Fill 2018: Festival of Italian Literature in London

Last year, an independent literary festival conceived in London by a group of Italians sold out all seats and gathered some 1,500 people. This year, the Festival of Italian Literature in London (FILL) is back at the Coronet in Notting Hill on 27-28 October with an even stronger and timely programme, bringing prominent Italian, British, and international authors together in a treasured Victorian theatre.

Two days, 15 events, 40+ speakers and performers, an impressive line-up of award-winning voices and new exciting authors discussing literature and politics, migration, translation, contemporary culture.

The programme includes Strega Prize winner Walter Siti in conversation with authors Ali Smith and Olivia Laing, Strega Prize winner Nicola Lagioia, Prix Goncourt winner Mathias Énard, Italian Somali author Igiaba Scego, Lorenzo Pezzani from cutting-edge research agency Forensic Oceanography, Premio Campiello winner Michela Murgia in conversation with Booker Prize winner Ben Okri on “Postcards from reality”. A panel discussion on “The politics of translation”, “London as a second language”, and the threat of nationalism in Italy and Europe. Plus a poetry performance with foreign-born authors Haydn Gwynne reading from Elena Ferrante, and more.

FILL has a focus on how literature can relate to our troubled times and on cross-cultural debate. It is based on a strong community of volunteers and a network of partners, consultants and supporters – the Italian Cultural Institute is the main partner. FILL speaks to the entire community of Londoners, and all its sessions are in English or in Italian with English translation provided.

In the atmospheric bar area: DJ sets, Sicilian street food, and an Italian Bookshop’s stall.

Full programme: https://fill.org.uk/events/

Festival of Italian Literature in London
27-28 October 2018
Coronet Theatre, 103 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3LB.