Eating Up Easter at Friends of the Earth Malta

Eating Up Easter Screening and Discussion

The iconic statues and sensationalized “mysteries” of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) have drawn the interest of the world for centuries, attracting curious visitors to its shores. Today, this tiny, barren island is experiencing an economic boon as tourism skyrockets. Yet the indigenous culture and the island’s fragile environment are suffering. EATING UP EASTER, directed by native Rapanui filmmaker Sergio Mata’u Rapu, explores the dilemma his people are facing. Crafted as a story passed down to his newborn son, Sergio intertwines the authentic history of the island with the stories of four islanders. In their own voices, these Rapanui reveal the reality of modern life and the actions they are taking to preserve their culture and environment amidst rapid development.  EATING UP EASTER reveals and suggests ways forward in tackling the universal complexities of balancing growth and sustainability faced by local communities worldwide.

The film screening will be followed with a panel discussion. Joining us on the day will be:

DR. MARIE BRIGULIO — DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS, UNIVERSITY OF MALTA

Marie is a resident academic at the University of Malta (Department of Economics), lecturing in Environmental Economics, Behavioural Economics and Social Marketing. She holds a PhD in Economics (Stirling), a MSc in Environmental and Resource Economics (London, Distinction), and a BA Honours in Economics (Malta, 1st Class). Her main research interests include market failure and the economics of altruistic behaviour, voluntary environmental cooperation, wellbeing and cultural participation, on which topics she has published extensively.Marie is currently the University of Malta’s Principal Investigator on a number of research projects including the R2pi project on the Circular Economy (funded by Horizon 2020), and in various collaborative research projects with public sector organisations. She also represents the Department of Economics on FEMA’s Doctoral Committee and Research Committee. She sits on the University of Malta’s Research Ethics Committee and the Committee for Sustainability.

STEPHAN MICALLEF — DIRECTORATE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE, MESDC

Stephan is a Manager Directorate for the Environment and Climate Change within the Ministry for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change. The Directorate also plays a monitoring role in the implementation of environment and climate related strategies and action plans including that related to Waste.

PROF. GODFREY BALDACCHINO  — DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF MALTA

The screening is free but places are limited. Submit in the form below to reserve your seat.