August.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will be shooting By the Sea in Gozo, and will star together in the drama that Jolie has written and will direct for Universal Pictures.

The couple, who last appeared onscreen together in 2005's Mr. & Mrs. Smith, will produce the project.

In a joint statement issued by the Home Affairs Ministry and the Tourism Ministry, the government said the bay and its surrounding will be closed to the public between 18 August and 10 November.

“The economic impact of the movie production will be providing Gozo with a strong economic injection for both the island and its residents. The economic impact is set to generate millions,” the government said.

In an official statement, the government said Malta and Gozo are attracting the interest of international media and this is set to leave a positive mark to the islands’ tourism sector.

“International companies are investing millions in the Maltese islands which will lead to the creation of hundreds of jobs,” the government said. “But this is only possible thanks to the public’s cooperation and understanding of the need to close Mgarr ix-Xini Bay during the filming of the movie.”

The Daily Mail reported that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie booked the beach café, Rew Rew, for three months. The beach shack is situated next to their film set.

“The pair and their production crew wanted unfettered access to the pebble beach at the picturesque bay at Mgarr ix-Xini for three months while they make By The Sea,” the Daily Mail reported.

Owners Noel and Sandra Vella are reportedly being paid thousands of euros in compensation to shut up shop, it added.