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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 16 FEBRUARY 2025 4 ALMANAC My essentials MATTHEW SANT 29, profession – Media production manager Matthew Sant is someone who values respect for all, regardless of age, gender, or status. He believes in showing care through actions rather than social media, and while he's known for his humour, he doesn't take himself too seriously. With a positive outlook on life, Matthew is a dedicated workaholic, always striving to improve in his media, production, and acting career. Though he struggles with ADHD and dyslexia, often losing focus and forgetting names, he doesn't let that hold him back. Despite being easy-going, Matthew tends to overthink decisions, but when it comes to his loved ones, including his girlfriend, he's fiercely loyal and committed. 1. Article 2. Film 3. Internet/TV 4. Music 5. Place I don't really have one specific person I follow all the time. As a character, I tend to fol- low someone for a while, and then I end up needing a break. I don't want to be boxed into following just one person continuously. That said, there are some artists whose work I always admire, like Bruno Mars, Michael Bublé, Queen, and Elton John. If I had to pick a song that really inspired me, it would be I'm Still Standing by Elton John. It truly reso- nates with me, and it's a great reminder of resilience, perse- verance, and determination. For me, it's about embracing the ups and downs of life and standing strong in the face of adversity. WHILE I truly need to travel more, work com- mitments and financial constraints often make it challenging. When it comes to destinations, I'm drawn to summer beach getaways like Spain, Ita- ly, and the Greek islands. Although I don't have one absolute favourite, the Greek islands hold a special appeal for me. They offer a peaceful, less crowded atmosphere that feels incredibly relaxing, and the food is amazing. I'm also curious about traveling outside of Eu- rope, but for now, if I had to choose one destination, the Greek islands would be my pick. I don't read much. However, I did come across an article once that really stuck with me. It was about Robin Williams and how, in the world of com- edy, you can be loved by so many people, yet deep down, you might be the saddest per- son on earth – trapped in de- pression, unable to find a way out. It talked about the psy- chology of comedy and how comedians often bring joy to others while struggling with their own darkness. The ar- ticle emphasised that even in those moments when happi- ness feels impossible, light can be created. It was a powerful reminder that even the funni- est people need to take care of their own happiness, too. A few months ago, I watched a movie on Netflix called Ezra. The film tells the story of a father with an autistic son, ex- ploring some of life's most challenging realities. It follows a father – who once wrote for stand-up comedy – when he finally gets the chance to perform and express his deep-seated emotions, driv- en by his love for his son. As the story unfolds, we learn that the father himself is on the autism spectrum. He spent his childhood grappling with a strict, mili- tary-style upbringing that never allowed him to feel understood. This very strug- gle fuels his determination to give his son a better life – one of freedom and acceptance, free from judgement. EZRA is not only brilliantly cast and beautifully told, but it also offers deep insights into resilience and the human spirit. I highly recommend watching it; its lessons and emotions are bound to leave a lasting impression. I'M a big fan of Ricky Gervais – not a fanatic, just someone who really enjoys his stand-up rou- tines, his writings, and his in- terviews, as well as those of oth- er comedian artists. One thing that really struck me was when he said people should learn to accept being offended, just as passionately as they defend their rights. Nowadays, it seems that many folks cling so tightly to their own principles that they only listen to opinions that echo their own. If you scroll through Facebook comments, you'll see just how extreme that can get. What Gervais was suggesting is that if you insist on only ac- cepting views that fit your own narrow perspective, then you should be open to having your ideas challenged. Compiled by Laura Calleja suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com 4 5 1 2 3 MaltaToday is supported by Arts Council Malta