THE George Town Literary Festival (GTLF) 2024 is now underway and will run until Dec 1, inviting literary enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a celebration of words and ideas.
This year, GTLF is organised by the Penang Institute, which last managed the festival in 2015, taking over from the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).
Themed ‘Word on the Street’, the festival embraces Penang’s streets as a backdrop, each with its own unique significance. GTLF 2024 will span several notable locations, including Bangunan UAB, WOU, ChinaHouse and Hin Bus Depot.
The festival features 47 writers from 12 countries, with a programme comprising 12 panel sessions, 9 book launches, 3 lecture sessions, and more.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the opening ceremony at the UAB Building in George Town today, described GTLF 2024 as a vibrant exchange of ideas enriching Penang’s cultural landscape.
“As we gather yet again in the heart of Penang’s Unesco World Heritage site, we are reminded of how literature continues to act as a bridge between cultures, sparking discourses and creating a better understanding of ourselves and those around us.
“For me, literature is something very important, and we need to advocate for it further. Hence, GTLF 2024 coincides with this call seamlessly,” said Chow in his speech.
Chow added since the Penang government decided to kick off the GTLF 14 years ago, it has gained international acclaim.
“In essence, it began as a public start-up, supported by public funds, with the hope that it would eventually evolve into a self-sustaining model.
“I am proud to see that today GTLF has grown into a hub for intellectual and creative energy, attracting writers, poets, artists and publishers from all over the world.
“The festival has indeed evolved into a vibrant model that is connected to street-level stakeholders.”
Chow praised Penang Institute for incorporating GTLF into its mission of public engagement and lifelong learning.
Also present during the opening ceremony were Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, who is also the Bukit Mertajam MP, Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong, state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari and state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
Penang Institute executive director Datuk Dr Ooi Kee Beng expressed pride in helming GTLF this year and in the years to come.
“We aim to focus on language as a phenomenon, nurturing interest among younger generations in communication, self-reflection, and global awareness, aligning with our nation-building objectives,” he said.
Penang-born Tan Twan Eng, a renowned writer, said it was incredible to see how GTLF has grown into one of the best festivals in the world, being one of the five writers in the inaugural GTLF 14 years ago.
He said all the attendees shared one great love – stories. “We’re creatures of stories. We’re enthralled,” Tan said, highlighting how storytelling has always taught lessons and fostered unity within communities.
“The invention of writing, paper and printing press could be said to have been driven by power and love for stories. In turn, these inventions helped spread stories more widely around the world, pouring more fuel for the love of stories,” he added.
“Perhaps the greatest story of all is the story of humanity. I think one of the most important reasons is that stories help to hold society together.”
He said studies have shown that fascination with conflict in stories is universal, transcending cultures. While monuments may crumble, only words, not wars, can create lasting memorials for the dead.
“There is only one way to live forever – through stories.
“From the moment I learned to read, Penang has been more than a geographical reality to me. This island is made up of our stories, stories we have been told, which we, in turn, passed on to others.”
He concluded poignantly: “When strangers share meals, they fill their bellies. When they share stories, they warm their hearts.”
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat