The Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of the new Chair and Co-Chair for its Film and TV Advisory Committee. This change follows Abigail Mallia’s successful tenure as Chair and Erica Muscat’s service as Co-Chair since the committee’s establishment.
Carlos Debattista, a screenwriter, producer, and co-founder of Take//Two, one of Malta’s leading production companies, has been appointed Chair. Joining him as Co-Chair is Lara Azzopardi, who brings over three decades of experience in the television and media industry. Together, they are committed to supporting, advocating for, and celebrating Malta’s growing community of filmmakers, producers, and other creative professionals.
United by a shared vision, they aim to foster a thriving, sustainable film and TV culture that resonates not only within Malta but also with international audiences. Their priorities include addressing pressing issues faced by the industry, such as advancing efforts toward a comprehensive national screen policy that aligns stakeholders including PBS, Arts Council Malta, and the Malta Film Commission,develop forward-thinking strategies,creating new opportunities for professional development, promoting the export of local work, fostering an inclusive creative environment, and highlighting Malta’s unique identity through film and television.
This reshuffle is a significant step in building on the committee’s achievements under its previous leadership. Over the years, the MEIA Film and TV Committee has been one of the organisation’s most active, leading campaigns that raised awareness and advocated for change within the industry.
The MEIA Executive Committee extends its gratitude to Abigail Mallia and Erica Muscat for their dedication and impactful contributions to the committee. The committee now looks forward to collaborating with Carlos Debattista and Lara Azzopardi as they continue to drive its mission forward. Their leadership is expected to leave a lasting legacy in Malta’s entertainment industry.
Carlos Debatista
CHAIR
Carlos Debattista is a screenwriter, producer, and the co-founder of Take//Two, one of Malta’s leading production houses.
Since entering the industry back in 2006, Carlos has written and produced numerous projects for television, cinema, and the stage. Some of his most notable work includes the sitcom, Deceduti, as well as two seminal dramas, Gizelle and L-Evangelisti. He also co-wrote and produced the feature film Limestone Cowboy. Additionally, the TV drama Merjen has been successfully distributed in the United States and Canada.
Carlos Debattista’s unwavering commitment to Maltese indigenous film and homegrown art has always been at the forefront of his work. His storytelling consistently strives to bring Malta’s art and culture to the world stage. His latest film project, Castillo, is Malta’s official submission to the Academy Awards 2025, further solidifying his role as a driving force in the Maltese creative industry.
Ever at the forefront of innovative storytelling, Carlos Debattista is a firm proponent of the importance of culture in defining the identity of a people. He has always been very outspoken about the needs and challenges faced by the burgeoning indigenous film industry and he continues to strive towards establishing filmmaking as one of the main pillars of Maltese culture.
Lara Azzopardi
CO-CHAIR
With over three decades of experience in the television and media industry, Lara Azzopardi has been immersed in the arts since the age of seven. Her journey began with radio programs and hosting children’s TV shows, eventually blossoming into a prolific career on both local television and stage. Raised in a media-centric household, with her mother serving as a producer and presenter, Lara’s passion for storytelling was nurtured early on.
An accomplished actress, Lara has taken on numerous leading roles in a variety of productions, showcasing her talent and dedication to the performing arts. Complementing her hands-on experience is a Master’s degree in Film Studies from the University of Malta, which has deepened her understanding and appreciation for the craft.
Lara is not only a performer but also a vocal advocate for the evolution of the local media landscape. She brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and a strong vision to every project she undertakes. Her passion for the arts and dedication to the industry make her an inspiring leader, ready to contribute her expertise and insights as a member of the Film and TV Committee.