Stephen Poliakoff adapts Peter Portelli’s historical novel The Order in Malta

On location in Malta (L-R) Helen Flint, Johann Grech, Stephen Poliakoff and Peter Portelli

Darrin Zammit Lupi

British writer-director Stephen Poliakoff is adapting Maltese author Peter Portelli’s novel The Order, set in 16th Century Malta.

Produced by London-based Little Island Productions and Hopefield, The Order is being adapted into an eight-part political thriller set and filmed on the island. The plot centres on the months leading up to and during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.

Bafta- and Emmy-winning Poliakoff’s writing and directing career spans TV, film and theatre. Peter Portelli and Nick Portelli are exec producing with Little Island’s founder and CEO Helen Flint and Hopefield’s head of film and TV Neil Chordia.

The Order is in development with production, in association with the Malta Film Commission, expected to start in 2027.

Johann Grech, Malta Film Commissioner, said: “The Order represents exactly the kind of ambitious, internationally resonant television drama that Malta is increasingly attracting and supporting. We are proud to be working with Stephen Poliakoff, Peter Portelli, Helen Flint, Neil Chordia and their teams on a project that brings together exceptional creative talent with Malta’s unique history, locations and production expertise.

“This announcement underscores our commitment to building long-term creative partnerships and further strengthening Malta’s position as a destination for premium international film and television production.”