The George Town Literary Festival (GTLF) 2021 will be held from Nov 25 to 28, 2021.
This year is the 11th Edition of the GTLF 2021.
Present at the launching ceremony at the Hin Bus Depot was Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran along with the director of GTLF, Pauline Fan.
With its theme of “Mikro-cosmos”, GTLF explores the spirit of cosmopolitanism and interconnectedness that endures through literature, language and ideas, even as the troubles of today atomize our existence and deepen social fragmentation.
GTLF is supported by the State Government of Penang and is produced by Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).
“The main objective is to reflect on Penang, the home of GTLF, as a vibrant cosmopolitan microcosm of this untamed archipelago — a place where memory takes root, imagination flourishes, and stories come to life.
“We look forward to another exciting year for GTLF as it is now a global event from its humble beginnings,” said Yeoh in his address.
He also added they are looking forward to the international border to be open so that there will be more visitors to the state.
“Due to the pandemic, last year’s festival was held online. GTLF 2021 will offer a vast and engaging programme which includes a series of specially curated podcasts and videos in English and Bahasa Malaysia.
“Our line-up of speakers will feature many Malaysian writers and translators, as well as Southeast Asian and international authors. Notable Malaysian guests for this edition include writer and social activist Marina Mahathir, Sabahan writer Ruhaini Matdarin, Malaysian-Tamil writer M. Navin, and iconic actor Wan Hanafi Su.
“Our regional and international headliners include Indonesian novelist Eka Kurniawan, Japanese writer Minae Mizumura, German poet Jan Wagner, Canadian writer Souvankham Thammavongsa, New Zealand novelist Tina Makereti, Indian writer Meena Kandasamy, and Kenyan-US writer Mukoma Wa Ngugi,” said Ashwin.
The final line-up at GTLF2021 is expected to comprise at least 70 writers from 12 countries.
GTLF is also collaborating with the Embassy of Italy, with scholar of Italian literature Prof. Giuliana Nuvoli and Italy-based Malaysian writer Masturah Alatas, as well as a conversation with acclaimed British-Italian author and translator, Tim Parks to discuss Dante.
To celebrate the decade of GTLF that has passed, GTLF is collaborating with Svara journal to produce a special publication called Muara. Taking its name from the Malay word for estuary.
The book will be launched in conjunction with GTLF 2021.
Other supporters of the event are the Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur, High Commission of Canada, Goethe-Institut Malaysia, Embassy of France, Embassy of Italy, New Zealand High Commission, EPIGRAM, Nusantara Audiobooks, Tidal61 and other cultural organisations.
