WRESTLING. QUEENS provides a sample of Latitude 36, a transmedia project that employs diverse media formats to reflect Maltese migration and to engage with the Maltese diaspora.

In the autumn of 2017 the Latitude 36 crew travelled to the USA and Canada  to document stories of Maltese migration.

On the 6th of October 2017, our focus was on Malta the Damager – James Bonavia –  a wrestler from Queens, New York. Seven foot tall, second generation Maltese and proud of it. This selection of photos taken by artist Sebastian Tanti Burlo’ is from our first encounter with Mata the Damager at a wrestling match in the gymnasium of Sacred Heart Academy, in his hometown, Queens.

WRESTLING. QUEENS forms part of Latitude 36, produced by creative director and filmmaker Charlie Cauchi. Through the project, she  presents documentaries, photographic works, writing and original performance pieces made by her and her collaborators.

Latitude 36  is part of the Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme in the run up to the European Capital of Culture and as part of ECoC 2018.

WRESTLING. QUEENS will take place at Parlour, an event hosted by BLANK x NYB on Sunday 10th December  2018 at 5pm in New York Best, Sliema.