Art & Literature
Festival

ALF 2024 - The Art & Literature Festival is evolving into a global celebration of diverse diasporic voices. Organized by ALA - Art Lovers of America, this year’s edition upscales the festival to embrace multiple diasporas under the theme "𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑩𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔."

With the initiative "ALA Mapping Diasporic Experiences Through Art & Literature," ALF 2024 will feature renowned speakers such as Balachandran Chullikkad, Sunil P Elayidom, Shobha Tharoor, Prof. Gabeba Baderoon, Vijay Balan, Zara Chowdhary, and many more, with additional guests to be announced as the event date approaches.

We are also thrilled to have Sabin Iqbal as our Festival Curator, with Nirmala Govindarajan joining him as the Curatorial Lead

Additionally, we are excited to present a drama directed by Pramod Payyannur, based on a story by the renowned writer Vaikom Mohammed Basheer.

Join us this November in New Jersey and Seattle to celebrate these incredible artists, authors, and performers as we weave Malayalam into the World’s Literary Fabric.

New Jersey

16, Nov
Seattle

23, Nov

Speakers-2024

Balachandran Chullikkad

is a renowned Malayalam poet, lyricist, and actor, Balachandran Chullikkad is one of the most influential voices in contemporary Indian literature. His evocative poetry, often blending themes of existentialism and personal reflection, has captivated readers for decades. Chullikkad’s works, such as Amavasi and Ghazal, continue to inspire new generations of poets and literary enthusiasts. He is also widely known for his contributions to Malayalam cinema, making him a versatile and impactful figure in the world of art and culture.

Gabeba Baderoon

is an award-winning South African poet and scholar, and Associate Professor of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, African Studies, and Comparative Literature. Known for her collections The Dream in the Next Body, A Hundred Silences, and The History of Intimacy, she has received prestigious honors including the DaimlerChrysler Award for South African Poetry and the Elisabeth Eybers Poetry Prize. Baderoon’s work delves into themes of memory, belonging, and identity.

Sunil P Elayidom

is renowned academic, author, critic, and public intellectual, Sunil P. Elayidom is known for his profound insights into literature, culture, and politics. A respected voice in contemporary discourse, his contributions continue to shape the intellectual landscape of Kerala and beyond.

Aminatta Forna

is an award-winning author of novels such as Happiness, The Memory of Love, and The Devil that Danced on the Water. She has received the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize Best Book Award and has been a finalist for the Women’s Prize for Fiction and the Neustadt Prize for Literature. In 2003, she founded the Rogbonko Project in Sierra Leone to build a school and improve adult education, sanitation, and maternal health in the village.

Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan

is a celebrated author, voiceover artist, and former non-profit professional. Her literary works, ranging from children’s books to poetry, have earned widespread acclaim, including the award-winning Indi-Alphabet(Mango and Marigold) and Prince with a Paintbrush.

Manreet Sodhi Someshwar

is a critically acclaimed author and storyteller, celebrated for her powerful narratives and in-depth exploration of history and culture. She is the author of the award-winning Partition series, including The Radiance of a Thousand Suns and The Long Walk Home, which delve into the emotional and historical impacts of India's Partition. Manreet’s work has been lauded for its vivid storytelling and compelling characters, making her one of the leading voices in contemporary Indian literature.

Nirmala Govindarajan

is primarily a writer, intuitively a poet, formally a journalist, and temperamentally an author, Nirmala is also a social-sector documentarian and facilitator of literary events, discussions, theater, and writing workshops.

Vijay Balan

is a storyteller and historian who transitioned from a career in rocket science and marketing to pursue his passion for history. His acclaimed book, The Swaraj Spy, is the result of six years of dedicated research and travel, bringing to life the true story of the secret espionage wing of the Indian National Army (INA) during World War II.

Dr. Pramod Payyannur

is an accomplished author, playwright, and director known for his exceptional contributions to Malayalam literature and theater. With a career spanning decades, his works reflect a deep connection to Kerala’s cultural roots and a passion for storytelling.

Zara chowdhary

is an acclaimed writer and translator known for her dedication to bringing South Asian literature to a global audience. Her work bridges cultural and linguistic gaps, introducing readers to powerful stories from the subcontinent.

Kamini Dandapani

is a versatile artist and writer with deep roots in both Carnatic and Western classical music, as well as Bharatanatyam dance. Originally from Madras, she now calls New York home. Kamini has taught at Barnard College of Columbia University and the International Vocal Arts Workshop in Croatia. Beyond her performing arts expertise, she has written extensively on South Indian history, arts, and culture through her blog, Tales of South India. Her debut book, Rajaraja Chola: King of Kings, was published by Aleph Book Company, and she is now crafting a comprehensive history of southern India.

Vinod Narayan

Is widely known by his pen name Ballatha Pahayan, is a writer, speaker, and social commentator whose works blend humor, social insight, and a unique, often satirical perspective on life. Based in California, he is a prominent figure in the Malayalam literary and social media circles, where his writings and vlogs explore themes of identity, society, and cultural dynamics. Vinod's distinctive voice and relatable storytelling have earned him a loyal following among Malayali audiences worldwide, making him a sought-after presence at literary events and cultural discussions.

Drama

ALA THEATRE Proudly Presents

വിശ്വവിഖ്യാത സാഹിത്യകാരൻ വൈക്കം മുഹമ്മദ് ബഷീറിന്റെ
കഥാ പ്രപഞ്ചത്തിലൂടെ ഒരു ദൃശ്യയാത്ര.

New Jersey

NOV 2024

16

Seattle

23

NOV 2024

Theatre Text & Direction

DR. PRAMOD PAYYANUR
(Theatre-Film Director & Script Writer)

Stay Tuned for the Title Reveal

Drama

ALA THEATRE Proudly Presents

വിശ്വവിഖ്യാത സാഹിത്യകാരൻ വൈക്കം മുഹമ്മദ് ബഷീറിന്റെ കഥാ പ്രപഞ്ചത്തിലൂടെ ഒരു ദൃശ്യയാത്ര.

New Jersey

16

NOV 2024

Seattle

23

NOV 2024

Theatre Text & Direction

DR. PRAMOD PAYYANNUR
(Theatre-Film Director & Script Writer)

Drama Sponsor

Beyond Walls

Event Schedule

New Jersey

16, Nov 2024
Seattle

23, Nov 2024

11/23/2024

Venue: Snohomish County PUD, 2320 California St , Everett, WA - 98201

Inauguration Ceremony Opening remarks, keynote speech, and ribbon-cutting.
09:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Literature Sessions

Session-01

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

Vijay Balan unravels his historical novel - The Swaraj Spy

Vijay Balan

Session-02

10:50 AM – 11:35 AM

Matrix of Memory & Identity

Aminatta Forna

Session-03

11:40 AM – 12:25 PM

How can stories heal inner wounds?

Nirmala Govindarajan

12:25 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch Break - Networking and casual discussions.

Session-04

01:00 PM – 1:45 PM