GEORGE TOWN, December 13 – The George Town Literary Festival (GTLF) returns for its 12th edition this year with a spectacular programme line up. This is the 7th time the festival will be proudly produced by Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB). Taking place from 24–27 November 2022, GTLF saw 80 writers from 21 countries across the globe, from Malaysia, Algeria, Australia, Brunei, Eswatini, France, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, Ukraine, United States, and Vietnam.
Festival director, Ms Pauline Fan said, “This year’s writers, poets, translators, scholars, and cultural figures make up our most illustrious line-up yet.” With this year’s theme being Taming the Wild, this edition of the festival explores the complex relationship between Wilderness and Human Nature. GTLF 2022 looks at the ways in which Wilderness has shaped the creative power of our imagination. The less admirable aspects of human nature are also considered, such as our propensity for violence, brute power, war, and the destruction of the natural world.
“While Penang will always be rooted in her historical links and gastronomic offerings, it is my utmost wish that Penang becomes a cosmopolitan powerhouse that continues to stimulate public discussions and discourses in matters that affect us, one way or the other,” YB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, was quoted as saying. At GTLF 2022, renowned Indian novelist and International Booker Prize winner Geetanjali Shree will give a lecture covering the intersections of writing, freedom, and language; Malaysian writer Eddin Khoo will speak on James Joyce’s Ulysses and its connection to Southeast Asia to mark the 100th anniversary of its publication.
And Indonesian poet Nirwan Dewanto will lecture on chaos and the word. An exhibition titled TRANSPACIFIC: An Asian Canadian Literary Journey is also being presented in collaboration with the Canadian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur. This will include an introduction to sem/bunyi, an interactive showcase featuring written and audio-visual contributions from partners in Borneo and the UK, which spotlights stories that are often ‘hidden in plain sight’. This international collaboration is led by Borneo Bengkel and is supported by the British Council.
Moreover, Muara, an anthology published by GTLF, illustrates the festival’s enthusiasm in supporting the literary community. The 2022 edition includes a range of poetry, essays, translations, and artwork. The anthology debuted in 2021 for GTLF’s 10th anniversary and has since become a hallmark of the festival. The festival also comprises book launches, film screenings, readings, workshops, and panel discussions. Topics this year include the politics and process of translation, the role of poetry in revolutions, and the inner workings of industries connected to literature and the arts.
“The state government is dedicated in making Penang a cultural hub where people may come to learn and celebrate their tradition and history. GTLF has long taken great satisfaction in being the only literary festival in the nation to be funded and supported by a state government. This is a commitment from the Penang’s state government to support arts, culture, and community participation, making this world-class event that promotes public dialogue in the spirit of freedom of expression right here in our city,” said YB Yeoh Soon Hin, the Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy.
Ashwin Gunasekeran, the Chief Executive Officer of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau, also noted that the festival is made possible through the efforts of various parties. “We are grateful for the continuous support of the French Embassy, Canada High Commission, Embassy of Ireland, Australia High Commission, Commonwealth Foundation, Literature Translation Institute of Korea, Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur, and many more,” he said.
