Programme

In this panel, writers talk about their experience of writing in socially and politically troubled times. How does literature reflect these circumstances? Should we separate the literary work from the political position of the writer?

Let's be honest; writers would make great reality TV stars. This panel discusses what happens when your hobby becomes your profession. How do writers keep in touch with reality and not lose ground when the cult of personalities is what defines a successful literary career.

Our guest authors point out books that influenced them and answer the most pressing question of all: What shall I read next?

“Telling the Origin Stories" is a popular tool used in films: telling the background story, the "origin story". Usually, a flashback reveals the protagonists' motives, exposes relationships, or explains their behaviour, current situation, or occupation. This panel reflects on aspects of heritage and its influence on one's own story as well as on the creation of literature, music, and art.

Abubakar Adam Ibrahim tackles human tragedies in his novel „Season of Crimson Blossoms“ as well as in his latest short story collection. Issues of love, loss, betrayal and violence are contrasted with a beautiful style of writing full of imagery and compassion.

Although the direct translation of the Kimbundu is, „White people know good songs too,“ We like to think that our ancestors wanted to say that we shouldn‘t judge no one by their appearance. We all have something of value to share with the world.

In this panel, writers talk about their writing experience in socially and politically troubled times. How does literature reflect these circumstances? Should we separate the literary work from the political position of the writer?

Writer, musician and ABF21 curator Kalaf Epalanga traverses all kinds of boundaries. In Whites Can Dance Too he has embraced auto-fiction, essay and travel writing to produce a truly modern novel: cross-border and cross-cultural. While the music gives the story its beating heart, it is really about the intersection of culture, race and politics.

Our guest authors point out books that influenced them and answer the most pressing question of all: What shall I read next?

“Telling the Origin Stories" is a popular tool used in films: telling the background story, the "origin story". Usually, a flashback reveals the protagonists' motives, exposes relationships, or explains their behaviour, current situation, or occupation. This panel reflects on aspects of heritage and its influence on one's own story as well as on the creation of literature, music, and art.

Both intimate and epic, Sulaiman Addonia's extraordinary, subversive and sensual second novel dissects society's ability to wage war on its own women and explores the stories we must tell to survive in a broken, inhospitable environment.

Guinea-Bissau, Portugal, Brazil, Cosmo. The universe and three cultures come together in one body, voice, individual. TCHON Di BALANTA is dance, movement, and musicality that are inscribed under the desire of an individual to unravel what remains of his cultural heritage of African origin and the postmodern European-Western man in whom he has become.