My essentials: Maria Laura Vella Clark’s cultural picks

About  

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.

Book

395 by Frederick Camilleri—a local book based on the true story of a man who was wrongfully convicted of sexually assaulting his eight-year-old daughter and sentenced 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 personally relate to, but this one was so heart breaking—and the way it unfolds is almost unbelievable—that it truly struck me.

Film 

If I may mention a TV series rather than a film, as I rarely watch films anymore, The Gentlemen is a series about an aristocrat who inherits his family estate, only to discover that it is home to a massive weed empire. I loved it, especially from a filmmaker’s perspective. 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 mention the brilliant storyline, exceptional scriptwriting, and, of course, Theo James (I mean… ladies…come on, right?).

Internet and TV 

I love home organising. It gives me peace of mind knowing that my drawers and cupboards are well organised and that I can easily 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 environment as calm and pleasant as possible.

Music 

Although it might seem like an odd choice for me, as I’m not usually perceived as a fan of rock music, I absolutely 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 contribution of an entire band to a single song. The way all the musicians come together to create such brilliant music is truly incredible.

Place 

I’ve travelled to quite a few places over the years; however, perhaps because I’m a bit of a patriot or simply because I genuinely find it incredible, 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 history, architecture, and the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea. The sight of traditional Maltese boats crossing beneath centuries-old bastions, with church domes rising above the skyline, is truly remarkable.