Meet with famous authors, booksellers and publishing houses at this literary festival (Photo: Alliance Française KL)
Celebrate the power of the written word as well as stories that inspire, provoke and illuminate by some of the most renowned French and French-speaking authors around the globe namely Khady Fall Diagne, Jessie Nathan, Marie-Diane Meissirel, Julie Das, Julie Moulin and Sophie Turco. The festival will serve as a melting pot of ideas as literary giants, as well as avid readers, spark conversations that transcend boundaries, geography and ideology.
Engage in the magic of storytelling through lively talks, book reading and signing sessions where a curated group of authors share their experiences as well as latest works. The events will be held throughout the day in the form of 'literary salons'.
Malaysian contemporary author and guest of honour Shih-Li Kow, whose second book The Sum of Our Follies was translated into French and Italian, will be making an appearance at 4pm for a 45-minute interview about her vast portfolio. The French edition of her novel, featuring a cornucopia of characters set in the fictional backwater town of Lubok Sayong, won the Prix du Premier Roman Etranger, which literally translates as "First Novel Award, in the foreign category", in 2018.
Writing is often considered a solitary act but what happens when creativity plateaus and hits a wall? Take inspiration from a round-table discussion by successful authors who have figured out a way to make the writing process more collaborative and get their novels published with the help of editors, agents and publishing professionals.
Turn the festival into a fun day-out for children too as workshops and interactive activities abound. Learn to fold origami, discover the fascinating history of Jawi and Arab calligraphy, pick up easy photography skills on a smartphone or overcome one’s shyness in a public speaking class.
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Refreshments as well as a host of French delicacies will also be available on-site, courtesy of Parisian-style bistro Les Bouchons KL and gourmet food supplier Classic Fine Foods. Indulge in a selection of pastries and quiches by Gustafood Café, independently operated by Farita Rebuan on the grounds of AFKL.
This year also marks an important milestone for France, which will be hosting the Olympic Games and the International Summit of the 'Francophonie', a major event in diplomatic, economic and cultural terms, from Oct 4 to 5.
The festival will take place on Mar 24 at 15, Lorong Gurney Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur. 9am to 6pm. Entrance is free. For information, see here.
