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While Bali’s Ubud is usually associated with yoga mats, rice paddies and spiritual awakenings, for one week each year, this tranquil haven transforms into a buzzing hub of literary excitement for Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF).
In 2024, the festival is back and ready to turn up the heat with authors, poets, dreamers, thinkers and fans all converging to talk about the magic of words. If you’re even remotely into books, storytelling, or just people watching while sipping a coconut, then this is the place to be. And this year’s theme is ‘Satyam Vada Dharmam Chara’, or ‘Speak the Truth, Practice Kindness’.
From Small Beginnings to Literary Stardom
UWRF didn’t start out as a global literary giant. In fact, it was born in 2004, a year after the Bali bombings, as a way to bring healing to the community through storytelling and creativity. With only a few writers at the first event, no one could have predicted that it would grow into one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most exciting literary festivals.
Now, it attracts authors from all over the world, mixing big names with emerging voices, and offering a platform for deep conversations, intellectual sparring and, of course, the occasional coffee-fuelled debate.
But don’t let the “intellectual” vibe scare you off. UWRF is also about having a great time in a dreamy tropical location, surrounded by the beauty and culture of Bali. Let’s be honest, it’s a literary festival in paradise, which is about as good as it gets.
What to Expect at UWRF 2024
Books and Brilliance
Each year, UWRF curates an impressive lineup of writers, poets, journalists, artists and activists from across the globe. Expect an eclectic mix of established names and up-and-coming wordsmiths to grace the stages.
Get ready for a literary showdown of epic proportions! Among the big names gracing the stage are British wordsmith Sathnam Sanghera, whose book Empireworld: How British Imperialism Shaped the Globe stirred the pot and became a bestseller, because who doesn’t love a little controversy?
Irish superstar Claire Kilroy, a fierce contender for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2024, will also bring her A-game to the festival. Australia’s also repping hard with Siang Lu, who snagged the Glendower Award in 2021, and the brilliant Laura Elizabeth Woollett, a nominee for the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award.
Bestselling UK author and historian William Dalrymple will also put in an appearance, and he’s bound to drop some knowledge bombs. Then there’s Juliet Kinsman, the sustainability travel editor who knows how to explore the globe while saving the planet.
Jack Edwards, the UK’s top BookTuber and the most-followed person on Goodreads, is basically the rock star of the book world, so you’ll want to catch his session. Fuchsia Dunlop, the award-winning food writer and cooking whiz specialising in Chinese cuisine, will also be on hand to unravel the world’s most beloved, yet totally misunderstood, culinary traditions.
Flex That Brain
If you’ve got an inner writer waiting to bust out, there are plenty of workshops where you can sharpen your skills. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your poetry, get tips on crafting the perfect novel, or even learn how to blog like a pro, UWRF has got you covered.
Highlights include a masterclass with Australian writer and winner of the Dylan Thomas Prize, Nam Le, on ‘36 Ways to Write a Vietnamese Poem’, a live podcast session, and a workshop with researcher, journalist and travel writer Fatris MF on the art of travel storytelling.
This year, the festival is rolling out the red carpet for the incredible Maria Ressa, co-recipient of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. She’s a fearless champion of freedom of speech in journalism, and she’s ready to dive into the wild world of social media and AI. Get ready for some serious convo about the need for ethical and unbiased news in today’s chaotic landscape because, let’s be real, we could all use a little clarity in the age of misinformation.
And in a truly special segment, the late Pramoedya Ananta Toer, Indonesia’s literary legend and intellectual powerhouse, will be honoured. He was a political prisoner under Dutch colonial rule and post-independence Indonesia because of his progressive beliefs. His brother, Soesilo Toer, will lead a discussion that promises to give an intimate and eye-opening look at Indonesia’s history from a deeply personal angle.
More Than Just Words
This festival isn’t just about books, it’s a full-on cultural feast. Ubud, already famous for its artsy vibes, cranks it up a notch during UWRF. In between panel hopping, you can dive into Bali’s vibrant food scene at pop-up markets or indulge in some organic vegan delights (hey, it’s Ubud after all).
Don’t miss the art exhibitions and musical performances scattered throughout the festival. You might just find yourself swaying to some traditional Balinese music or wandering through an art gallery after an intense author Q&A.
Indonesia’s film scene is blowing up, and if you’re a movie buff or just someone who loves free stuff, then you’re in luck. There’s a jam-packed screening lineup featuring two absolute gems: The Exiles by director and co-writer Lola Amaria, and Basri & Salma in a Never-ending Comedy by Khozy Rizal, which had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Oh, and did we mention both directors will be at the screenings?
The After-Parties
Now, this is where things get really fun. After all the bookish talk during the day, the festival lets loose at night with after-parties that can range from chilled-out gatherings under the stars to full-on dance-offs.
Get ready to experience live performances that will knock your socks off! These include Indonesia’s own rising star, Sal Priadi, with vocals so smooth they should come with a warning label. Petra Sihombing is also in the mix, and, trust us, this guy knows how to bring the house down.
If that’s not enough, Dutch world music duo BOI AKIH will blow your mind with Niels Brouwer shredding on the guitar and Monica Akihary hitting all the right notes with her stunning vocals. Did we mention Monica just snagged the 2023 Boy Edgar Prize, the biggest deal in Dutch jazz?
Expect good vibes, drinks and, if you’re lucky, a spontaneous poetry slam (it is a writers’ festival, after all). Rumour has it that even the most serious writers can get pretty wild when the sun goes down in Bali.
Why You Should Go to the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
Because where else can you talk about literary theory in the morning, get lost in the jungle by noon and dance under the stars with your favourite author by night? Whether you’re a word nerd, casual reader, or just someone who loves a good story in any form, UWRF is for you.
So pack your notebook, grab your flip-flops and get ready to soak up the literary vibes, it’s going to be a page-turner.
Where’s It All Happening?
The festival is huge, so expect it to take over Ubud’s many venues.
When’s It On?
Mark your calendars – UWRF runs from October 23 to 27.
Want More Info?
The full programme can be accessed at ubudwritersfestival.com/daily-schedule. Free programmes, such as book launches and film screenings, can be filtered in the search. The complete speaker lineup is available at ubudwritersfestival.com/speaker.Regular ticket sales for the 4-Day Festival Passes and the 1-Day Festival Pass are now available at ubudwritersfestival.com/ticket.
