UWRF 2018 Announced 1st Round of Guest Speakers
UBUD – Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2018 is less than four months away and they have announced the first round of speakers that include famed authors, filmmakers, artists, as well as activists. As it has reached the 15th year of existence, UWRF 2018 will be happening from 24 – 28 October 2018. Bringing the theme “Jagadhita” which was taken from Hindhu’s philosophy of universal harmony and prosperity, the five-day affair aims to stimulate passionate discussions, critical and provoking thoughts. The first round of 16 speakers come from various regions coming from Nigeria, Makassar, Jakarta, Bali, and England among many others. With the early bird tickets on sale, the announcement adds more excitement and expectation from its upcoming visitors. Dewi Lestari a.k.a Dee Lestari, one of the frontrunners of Indonesia’s modern literary landscape will join Putu Fajar Arcana, Avianti Armand, and Aan Mansyur to share about their works and insights.
From the filmmakers and screenwriters block, there will be Hanif Kureishi (UK), Uzodinma Iweala (Nigeria), Kamila Andini (Indonesia), and Richard Oh (Indonesia). On this occasion, Richard Oh will also premiere his new film called “Love is a Bird”. Pakistani memoirist and novelist Fatima Bhutto will be joined by Indian poet, novelist and dancer Tishani Doshi as well as Professor Gillian Triggs who works as the President of Australian Human Rights Commission from 2012 – 2017. British author Geoff Dyer will be attending alongside Indonesian Singaporean writer Clarissa Goenawan who has shed a spotlight about inclusivity and equality through her works. Nyoman Nuarta, legendary sculptor who built Garuda Wisnu Kencana’s statue will be present. While Haidar Bagir, philanthropist, author and entrepreneur will share his thought about the importance of interfaith dialog and pluralism during the rising political tension in our country. The visitors will be able to enjoy various important conversations with these practitioners among Ubud’s astounding natural landscape.
Moreover, Janet DeNeefe, the co-founder of Yayasan Saraswati that houses this festival utters her excitement as well as hope for the upcoming UWRF 2018. She stated that it is important to gather voices from all across the world in order to intice important debates and meaningful exchanges. The tickets for UWRF 2018 can be purchased for IDR480K only with the programs, schedules, and the complete list of speakers that you can see here.
