The first Delhi International Literary Festival has an impressive range of international writers participatingThe first Delhi International Literary Festival is being held under the initiative of the larger multi-genre, multi-venue, month-long ongoing Delhi International Arts Festival. The inaugural edition features 40 leading international and 20 Indian writers, representing nearly 30 languages. “DILF is a grand meeting of fine writers from India and abroad in a milieu that is intellectually stringent, culturally vibrant, and full of bonhomie and good cheer,” says Sudeep Sen, poet and director of the festival. It begins today with readings by British-Iranian writer Mimi Khalvati, Delhi-based poet Keki Daruwalla, French-Vietnamese writer Anna Moi and Canada’s Kim Morrissey. “Apart from the usual readings and performances, there will be panel discussions on subjects like Literary Translation, Editing & Publishing. It is a platform for multicultural exchange between the best in India and the world in creative writing,” adds Sen. Among the writers and performers to watch out for is Delhi’s own Sarnath Banerjee who has branched out of the graphic novel to include video performances and murals as well.Awarded the 2008 Best Young Publisher Award by the British Council, Banerjee’s next big event is an exhibition of his latest works at Mori Museum, Tokyo. As for the international writers present for this inaugural festival, don’t miss readings by Moi who was awarded the prize for the best French-language début novel at the Festival Du Premier Roman in Cuneo. The last day of the festival is Monday. For more details log on to atlasaarkarts.net/dilf
