The excitement is building as we count down to the full program release in under two weeks! We recently caught up with Hannah Curtis, our Head of International Programming, to dive into what makes the festival truly special, the behind-the-scenes process of curating our stellar lineup, and the unforgettable and transformative experiences that await you in Ubud.

In your experience, what sets the Festival apart from other literary events around the world?

The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival stands apart from other literary events in many ways. First and foremost, it’s the intimate setting of Ubud itself – a tranquil haven nestled in the heart of Bali, enveloped in lush landscapes and vibrant culture. This backdrop not only inspires creativity but also fosters a sense of community among attendees, authors, and speakers. What truly differentiates the Ubud Writers Festival is its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The event showcases a multitude of voices from various backgrounds, cultures, and genres, resulting in rich discussions that address global issues and celebrate storytelling in all its forms. We also cover a lot of programming on human rights, conflicts, climate change, over consumption, sustainability and other pressing issues the world is facing, inviting attendees to not only observe but also participate in critical dialogues, making the written word a catalyst for change. At its core the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is a transformative experience that marries the beauty of its environment with a rich tapestry of voices and ideas, creating a sense of shared purpose that resonates long after the final session concludes.

As an avid reader and a program manager, you must read a lot of books! What are your favourite titles of 2024 so far, and which books are currently on your bedside table?

I love so many, The Coast Road by Allen Murrin, because it’s so heartbreaking and exquisitely nuanced character development in its examination of small-town life. Aube Rey Lescure River East, River West’s prose is vivid, engaging, insightful, and deeply moving. 36 Ways of Writing a Vietnamese Poem: a collection of poems by Nam Li is one of the best books I have ever read, and it made me think of how ‘writing’ and ‘fiction’ is ‘the body’ but ‘poetry’ is the soul. Hernan Diaz’s Trust is genius and my favourite part is how it interrogates the truth revealing it to be a multi-layered experience.

This year's theme is 'Satyam Vada Dharmam Chara: Speak the Truth, Practice Kindness'. How did you approach selecting authors and programs that align with this theme?

When choosing authors and programs that reflect the theme 'Satyam Vada Dharmam Chara: Speak the Truth, Practice Kindness,' I focused on a few key ideas to make sure we really capture these values. First, I looked for bold works that dive into truthfulness, including literature, essays, and poetry that stress the importance of honesty and empathy in our lives. Recognizing that kindness thrives in community settings, I included authors and programs that promote community-building through shared experiences. We explored insights from various fields—like philosophy, psychology, and social activism—to show how we can weave truth and kindness into our everyday lives. Overall, our goal was to create an experience that celebrates these themes while encouraging meaningful dialogue and action in our communities.

What can people look forward to at the festival this year? Any exciting highlights?

I love the special events. Think of a magical evening of stargazing with poets spinning a constellation of words over the backdrop of the night sky, or learning about the local principles of the Balinese through a tour of a local fireflies conservation. The other thing I love about the festival is that you will be mingling with the authors and speakers, we all tend to bump into each other and chat. We have a lot of debut authors who are taking the world by storm this year and I will be so proud to see them speak on their new novels.

“UWRF is a transformative experience that marries the beauty of its environment with a rich tapestry of voices and ideas.” —Hannah Curtis

Do you have any tips for people attending the Ubud festival for the first time?

Get ready for the time of your life, Ubud writers Festival is a whirlwind of literature, culture, film, poetry and so much more.

Lastly, what would you like people to take away from this year’s festival?

A sense of connection and wonder.

More insights on what you can look forward to at the festival this year are coming up soon. With the full program release just around the corner, now is your last chance to secure your early bird tickets at ubudwritersfestival.com/tickets. Join us and be part of a literary festival that is literally magical!