The Festival is just a few days away, and we cannot wait to spend this four-day long weekend with you, tackling big ideas and revelling in the power of words.
Browse through our Daily Schedule below and discover what we are most excited about. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the top picks from our program team. Click here to sign up.
Join Darryl Jones on an early morning bird-walking tour along the Tjampuhan Ridge, Ubud’s most breathtaking iconic walk. The trail begins at the confluence of the Wos Rivers next to …
Category: Special Events
Speaker: Darryl Jones •
Start your Festival day with Balinese treats and coffee, as the Cinta Bahasa team acquaints you with the basics of Bahasa Bali. Explore essential greetings, cultural etiquette, and useful Balinese …
Category: Art & Cultural Program
Speaker:
Join us as the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival begins with a traditional Balinese welcome dance, and a warm greeting from our Founder and Director, Janet DeNeefe. The Festival celebrates …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 19 Oct
Speaker: Janet DeNeefe • Kerta Art •
Dedicated to safeguarding Indonesia’s cultural heritage, Hilmar Farid, Director-General of Culture Indonesia, actively fosters and advocates for cultural activities throughout the archipelago. As a writer, scholar, and cultural activist, Farid …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 19 Oct
Speaker: Hilmar Farid •
The Festival reflects on Indonesia’s Reformation period which began with the momentous fall of Suharto’s 32-year autocratic ‘New Order’ regime in May 1998 and the profound political, social, and cultural …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 19 Oct
Speaker: Janet Steele • Putu Juli Sastrawan • Hilmar Farid • Luna Vidya •
Spend a morning with author and Pulitzer Prize winner Geraldine Brooks as she hosts an unmissable and participatory writing masterclass. Brooks brings a wealth of knowledge from her expansive career, …
Category: Masterclasses
Speaker: Geraldine Brooks •
Kurdish-Iranian journalist Behrouz Boochani, human rights defender, writer, and film-producer discusses his latest essay collection, Freedom, Only Freedom, translated by Omid Tofighian and Moones Mansoubi with Kirsti Melville. Drawing from …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 19 Oct
Speaker: Kirsti Melville • Behrouz Boochani •
Critical reading and analysis are skills that are increasingly eroded by technology-fueled shifts in the way we consume written information. The storytelling agency at The Jakarta Post’s B/NDL Studios will …
Category: Masterclasses
Speaker: Maggie Tiojakin •
“Ordinary human failings, tragedies too routine to note.” In Megan Nolan’s profoundly tender book, she achieves describing, with compassion, some of the ordinary things we often struggle to articulate. Against …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 19 Oct
Speaker: Rosemarie Milsom • Megan Nolan • Dias Novita Wuri • Jill Dawson •
Join us for an enlightening discussion on climate change with speakers John Pabon, Jem Bendell, and Dino Patti Djalal. These renowned experts will delve into the urgent challenges facing our …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 19 Oct
Speaker: Amanda Katili Niode • John Pabon • Jem Bendell •
The renowned cultural icon shares insightful perspectives on Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, and its future trajectory. With an astute artistic vision and a deep understanding of the nation’s complexities, …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 19 Oct
Speaker: Sujiwo Tejo • Wayan Juniarta •
The great civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer said, “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.” What do we need to do to achieve equality? What political, social, and cultural shifts are …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 19 Oct
Speaker: Eva Fernandes • Tanaïs • Debra Dank • Justin Wejak •
Enter the Royal Cambodian kingdom with an extraordinary feast of Cambodian flavors by Chef Nak. Dedicated to preserving Khmer culinary history, Nak’s cookbook, Saoy – Royal Cambodian Home Cuisine, pays …
Category: Special Events
Speaker: Ros Rotanak • Janet DeNeefe •
The Festival theme draws inspiration from the profound Balinese concept of ‘Tri Semaya,’ a philosophical view of time as non-linear, circular, and collective. Embodying the essence of Atita, Wartamana, and …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 19 Oct
Speaker: Wayan Juniarta • Ravinjay Kuckreja • I Gde Agus Darma Putra • Sugi Lanus •
In Wifedom: Mrs. Orwell’s Invisible Life, Anna Funder brilliantly combines biography, memoir, and literary detective work to explore George Orwell’s relationship with his wife, Eileen O’Shaughnessy. Eileen, an Oxford scholar, …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 19 Oct
Speaker: Anna Funder • Annabel Crabb •
How can a short film deliver such a profound message? Pritagita Arianegara, the Director of The Sea Speaks His Name, and Kartika Jahja, of Project SUPERIA, unravel the diverse voices …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 19 Oct
Speaker: Kadek Sonia Piscayanti • Pritagita Arianegara • Kartika Jahja • Fransiska Prihadi •
Putu Wijaya’s life is a testament to the transformative power of literature. Hailing from Tabanan, Bali, he is considered one of Indonesia’s foremost literary figures, having crafted numerous novels, scripts, …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 19 Oct
Speaker: Kadek Sonia Piscayanti • Putu Wijaya •
Join us for an enriching workshop with Aulia Akbar: ‘The Pohon Hayat Nusantara’ – the very design chosen by President Jokowi as the emblem for the upcoming new capital city …
Category: Masterclasses
Speaker: Aulia Akbar •
Join us for some enjoyable athletic writing drills. Athletes cross-train by engaging in various sports to enhance their skills in their primary sport. Similarly, in this workshop, we’ll explore imitation …
Category: Masterclasses
Speaker: Anastasia Belikova •
Join us for a captivating conversation with Yan Lianke. With his uncanny ability to shed light on the complexities of contemporary China, Lianke has become a voice of dissent in …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 19 Oct
Speaker: Yan Lianke • Antony Loewenstein •
Family Constellation is a book suitable for everyone interested in solving conflicts or problems between couples, parents and their children, and siblings to the core. This book is a complementary …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Meilinda Sutanto •
Sacrifice, student revolution, love story, New Order. Pulang has been translated into various languages, its Laut Bercerita has been reprinted 58 times, translated into English as The Sea Speaks His …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 19 Oct
Speaker: Leila S. Chudori • Debra Yatim •
An intimate portrait of the people and issues that have made Malaysiakini one of the most important media institutions in Southeast Asia, the book is based on more than fifteen …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Janet Steele •
In 1991, Hajjah Victoria binti Haji Tjek Sun predicted the fates of her three grandchildren: one of them would become a traveler, the other one would take care of the …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Intan Paramaditha •
Velia Vidal and Galuh Wandita are two compelling voices merging the power of words with a call for social change. Velia Vidal, a fearless storyteller, juxtaposes narratives of struggle and …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 19 Oct
Speaker: Velia Vidal • Galuh Wandita • Eva Fernandes •
Respected ABC anchor and journalist, bestselling author, and hit podcaster Leigh Sales interviews Australian journalists about their craft in her recent book Storytellers, moderated by Michael Williams. Leigh takes us …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 19 Oct
Speaker: Michael Williams • Leigh Sales •
How does the emergence of new writing in regional languages impact the definition of Indonesia’s national culture? Can literary works in Javanese, Balinese, Sundanese, and other regional tongues be integrated …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 19 Oct
Speaker: George Quinn • Julia Winterflood • Saut Poltak Tambunan • Private: Safrina Noorman • Private: I Wayan Dibia • Safrina Soemadipradja Noorman •
Perempuan yang Menunggu di Lorong Menuju Laut (A Woman, Waiting by the Sea Tunnel) is a novel inspired by an actual battle of people, particularly women, in Sangihe to fight …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Dian Purnomo •
One might wonder what a single-chamber parliament, dish drying cabinets, and text messaging have in common. Or what the link is between maternity packs, xylitol, the sauna, and free school …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Ilkka Taipale • Bagus Ari Saputra •
Fabx Storytelling Sanctuary presents an extraordinary Evening of Inspiration and Connection. Three brave and committed individuals from our Festival lineup and beyond take center stage to speak their truth and …
Category: Special Events
Speaker: Farwiza Farhan • Ravinjay Kuckreja • Colleen Schell •
Antologi Atita, Wartamana, Anagata: Past, Present, and Future is a compilation of short stories curated from Emerging UWRF writers spanning the years 2008 to 2022. As the Festival commemorates its …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: John H. McGlynn • Lala Bohang • Putu Wijaya • Debra Yatim •
This is the first book providing ample evidence that the collapse of modern societies has already begun, along with the habits of modernity. Professor Bendell explains that it results from …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Jem Bendell • Private: Tom Doig •
Enter the extraordinary world of the Amazon with an evening filled with magical stories and insights. Wade Davis, Helena Gualinga and Carlos Castaño, will tell their tale about the Amazon’s …
Category: Special Events
Speaker: Helena Gualinga • Wade Davis • Carlos Castaño-Uribe • Velia Vidal •
Join us at the renowned Alila Ubud for an evening of remarkable voices featuring Anita Heiss, Grace Tame, and Tanaïs, hosted by Rebecca Makkai. Through their personal journeys, they’ve harnessed …
Category: Special Events
Speaker: Rebecca Makkai • Grace Tame • Tanaïs • Anita Heiss •
Autobiography is a 2022 thriller drama film starring Kevin Ardilova as Rakib, a housekeeper and assistant to retired general Purnawinata, played by Arswendy Bening Swara. Rakib forms a deep bond …
Category: Film Program • Free Events
Speaker: Makbul Mubarak •
Project Suara Perempuan Indonesia, or SUPERIA, is an art project that delves into the diverse voices and perspectives of Indonesian women through artistic storytelling on screen and stage. Presented in …
Category: Film Program • Free Events
Speaker: Kartika Jahja •
We invite you to join us in celebrating the launch of Peron House (est. 1925), a literary haven led by award-winning author Leila S. Chudori and literary curator Rain Chudori. …
Category: Special Events
Speaker: Leila S. Chudori • Ibe S. Palogai • Rain Chudori • Dee Lestari •
Tove is a 2020 Finnish biographical film centered on the life of Tove Jansson, a Swedish-speaking Finnish author and illustrator. Jansson is renowned for her creation of the cherished Moomins …
Category: Film Program • Free Events
Speaker:
Through lyrics and melodies, with words and the embrace of the night, Sujiwo Tejo, the celebrated Indonesian writer and puppeteer, will weave every song, powerful monologue, and Javanese philosophy he …
Category: Free Events • Music & Performances
Speaker: Sujiwo Tejo •
Join Darryl Jones on an early morning bird-walking tour along the Tjampuhan Ridge, Ubud’s most breathtaking iconic walk. The trail begins at the confluence of the Wos Rivers next to …
Category: Special Events
Speaker: Darryl Jones •
Start your Festival day with Balinese treats and coffee, as the Cinta Bahasa team acquaints you with the basics of Bahasa Bali. Explore essential greetings, cultural etiquette, and useful Balinese …
Category: Art & Cultural Program
Speaker:
In her highly anticipated book, I Have Some Questions for You, acclaimed author Rebecca Makkai captivates us with a dark and multilayered story encompassing murder, racism, sexual abuse, grief, the …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: Rebecca Makkai • Veronica Sullivan •
Bernardine Evaristo is a prolific writer and the first Black woman and Black British person to win the Booker Prize for her novel Girl, Woman, Other. With Jenny Niven, Evaristo …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: Bernardine Evaristo • Jenny Niven •
Leila S. Chudori, a masterful storyteller who explores the complexities of human relationships, politics, and history, while intertwining themes of love, loss, and resilience, meets Sri Lankan writer Shehan Karunatilaka, …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: Shehan Karunatilaka • Leila S. Chudori • Gill Westaway •
Come and explore the enchanting world of Indonesia’s textile arts with Threads of Life, a fair trade business that uses culture and conservation to alleviate poverty in rural Indonesia. Since …
Category: Art & Cultural Program
Speaker:
When it comes to communicating your sustainability message today, the challenge is no longer convincing people to listen. It’s about finding a way to break through the noise because everyone’s …
Category: Masterclasses
Speaker: John Pabon •
Today’s technology offers filmmakers unprecedented opportunities for their films to be viewed by global audiences. Producers, writers, and the award-winning Indonesian film director and producer of Petualangan Sherina 2, Riri …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: Makbul Mubarak • Pritagita Arianegara • Riri Riza • Olin Monteiro •
The story of refugees is one of survival, transformation, and triumph. Cuban American artist Edel Rodriguez, Kurdish-Iranian journalist Behrouz Boochani, and Agus Nur Amal speak of their personal experience as …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: Kirsti Melville • Edel Rodriguez • Behrouz Boochani • Agus Nur Amal (PM Toh) •
Translation stands as a remarkable bridge that connects cultures, enabling global communication. It effectively dismantles language barriers, nurturing understanding, empathy, and unity. Through its influential power, it magnifies humanity’s shared …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: Pamela Allen • Dewi Kharisma Michellia • Eka Kurniawan • John H. McGlynn •
The festival reunites three writers from the UWRF Emerging Writers Program. Dias Novita Wuri and Ibe S. Palogai describe their writing journey from UWRF selection to their current literary careers. …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: Debra Yatim • Dias Novita Wuri • Ibe S. Palogai • Faisal Oddang • Private: Sunlie Thomas Alexander •
As Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, gets ready to host the planet’s most extensive one-day election in the upcoming year, excitement is building. Join us for an enlightening session where …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: Andreas Harsono • Jusuf Wanandi • Luna Vidya • Taufiq Rahman • Ismail Fahmi •
Law is culture, and culture is law. Indigenous law is a complex area that involves issues concerning First Nations peoples and their relationships with governments, rights to land, rights to …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: Michael Williams • Marcia Langton AO • Aaron Corn • Sugi Lanus •
The Festival brings back the famous Long Table Lunch at John Hardy’s legendary workshop-farm. Years ago, John Hardy, a pioneering jewelry designer in Bali, created this visionary bamboo studio, with …
Category: Special Events
Speaker: Diana Darling • André Dao • Anna Funder • Dee Lestari • Rain Chudori • Dias Novita Wuri • Sung-Il Kim • Chris Tse • Jesse Q. Sutanto •
Discover the new face and identity of Indonesia’s capital city, emerging proudly on the Indonesian sector of Borneo Island, aptly named Nusantara. Through the visionary lens of Aulia Akbar, whose …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: Debra Yatim • Aulia Akbar • Radit Mahindro •
Tanaïs, independent perfumer and writer, weaves the story of her memoir with the history of colonialism and a critical, alternative view of South Asian culture and power dynamics. In Sensorium: …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: Laksmi DeNeefe Suardana • Tanaïs •
Writing permits individuals to delve into their thoughts and emotions, fostering a heightened comprehension of oneself. Through the act of putting pen to paper, one can analyze experiences, acquire fresh …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: Henry Manampiring • Dewi Kharisma Michellia • Rain Chudori • Lala Bohang •
Life Force River: The Ocean in Every Breath is a tribute to life, learning, teaching, and exploration through the arts and nature. It honors multiple dimensions of experience and the …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Susan Allen • Sidhi Vhisatya •
Berani Jadi Diri Sendiri & Seri Pahlawan Nasional (Dare to be Yourself & The National Heroes Series) are two children’s books penned by Nindia Maya which introduces young readers ideas …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Nindia Maya • Putu Putik Padi •
Plotting is arguably one of the most challenging aspects of developing a story, whether for a screenplay, novel, or another form. Why? First, because a lot has to happen – …
Category: Masterclasses
Speaker:
From its founding in 1983 during the Soeharto years to the tumultuous events that led to Reformasi, and throughout the struggles and victories that have defined Indonesia’s democratic journey, The …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: Sebastian Partogi • Jusuf Wanandi • Taufiq Rahman •
Three master storytellers weave their magic across diverse mediums. Through written tales, podcasts, poetry and performances, they move hearts, inspire souls, and awaken deep emotions. Embark on this transformative journey …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: Agus Nur Amal (PM Toh) • Patricia Wulandari • Ghayath Almadhoun • Bagus Ari Saputra •
Prepare to be captivated as we present an exceptional assembly of the Festival’s brightest minds, coming together to enchant and mesmerize you with the captivating magic of poetry. Please take …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: Miles Merrill • Eko Saputra Poceratu • Theoresia Rumthe • Joanna Yang • Hollie McNish • Michael Pedersen • Ida Bagus Aditya Putra Pidada •
Join multi-disciplinary artist and curator Elghandiva Astrilia in a playful and interactive exploration. Gain insights into revealing the essence of text and expressing it through your body. This workshop encourages …
Category: Masterclasses
Speaker: Elghandiva Astrilia •
Enjoy a rare opportunity to join Annabel Crabb’s renowned Book Club, a wildly popular literary initiative, at the elegant Kappa Senses Ubud. Crabb will open a discussion with Veronica Sullivan …
Category: Special Events
Speaker: Veronica Sullivan • Annabel Crabb •
55 FACES are collective narrative pieces that, to date, form two books – one telling the stories of 55 diverse women who are leading change globally, and the second featuring …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Michelle Gardiner • Ilda Karwayu •
From Beauty is a Wound and Man of Tiger to Vengeance is Mine, All Others Pay Cash, Eka Kurniawan’s books are renowned for their provocative yet deeply admired themes, translated …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: Eka Kurniawan •
Join an art workshop led by writer and visual artist Lala Bohang at Littletalks in Ubud for a moment of self-expression. Participants, ranging from teenagers to adults of all creative …
Category: Art & Cultural Program
Speaker: Lala Bohang •
Drawing from over 15 years of comprehensive research, Janet Steele’s latest book, Malaysiakini, presents an intimate portrayal of the individuals and issues that underpin Malaysia’s sole truly independent media platform. …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: Janet Steele • Michael Vatikiotis •
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the world around you through the art of landscape writing. From lush forests to picturesque beaches, these authors will talk about their experience in …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: Else Fitzgerald • Rebecca Makkai • Steph Harmon •
“Exquisite works of art and stunning photos embellish this new book about a unique symbol of Balinese culture, the penjor. The book showcases the beauty of penjor through the eyes …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Susan Ruddy • Ravinjay Kuckreja •
Nyanyi Sunyi (Songs in Solitude) by Uly Siregar is a collection of personal essays that deeply reflect on family, love, sex, and life itself. Ms. Siregar, an Indonesian immigrant residing …
Category: Book Launches
Speaker: Uly Siregar • Eko Saputra Poceratu •
In the end, everybody wants to come back home. No matter how beautiful the place a person has gone to escape and hide, homecoming is an inevitable journey. Angel cannot …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Sofi Meloni •
Debra Dank, Anita Heiss, and Kevin Jared Hosein guide you through a journey into the realm of storytelling. Debra Dank, a distinguished Gudanji/Wakaja author and narrative performance researcher, will present …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 20 Oct
Speaker: David Sly • Debra Dank • Anita Heiss • Kevin Jared Hosein •
“Ruth loved flour. Mother loved the kitchen. And I loved Ruth and Mother.” Dive into the world of Lily Yulianti Farid’s short story, The Kitchen. Join us in celebrating a …
Category: Free Events • Music & Performances
Speaker: Luna Vidya • Abdi Karya • Riri Riza •
Join a magical evening of spoken word and poetry hosted by Miles Merrill at Titik Dua, Ubud’s unique boutique hotel. Michael Pedersen, Broede Carmody, Ghayath Almadhoun, Behrouz Boochani, Theoresia Rumthe, …
Category: Special Events
Speaker: Miles Merrill • Ghayath Almadhoun • Susie Anderson • Theoresia Rumthe • Broede Carmody • Michael Pedersen • Behrouz Boochani • Oli Chang •
Savor the session with complimentary coffee and snacks.Enjoy cocktails, canapes, captivating conversations, and the combined wisdom of our two acclaimed Booker Prize winners, Sheehan Karunatilaka and Geetanjali Shree. Celebrated for …
Category: Special Events
Speaker: Shehan Karunatilaka • Geetanjali Shree • Elora Hardy •
We take you on a literary adventure bursting with performing arts, blending dance, music, spoken word, and art at Ubud’s grand piazza, the historic heart of town. Under the starry …
Category: Free Events • Music & Performances
Speaker: Edel Rodriguez • Kerta Art • L8ching • Abinaya Ghina Jamela • Willy Fahmy Agiska • Private: Napak Tuju •
We invite you to explore a 24-year occupation’s impact: the forced separation of Timorese children from their families by Indonesian military forces. Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR) has dedicated over …
Category: Free Events • Music & Performances
Speaker: Patrick Burgess •
Laut Bercerita or The Sea Speaks His Name is a short film adapted from Leila S. Chudori’s 2017 novel. The film follows Biru Laut, a student and activist in Jakarta, abducted …
Category: Film Program • Free Events
Speaker: Leila S. Chudori • Pritagita Arianegara • Gita Fara • John H. McGlynn •
Join our special after-hours readings featuring the stories and poetry of talented young Indonesian writers at KAWI UBUD, the village’s hippest, mood-lit bar. Enjoy refreshing highballs and cocktails made with …
Category: Special Events
Speaker: Rain Chudori • Virginia Helzainka • Bagus Ari Saputra • Elghandiva Astrilia • Eko Saputra Poceratu • Nuril Basri • Ibe S. Palogai •
Enter the world of storytelling with our dazzline line-up of literary luminaries: Bernadine Everisto, Kate Pullinger, Pip Williams, Louise Doughty, Intan Paramaditha, Vamba Sherif and Norman Pasaribu. Embark on a …
Category: Special Events
Speaker: Vamba Sherif • Bernardine Evaristo • Louise Doughty • Intan Paramaditha • Pip Williams • Norman Erikson Pasaribu • Kate Pullinger • Christine Gordon •
Reprising a successful activity from the 2018 Festival, The Jakarta Post’s Maggie Tiojakin will lead this relaxed and reflective writing exercise called ‘Dear You.’ The aim is to deliver a …
Category: Free Events • Masterclasses
Speaker: Maggie Tiojakin •
Let The Masculinities Burn (Indonesia Is The Light At The End Of The Tunnel) is a program created by Fransiska Prihadi and Andrés Suarez. Its goal is to introduce the …
Category: Film Program • Free Events
Speaker:
Felix K. Nesi’s heartfelt documentary Sailum: Song Of The Rustling Leaves is a tribute to Indonesia’s indigenous agrarian culture, intricately woven with centuries-old religious devotion. Amid the backdrop of the …
Category: Film Program • Free Events
Speaker: Felix K. Nesi • Moses Parlindungan Ompusunggu •
Join us for a musical journey bridging past and present through storytelling. We showcase songwriters as agents of social change. Patrick Burgess, a former musician turned human rights advocate, infuses …
Category: Free Events • Music & Performances
Speaker: Patrick Burgess • Joviana Guterres •
Join us as we delve into the world of Jung Jung Te-Jung, a name derived from the sounds of drums in a fresh Balinese dance composition. Witness the evolution from …
Category: Free Events • Music & Performances
Speaker: Agus Wiratama •
Discover Bali’s incredible history with Ubud Story Walks, a renowned organizer of historical walking tours designed for curious travelers. Immerse yourself in Ubud’s rich heritage as certified Balinese guides lead …
Category: Art & Cultural Program
Speaker:
Formidable Indian environmentalist Vandana Shiva will discuss her five-decade-long fight for environmental justice in India. Highly regarded, Shiva has worked tirelessly to save forests, shut down polluting mines, exposed the …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Farwiza Farhan • Vandana Shiva •
The challenge of writers creating characters beyond their personal lived experiences is complex, demanding understanding and research to steer clear of stereotypes and misrepresentations. Balancing cultural preservation with creative freedom …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Geraldine Brooks • Bernardine Evaristo • Eka Kurniawan • Louise Doughty •
Join us for a fascinating discussion on the potency of Political Art, featuring acclaimed artists Edel Rodriguez and Goenawan Mohamad. In an insightful dialogue, these two pioneering artists will delve …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Edwin Jurriëns • Edel Rodriguez • Goenawan Mohamad •
Join literary sensation André Dao as he guides you through the captivating realm of autofiction. In this exclusive workshop, Dao will reveal the secrets of crafting compelling and authentic stories …
Category: Masterclasses
Speaker: André Dao •
Join us at Yoga Barn for a session of restorative yoga that gracefully combines poses and poetry. This harmonious fusion of fluid movement and expressive prose will synchronize breath and …
Category: Special Events
Speaker: Bex Tyrer • Illya Sumanto • Rain Chudori •
Writing and critical artistic practice can take the shape of feminist activism. Tika, an independent singer and songwriter with the band Tika and The Dissidents, composes music addressing women’s autonomy …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Grace Tame • Annika Blau • Tanaïs • Kathryn Heyman •
In essence, at the beating heart of Bali, a promise to nature is embedded through the philosophy of ‘Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali,’ signifying harmony between human life and nature. …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Wayan Juniarta •
An author, academic scholar, and former Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs in the Fourth Development Cabinet in 1998, Muhammad Quraish Shihab leads the Al-Qur’an Study Center. This non-profit organization aims …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Andreas Harsono • Muhammad Quraish Shihab •
With intricately woven leaves and a charming assortment of petals, you’ve likely admired the Balinese Hindu offerings adorning homes, streets, and temples. Now, uncover the reasons behind these rituals. Explore …
Category: Art & Cultural Program
Speaker:
Tracey Lien is the author of the debut novel All That’s Left Unsaid, which investigates the Vietnamese Australian enclave of Cabramatta in the 1990s and explores the emotional complexity of …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Tracey Lien • Rebecca Makkai • Megan Nolan • Sonia Nair • Jill Dawson •
This panel explores and celebrates queer differences with poets who speak from varied perspectives. When your sexuality and gender have been sidelined from mainstream history, writing can uncover and rebuild …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Chris Tse • Norman Erikson Pasaribu • Adolfo Aranjuez • Broede Carmody • Virginia Helzainka •
What is it like to be a writer of Southeast Asian heritage today, and what direction are we headed in? How can writers break into other markets? What is the …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Illya Sumanto • Faisal Oddang • Dewi Kharisma Michellia • Nuril Basri • Jesse Q. Sutanto •
Escape to the enchanting Banyan Tree resort, in Bali’s verdant highlands, for an intimate three-course lunch with the renowned cultural anthropologist and ethnobotanist, Wade Davis. Described as ‘a rare combination …
Category: Special Events
Speaker: Wade Davis • William Ingram •
In this writing workshop, we explore our deepest wounds to uncover stories that can touch, inspire, and transform. If we don’t embrace our unique journeys of healing, we may feel …
Category: Masterclasses
Speaker: Eva Fernandes •
Beneath the surface of being a renowned tourist hub and an extensively documented island, Bali conceals a trove of mysteries awaiting curious minds. Meet our speakers on an extraordinary quest …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Kadek Purnami • Made Adnyana Ole • Gde Aryantha Soethama • Putu Juli Sastrawan •
Ecofeminism, a powerful movement intertwining environmental and feminist ideologies, has made significant strides in shaping our understanding of the interconnectedness of gender, ecology, and social justice. Vandana Shiva, a prominent …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Vandana Shiva • Farwiza Farhan • Helena Gualinga • Amanda Katili Niode •
Khir Johari takes us on a gastronomic journey into the Malay archipelago with his ‘sweeping exploration of culinary traditions of the Malay peoples’. The Food of Singapore Malays stretches back …
Category: Special Events
Speaker: Saras Manickam • Khir Johari • Daryl Qilin Yam •
Geetanjali Shree, an eminent Indian author and Hindi language novelist, reflects on her literary journey. Winner of the International Booker Prize for her recently translated Tomb of Sand, she has …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Gill Westaway • Geetanjali Shree •
This book is about the collaboration and lessons learned from two organizations: Torajamelo, a sustainable lifestyle social enterprise that aims to address the issue of outward migration from rural communities …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Dinny Jusuf • Nani Zulminarni • Kadek Sonia Piscayanti •
Felia Salim’s fastidious and witty book, Notes From A Scrapbook, compiles some of her most thought-provoking insights from a long career oscillating between banking and community- building activism. It is …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Felia Salim •
Gula Gulali is a magical girl with the delightful power of turning things around her into cakes and sweets! However, she lives in the non-magical realm of Terra, where her …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Jessica Leman and Johanes Park • Ilda Karwayu •
Join us for a topical conversation on the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as renowned AI expert Toby Walsh engages in an in-depth discussion with Antony Loewenstein. In an era …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Antony Loewenstein • Toby Walsh •
Todung Mulya Lubis, one of Indonesia’s leading human rights lawyers and diplomats, shares stories about his influential career, the cases he has represented, his courageous stand in human rights, and …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Todung Mulya Lubis • Bagus Ari Saputra •
Pip Williams delves into her latest book, The Bookbinder of Jericho, and her inspiring writing journey with Susan Wyndham. Williams explores themes of love, history, and family connections, weaving a …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Pip Williams • Susan Wyndham •
Grace Tame, a prominent Australian advocate for survivors of sexual assault, has captivated audiences with her impactful and contemplative speeches. As the 2021 Australian of the Year, Tame leverages her …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Grace Tame • Michael Williams •
With a focus on reclaiming the stories of women in history and reimagining the heroines of legend, fairytale and mythology in ways that are both resonant and startlingly new, The …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Sarah Nicholson • Olin Monteiro •
Shortly after he turned 33, Segara Alam started revisiting his journey from childhood to adulthood. All events were imprinted vividly in his mind. Thanks to his photographic memory, Alam remembered …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Leila S. Chudori • Patricia Wulandari •
Let’s play with words and weave them into poetry. Join Indonesian poet Theoresia Rumthe as we experiment with objects in nature during this enjoyable activity. Please note that this workshop …
Category: Free Events • Masterclasses
Speaker: Theoresia Rumthe •
Have you ever considered the potential of your prints beyond their visual appeal? Join Devy Ferdianto, a print master and artist with over 30 years of experience in printmaking, contributing …
Category: Art & Cultural Program
Speaker: Devy Ferdianto •
Poetry is the art of portraying human experiences. Hollie McNish’s latest work, Slug, has been described as a ‘taboo-busting delight,’ blending poetry, prose, and short stories that delve into the …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Jenny Niven • Susie Anderson • Hollie McNish • Broede Carmody •
Delve into the intriguing marriage of technology and culture, focusing on how blockchain, including NFTs and VR, can safeguard our shared cultural heritage. Leading the charge is Quantum Temple, a …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Bagus Ari Saputra • Marlowe Bandem • Linda Adami •
Historical fiction is a complex endeavor, requiring a skillful balance between facts and imagination, reality and memory. Anna Funder specializes in writing unconventional accounts of European history. George Quinn blends …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Rosemarie Milsom • Andre Syahreza • George Quinn • Anna Funder • Jill Dawson •
At a time when Australia turned its back on Asia and White Australia buried its origins, a curious girl refused to accept the stuffy options on offer and reached out …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Fabia Claridge •
This is a story about Heart, a rather gentle one. This is a story about the people who inhabit this heart. from a distance, you’ll see a healthy functioning heart, …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Lizzie Chan • Sidhi Vhisatya •
Cerita Putu introduces a young Balinese boy who shares his world with his young brother. Delightfully illustrated by Sumie Isashi, this bilingual book shows daily life in a small village. …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Mandy Fessenden Brauer • Putu Putik Padi •
Art forms converge as Poetry meets Jazz on the terrace of Ubud’s Latino bar, Cantina Rooftop. Hosted by Vamba Sherrif, Chris Tse, Joanna Yang, Ghayath Almadhoun, and Fred Leone will …
Category: Special Events
Speaker: Vamba Sherif • Chris Tse • Joanna Yang • Ghayath Almadhoun • Fred Leone •
This book describes the struggle of publishing Playboy magazine in Indonesia which received a lot of rejection and resistance from the public as it was considered a pornographic magazine. However, …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Erwin Arnada • Sebastian Partogi •
The inimitable Leigh Sales and Annabel Crabb present a truly unique opportunity to join their famous live podcast. With delightful discussions ranging from food to music and literature, Sales and …
Category: Special Events
Speaker: Leigh Sales • Annabel Crabb •
Did you know there is a Bamboo School in the heart of Bali’s Jungle? Our Green Change team follows Sandra and her family on their quest to go ‘green’ as …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Sandra Radice • Ravinjay Kuckreja •
Meet Intan Paramaditha, Dee Lestari, and Lala Bohang, three Indonesian literary powerhouses. With powerful prose, Dee Lestari resonates with millions, Intan Paramaditha fearlessly challenges norms, and Lala Bohang’s visionary art …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 21 Oct
Speaker: Dee Lestari • Intan Paramaditha • Lala Bohang • Kadek Sonia Piscayanti •
Join us in honoring Ikranagara, the distinguished Indonesian actor, playwright, and writer, born in the village of Negara in West Bali, where a Muslim community thrives. Celebrate his remarkable contributions …
Category: Free Events • Music & Performances
Speaker: Innosanto Nagara • Riri Riza •
Be a part of the annual Poetry Slam, one of the Festival’s most electrifying events. From global poets to local sensations, who will captivate the crowd? In this event, we …
Category: Free Events • Music & Performances
Speaker: Fred Leone • Virginia Helzainka • Ida Bagus Aditya Putra Pidada • Kai Mata • Kamau Abayomi • Eko Saputra Poceratu • Ilda Karwayu • Adolfo Aranjuez •
Degayu: Against the Shore is a documentary that depicts coastal flooding triggered by the climate crisis in the village of Degayu in Pekalongan, Central Java. It chronicles the emotional journey …
Category: Film Program • Free Events
Speaker: Hanna Astaranti • Ahsania Aghnetta • Shri Yogi Lestari •
Experience Rapijali live on stage! Dive into the enchanting trilogy of Mencari, Menjadi, and Kembali from Dee Lestari’s latest novel. After 27 years, Dee breathes life into her beloved tale …
Category: Free Events • Music & Performances
Speaker: Dee Lestari •
There are growing concerns about the resurgence of autocracy and authoritarianism, often disguised as populist politics. Ultra-nationalist, racist, and xenophobic forces are eroding democratic pluralism and tolerance in many parts …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Janet Steele • Michael Vatikiotis • Andreas Harsono • Antony Loewenstein •
Geraldine Brooks, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, discusses her recent novel Horse, a multi-layered historical-fiction set during the American Civil War, with Leigh Sales. Based on a real-life racehorse named Lexington, one …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Leigh Sales • Geraldine Brooks •
Learn the fundamental techniques of mixed-media collage, which entail blending images, printed materials, and even found objects. Throughout this session, participants will craft captivating collages, offering a distinct artistic perspective. …
Category: Art & Cultural Program
Speaker: Luh’De Gita •
Learn how to cultivate a creative and innovative environment where attendees can explore the potential of AI as a tool to enhance their storytelling capabilities. This workshop will provide a …
Category: Masterclasses
Speaker: Graeme Stevens •
Embarking on a profound exploration of childhood and delving into modern creations that engage the minds of children and teenagers, these authors and artists sincerely appreciate their young audience. As …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Innosanto Nagara • Claudia Bellante • Anita Heiss • Julia Winterflood • Molly Oldfield •
André Dao’s storytelling takes readers on a generational journey, immersing them in the rich tapestry of characters’ ancestry. Geetanjali Shree blends lyrical language with raw emotions, delving into the delicate …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Geetanjali Shree • André Dao • Gill Westaway •
Decolonization aims to challenge existing norms by emphasizing place, Indigenous knowledge, and humane principles. How can we foster open-mindedness among conservatives and encourage them to explore how Indigenous traditions and …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Marcia Langton AO • Aaron Corn • Todung Mulya Lubis •
Join the session as Khir Johari explores the essence of Malay cuisine in Singapore, where it transcends mere sustenance to become a cultural practice intricately tied to identity. Meanwhile, Ros …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Sonia Nair • Ros Rotanak • Khir Johari •
Regarded as ‘a poet leading a generational and cultural shift,’ Chris Tse explores how individuals shape their identities and histories across contexts, with a focus on identity, his Chinese heritage, …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Annika Blau • Debra Dank • Daryl Qilin Yam • Chris Tse •
Else Fitzgerald, Kevin Jared Hosein, and Norman Erikson Pasaribu, three voices, come together to discuss the art of writing short stories. Our writers will delve into the intricacies of crafting …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Veronica Sullivan • Else Fitzgerald • Kevin Jared Hosein • Norman Erikson Pasaribu •
Dance speaks to the bodily experience as it elicits emotions that cannot be expressed verbally or intellectualized. It has a diaphanous untouchability, reminding us that our memories live on beyond …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Adolfo Aranjuez • Abdi Karya • Elghandiva Astrilia • Wayan Sumahardika •
Join Booker Prize-winning author Shehan Karunatilaka in a lively discussion with Intan Paramaditha about his acclaimed novel, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida. Described as ‘a searing, mordantly funny satire …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Shehan Karunatilaka • Intan Paramaditha •
“Clumsily spilling out sentiment here, there, and everywhere … I would tell my friends I loved them constantly.” Michael Pederson’s latest book, Boy Friends, is a tribute to his late …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Michael Pedersen • Nuril Basri • Miles Merrill • Vamba Sherif •
This book summarizes the stories of Indonesian women, full of innovation and creativity, which have influenced the nation’s civilization, woven by Sukmawati Sukarno, Indonesian artist, poet, womanpreneur, and politician, who …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Sukmawati Sukarno • Wulan Dewi Saraswati •
Step into the vibrant world of Indonesian art. With over 30 years of art experience, Devy Ferdianto, a masterful print artist; Edwin Jurriëns, an expert in contemporary art and media …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Edwin Jurriëns • Lala Bohang • Devy Ferdianto • Bagus Ari Saputra •
Unveil the secrets of the written word and explore the captivating realm of creative writing with our panel of literary experts. From perfecting plot twists to infusing life into unforgettable …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Tracey Lien • Kathryn Heyman • Dee Lestari • David Sly •
Michael Vatikiotis and Antony Loewenstein address questions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The surge of ultra-nationalism in Israel risks undermining prospects for a two-state solution, as clashes between Israelis and Palestinians …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Kirsti Melville • Antony Loewenstein • Michael Vatikiotis •
Join us for a captivating conversation with Michael Pederson, an award-winning Scottish poet and author. As we delve into his latest literary triumph, we will explore the fascinating world he …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Michael Pedersen • Michael Williams •
Saras Manickam is a Malaysian author of short stories who addresses challenging conventions about race, identity, discrimination, and communal relations in her work. Susie Anderson explores the ways in which …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Susie Anderson • Kadek Sonia Piscayanti • Saras Manickam •
For 46 years, Goenawan Mohamad, a renowned wordsmith, poet, playwright, and visual artist, entertained readers with 2,207 thought-provoking articles Catatan Pinggir in Tempo, leaving an indelible mark on Indonesian journalism. …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Goenawan Mohamad • Pamela Allen •
Mala is a young, six-year-old girl who gets obsessed with encyclopedias. She exclusively reads encyclopedias and likes to spend her spare time sorting out the books in order of their …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Ruwi Meita •
Fire and Rain features new original work from 22 Australian poets, writers and artists, as well as a collaborative association with Red Room Poetry and Fair Trade to feature work …
Category: Book Launches • Free Events
Speaker: Sally Breen • Yuyutsu Ram Dass Sharma • Jennifer Mackenzie • Gay Lynch • Indyana Horobin • Dan Disney • Mags Webster •
Artificial Intelligence has made profound advancements in recent years, becoming a ubiquitous presence in our daily lives. What novel dimensions does machine learning introduce to our world? What will the …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Toby Walsh • Kate Pullinger • Ismail Fahmi •
Great stories often have their roots in real-world events and conditions. Capturing these real-world elements requires research. Learn the most effective way to conduct research for your next novel or …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Louise Doughty • Jesse Q. Sutanto • Megan Nolan • Sung-Il Kim •
As the sun sets on the 20th Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, join Founder and Director Janet DeNeefe and some old Festival friends—Toni Pollard, Kadek Purnami, and Festival Manager Dwi …
Category: Main Program • Main Program 22 Oct
Speaker: Janet DeNeefe • Kadek Purnami • Toni Pollard • Dwi Ermayanthi •
Love Is Not Enough, an Indonesian film directed by Rangga Azof and starring Givina & Antonio M Blanco Jr., follows Arunika’s journey as she leaves Jakarta, disheartened by life and …
Category: Film Program • Free Events
Speaker: Private: Antonio Maria Blanco Junior •
The Festival’s closing night guarantees a festive celebration brimming with music, dance, and heartfelt appreciation. Spanning from Bali to Papua, these performances eloquently reflect the Festival’s rich diversity. Come join …
Category: Free Events • Music & Performances
Speaker: Fred Leone • White Swan • Private: Krumpers •
Sister festival:
