The Esplora Interactive Science Centre has officially launched its highly anticipated exhibition, "Moonfall: The Rare Lunar Legacy," which will be open to the public from February 7 until March 4. This unique display furnishes visitors with the opportunity to explore one of the largest lunar meteorites on Earth, alongside other scientific wonders of the Moon.
Among the standout pieces is a 2006-gram slice of Tisserlitine 001, which hails from the Moon itself. The exhibition offers the chance to engage in a fully immersive space experience, allowing guests to navigate the fascinating connections between Earth and its lunar counterpart. During the press conference today, Esplora's Senior Director, Olaf McKay, underscored the significance of this event for cultivating curiosity among the youth and promoting knowledge about space.
“At Esplora, we are committed to inspiring and engaging the next generation of scientists, innovators and explorers. Moonfall is an extraordinary opportunity to experience the Moon up close and see rare lunar meteorites,” said McKay. He expressed excitement about sharing this immersive space voyage with visitors.
Hon. Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, also spoke at the launch event, accentuating how this exhibition stands as epitome of scientific advancement and engagement. “Esplora continues to lead the way in science education in Malta and Moonfall is an excellent example of how we can engage the public with cutting-edge scientific experiences,” he remarked. “By showcasing these rare lunar meteorites, this exhibition will inspire young people to explore careers in science and technology.”
The exhibition aims to enlighten attendees about lunar meteorites, which are hailed as celestial treasures hurled to Earth by asteroid and comet impacts. Among the 306 known lunar meteorite samples globally, access to such specimens is often limited, making this initiative both significant and rare.
Meanwhile, at the European Film Market (EFM) held during the Berlinale from February 13 to 19, Europa Distribution will be hosting a panel titled “Lost in Translation? Independent Cinema Can Speak to Youth!” on February 16. This open discussion will explore effective strategies to engage young audiences, particularly those aged 15 to 25, and raise questions about how independent cinema can resonate with this demographic.
The EFM panel will allow professionals to participate in discussions on how to break through the overwhelming noise of the entertainment industry and attract younger viewers. Questions such as how to shift perceptions about cinema for the youth population and strategies to overcome the notion of foreign films being perceived as “lost in translation” will be pivotal topics of discussion.
A series of notable speakers from various sectors within the film industry, alongside academic representatives, will impart fresh perspectives on engaging young viewers. Among them, Axelle Asmar from Vrije Universiteit Brussel will share insights on the cinema habits of youth, whilst industry professionals like Sophie Stejskal from Filmladen (Austria), Juliette Douhaire from Jour2Fête (France), and Paulina Jaroszewicz from Nowe Horyzonty (Poland) will provide valuable distribution and marketing expertise.
David Larkin, head of business at Letterboxd, will contribute to the panel by addressing how the social media platform has developed as a hub for young film aficionados. The discussion will be moderated by seasoned consultant and journalist Michael Gubbins, providing clarity and engagement throughout the conversation.
These endeavors reflect broader initiatives aimed at energizing independent cinema and instilling scientific curiosity within the young population. Together, they highlight the need for innovative approaches to reach new generations, ensuring the lasting relevance of both scientific inquiry and the art of filmmaking. For those interested, the Moonfall exhibition is included with the standard entrance fee to Esplora and promises to be both educational and inspiring.