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Sharjah Festival of African Literature Set to Open on January 14

The Sharjah Festival of African Literature (SFAL) will be held from January 14 to 18, 2025, at University City in Sharjah. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the festival aims to enhance cultural dialogue between the Arab world and Africa through a programme featuring literary discussions, workshops, and artistic performances.

Key Points: Sharjah Festival of African Literature 2025 Dates Announced | Cultural Exchange Focus

  • Sharjah Book Authority to host 2nd edition of African literature festival under royal patronage
  • Festival aims to strengthen cultural and literary exchange between Arab world and Africa
  • Programme to focus on themes of social transformation and collective memory
  • Event includes panels, workshops, performances, and culinary experiences to showcase African narratives
  • Initiative seeks to deepen African literature's presence in Arab culture through dialogue and translation
  • Festival builds on inaugural success which attracted over 10,000 visitors
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Sharjah Festival of African Literature to open January 14

The Sharjah Festival of African Literature (SFAL) returns Jan 14-18, 2025, under the patronage of the Ruler of Sharjah, aiming to strengthen Arab-African literary ties.

"SFAL reflects the global cultural role Sharjah has earned as an inclusive international hub that views literature as a shared human space beyond borders and classifications. - Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi / Chairperson, Sharjah Book Authority"

Sharjah, December 23

The Sharjah Festival of African Literature (SFAL) will be held from January 14-18 University City in Sharjah, under the patronage of Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the directives of Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, the festival aims to strengthen cultural exchange between the Arab world and Africa through literature, highlighting African writing as one of the world's most influential literary traditions.

This year's festival builds on the success of its inaugural edition, which attracted more than 10,000 visitors. The programme will focus on themes such as social transformation and collective memory, offering audiences insight into the diversity and intellectual depth of African narratives.

"SFAL reflects the global cultural role Sharjah has earned as an inclusive international hub that views literature as a shared human space beyond borders and classifications," Bodour said.

She added that this role, which the emirate upholds with responsibility and long-term commitment, is becoming increasingly central to the course of world literature. It strengthens cultural diversity, enriches local literary practice through global exchange, supports translation, expands the international presence of writers and publishers, and affirms literature as a vital force in shaping global awareness.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said that the festival provides a distinctive platform to explore African literary experiences, engage with them critically, support translation and publishing, and generate knowledge that reflects the depth and influence of this literature.

The festival aims to deepen the presence of African literature within the Arab cultural landscape by fostering dialogue among writers, publishers, academics and audiences, with the goal of building lasting intellectual and cultural ties.

The programme will include panel discussions on literature, identity and memory, workshops for children and young people, artistic and musical performances, African culinary experiences and an art exhibition.

Details of participating guests, speakers and programme themes will be announced at a later date.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Sharjah is really becoming a major cultural hub. The focus on African literature is fantastic. We have so much to learn from each other's stories about social transformation and memory.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the effort, I hope the festival genuinely amplifies authentic African voices and isn't just a performative event. The real test is in the follow-through and sustained engagement.
S
Sarah B
The inclusion of culinary experiences and art is a great touch! Literature isn't just about books; it's about the entire culture. Makes me wish I could attend.
K
Karthik V
More than 10,000 visitors last time? Wah! That's impressive. Shows there's a real hunger for diverse narratives. Indian literary festivals should take note and maybe collaborate.
N
Nisha Z
Supporting translation is key. So many amazing stories from Africa remain inaccessible due to language barriers. Hope this leads to more books being available in Indian markets as well.

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