Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545155
My essentials MARIA LAURA VELLA CLARK 32, freelance presenter, actor, producer and director A multidisciplinary artist trained in performing arts and public speaking, with 10 years acting experience and five years as a presenter for TV, radio and live events. Recently undertook the role of a director for three short films, one of which being an international multi-award winner, and two theatrical productions and has produced both television and radio programmes. 1. Book 2.TV 3. TV 4. Music 5. Place ALTHOUGH it might seem like an odd choice for me, as I'm not usually perceived as a fan of rock music, I ab- solutely love classic rock bands. AC/DC and Guns N' Roses are my favourites, and thankfully I've also had the privilege of seeing them live. It was an experience of a lifetime. There's something about their music that puts me in such a good mood and fills me with energy. Besides, being a musician myself, I really appreciate the contri- bution of an entire band to a single song. The way all the musicians come together to create such brilliant music is truly incredible. I'VE travelled to quite a few places over the years; how- ever, perhaps because I'm a bit of a patriot or simply be- cause I genuinely find it in- credible, my favourite place has to be the view of the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta. In my opinion, it is absolutely breath-taking. It offers a unique blend of his- tory, architecture, and the beauty of the Mediterrane- an Sea. The sight of tradi- tional Maltese boats cross- ing beneath centuries-old bastions, with church domes rising above the sky- line, is truly remarkable. 395 by Frederick Camill- eri—a local book based on the true story of a man who was wrongfully convicted of sexually assaulting his eight- year-old daughter and sen- tenced to 397 days in prison. To be quite honest, I barely have time to read, and when I do, I usually read scripts. However, when I heard about this story, I knew I had to get hold of the book. I bought it and finished it in one night. Normally, I don't enjoy stories I can't person- ally relate to, but this one was so heart breaking—and the way it unfolds is almost unbelievable—that it truly struck me. IF I may mention a TV series rather than a film, as I rare- ly watch films anymore, The Gentlemen is a series about an aristocrat who inherits his family estate, only to discov- er that it is home to a massive weed empire. I loved it, espe- cially from a filmmaker's per- spective. The use of colour, the fast cuts, the editing, and the camera angles all felt very fresh and exciting. I'm a huge fan of Guy Ritchie, so that certainly helped. Not to men- tion the brilliant storyline, exceptional scriptwriting, and, of course, Theo James (I mean… ladies…come on, right?). I love home organising. It gives me peace of mind knowing that my drawers and cupboards are well or- ganised and that I can eas- ily find everything I need. Therefore, I enjoy following influencers who focus on cleaning and organisation, as they motivate me and share plenty of useful tips on how to keep my home environ- ment as calm and pleasant as possible. Compiled by Laura Calleja suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com 4 5 1 MaltaToday is supported by Arts Council Malta 4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 31 MAY 2026 ALMANAC 3 2