Literature festivals are vital spaces for exchange, public debate, and the discovery of new voices — and an indispensable part of the global publishing landscape. This conversation brings together international festival directors to explore how they shape cultural dialogue across borders, amplify authors and their work, and navigate the opportunities and challenges of an ever-changing world.

Speakers

Isobel Abulhoul - Founder, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

Govind Deecee - Curator, Kerala Literature Festival and commissioning editor at DC Books

Julie Finch - CEO, Hay Festival of Literature

Lavinia Frey - Festival Director, International Literaturfestival Berlin (ILB)

Nermin Mollaoglu - Founder, Istanbul International Literature Festival (ITEF) and Bursa International Literature Festival (BUEF)

Moderator: John Steinmark - Programme Manager, Frankfurter Buchmesse