Raiders of the Lost Ark is a 1981 action/adventure film written and directed by George Lucas and distributed by Paramount Pictures. It is considered chapter twenty-four in “The Complete Adventures of Indiana Jones” and is the first Indiana Jones film ever released. The film was renamed “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” for its video release packaging in 1999 to be consistent with the following titles in the franchise. However, the original title is preserved onscreen in the film. The Raiders are commonly referred to as just Raiders by supporters.
The film is set in the early twentieth century and tells the story of an archaeologist named Indiana Jones who is hired by the US government to find the mysterious and supernatural Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the hands of Adolf Hitler and his Nazi supporters who want to use the Biblical artifact’s power to gain world dominance.
It’s been more than 40 years since Indiana Jones started his adventures. Many people are fans of this movie series. Even the Gen Z guys (which I am) are loving this series, that too in an age of highly CGI superhero movies. The greater the fan you are, the more you are interested in knowing different aspects of this movie. I’m sure you also want to be chased by that giant boulder. You know what, you can. Now, let’s see where Raiders Of The Lost Arc is filmed?
Where Is Raiders Of The Lost Arc Filmed?
Many scenes were shot on set at Elstree Studios in England for the 1981 film. On-location shooting, on the other hand, took place in Hawaii, Tunisia, England, and France, to mention a few. Unfortunately, the movie’s most iconic sequence, in which Indiana Jones is pursued by a boulder, was filmed on a set in Elstree. However, many more memorable moments were shot in sites that are still open to the public today. Take a peek at the filming locations for the Raiders of the lost arc.
Amazon Jungle, Peru (Kauai, Hawaii, USA)
After escaping the temple, Indiana Jones finds himself on the run from the Hovitos tribe. While this scene was supposed to be shot in Peru’s Amazon jungle, it was actually shot on Kauai’s Kipu Ranch.
This place may also be familiar to you from the Gallimimus flocking scene in the first Jurassic Park film (1993). Kipu is a working cattle ranch, although excursions to the filming areas are available through Kipu Ranch Adventures.
The Huleia Stream, located east of Kipu Ranch, was utilized to represent the Amazon River, as Indy flees the tribe by seaplane. There haven’t been many alterations here; a rope swing remains in situ so that visitors can reenact the scene.
Marshall College (University Of The Pacific, Stockton, California)
The University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, serves as the facade of Marshall College, where Indy teaches. Apart from a new entrance, not much has changed over the decades.
Marshall College Interior (Rickmansworth Masonic School, England)
Marshall College’s inside classroom scene is filmed at Rickmansworth Masonic School in England.
Elstree Studios, where much of the filming took place, is just down the road from the school. The ‘Love You’ scene was filmed in Classroom 21, which is still visited by Indiana Jones enthusiasts today.
Also Read: Where Is Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade Filmed? Location and Cast
Indy House
Indiana Jones’ home appears to have remained relatively unchanged. The address is 38 Alder Avenue in San Anselmo, California.
Cairo, Egypt (Kairoujan, Tunisia)
Cairo was modeled after the town of Kairouan in Tunisia. Over the last few decades, the town has remained mostly unchanged.
The only noticeable difference is a few coats of paint. Even the plate shop is still in operation after three decades.
Despite a few improvements, the square in which the car flips over is still extremely recognizable today. In the thirty years following the filming, the Marhala Bar has altered quite a bit. With a new entrance and steps, the front is now a shop. The building has been divided into several smaller flats.
Tansi Dig Site, Egypt (Tozeur, Tunisia)
Indy finds the Ark in the Tanis dig site, which was filmed near Tozeur, Tunisia. Without the props and actors, much of this area still appears the same. The road is no longer there, but the short fence along the left side of where it used to be can still be seen.
Nazi Submarine Hideout (La Rochelle, France)
After capturing the Ark, the Nazis transport it to an island “north of Crete.” La Rochelle, in the west of France, is the setting. The port has been around since the 10th century, and it was even utilized as a Nazi submarine station during WWII.
Washington DC (Rickmansworth Masonic School, England)
Rickmansworth Masonic School in England is used for the government office scenario, which takes place in Washington DC.
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