Restoration Work Resumes on Iconic Star Wars Film Set in Ong Jmel, Tunisia
Restoration work on the famous Star Wars film set has resumed at the iconic Ong Jmel site, located in the Nefta delegation, within the Tozeur governorate. The project, jointly funded by the Ministry of Tourism and the regional council, has already reached 10% completion, according to local authorities.
Project Overview
The project aims to rehabilitate the original film set, built in the 1970s to represent the fictional planet Tatooine. The interventions include restoring the structures with original materials, repairing and painting doors and windows, and fencing the site to better protect it from damage.
Budget and Funding
The total budget allocated to this operation is 132,000 dinars, with 112,000 dinars covered by the Ministry of Tourism and 20,000 dinars by the regional council.
Government Support
The Governor of Tozeur, Shaheen Zaribi, recently visited the site to assess the progress of the work. He called on the teams to accelerate the pace of the project and find sustainable solutions for the site's development, including better maintenance, cleanliness, and services for visitors.
Tourism Potential
According to the official page of the Tozeur governorate, local authorities consider this project a major tourist lever for the southwestern Tunisian region, where Saharan tourism is an essential resource. "Ong Jmel is not just a film set, it's a symbol of our tourist and cinematic heritage," said a local official. "Its restoration will strengthen Tozeur's international reputation and revive interest in desert tourism."
A Cult Film Set
The Ong Jmel site, located about 15 kilometers from Nefta, is world-renowned for hosting several cult scenes from the Star Wars saga. This set, erected in the heart of the Tunisian desert, attracts thousands of tourists, film enthusiasts, and fans from around the world every year to visit the mythical places of the planet Tatooine.
Cultural and Economic Significance
In addition to its cinematic interest, the site has become a space for cultural, sports, and tourist activities. Several events are held there regularly, contributing to the economic and cultural dynamism of the region.
Sustainable Tourism Development
The Tunisian authorities are betting on this restoration to include Ong Jmel in a strategy for sustainable tourist development, integrating heritage preservation, international promotion, and diversification of Saharan circuits. The medium-term goal is to make Ong Jmel an integrated tourist hub, combining cinema, culture, and desert adventure, while ensuring the site's preservation against erosion and natural degradation.
