NINITI International Literature Festival in Erbil 22-24 April

06 April of 2014 by

‘Lady of life ‘ in Sumerian

The British Council and Art Role are pleased to invite committed young writers to participate in Niniti 3rd International Literature Festival, (NILF). NILF will include two practical workshops focusing on poetry and prose with particular emphasis on the short story form. Experienced local and international writers will lead the workshops in Arabic, English and Kurdish languages. Applicants should apply for the language that they are more confident reading and writing in.

Please indicate which workshop and workshop language you’re applying for. You may apply for one or both workshops.

Find applications here: ArtRole

22nd April
Ladies of Life: Introductory Poetry Reading and Discussion
10:30am-11.25am
Featuring Choman Hardi, Elham Nassa Al-Zobaedi, Smarqand Al-Jabiri and Awezan Nuri, chaired by Rachel Holmes. Venue: Goran Hall at the Chwar Char Hotel.

Echoes of Enheduanna: Opening Event
5.30-7.30pm
A musical performance of the Iraqi National Orchestra Organization for Youth from 5.30-5.50pm, and poetry readings from all local and international poets, including Julia Copus, Ghareeb Iskander, Choman Hardi and Kapka Kassabova at 6.00-7.30pm. Venue: Goran Hall at the Chwar Chra Hotel.

23rd April
Speaking Truth to Power
2.00-3.30pm
A roundtable discussion featuring Choman Hardi, Rachel Holmes, Mam Botani, Ahmad Abdel Hussein and Nidhal Al Qadhi, chaired by Dr Fadhil, President of the Iraq Writer’s Union. Venue: Goran Hall at the Chwar Chra Hotel.

Present Day Penelopes: the Mad, Bad Girls of Myth and Legend
4.30-7.00pm
Poetry Readings from Ghareeb Iskander, Choman Hardi, Vicki Feaver, Samarqand Al-Jabiri and Salem Balayi at 4.30-5.30pm, followed by a panel discussion chaired by Dr. Himdad Abdul-Qahhar Muhammad from 6.00pm-7.00pm. Venue: Goran Hall at the Chwar Chra Hotel.

24th April
Found in Translation 
11.00am-12.30pm
The culmination of the Reel Arts translation project. Readings of new translations from Mariem Maythem Qasem Al-Attar, Ahmad Abdel Hussein, Ali Wajeeh, Zhwen Shalai, Nia Davies, Vicki Feaver, SJ Fowler and Kei Miller. Venue: Chwar Chra Hotel.

Written on the Body 
2.00-4.00pm
Panel Discussion featuring Julia Copus, Kapka Kassabova, Ruaa Zuhir, Mariem Maythem Qasem Al-Attar and Zhwen Shalai, chaired by Choman Hardi. Venue: Goran Hall at the Chwar Chra Hotel. Finale: New Beginnings
5.30pm-7.00pm Music and readings to close the festival. Keynote speeches from Choman Hardi, Abdul Mutalib and Elham Nasser Al Zobaedi, and music from the Iraqi National Orchestra Organization for Youth. Venue: Goran Hall at the Chwar Chra Hotel, followed by Hotel Garden for music.

Finale: New Beginnings
5.30pm-7.00pm
Music and readings to close the festival. Keynote speeches from Choman Hardi, Abdul Mutalib and Elham Nasser Al Zobaedi, and music from the Iraqi National Orchestra Organization for Youth. Venue: Goran Hall at the Chwar Chra Hotel, followed by Hotel Garden for music.