2023 Crater Literary Festival: Exploring "Identity, Nostalgia, and Realism: Narratives from the Homeland

The 2023 Crater Literary Festival is set to captivate literary enthusiasts and culture aficionados as it returns for its seventh edition, celebrating the power of literature, storytelling, and the profound impact of words. This year, CraterLitFest embarks on a captivating voyage into the core of the human experience with its theme, "Identity, Nostalgia, and Realism: Narratives from the Homeland."

In a world defined by ceaseless transformation, blurred boundaries, and an interconnected global society, the quest to comprehend our own identities has never been more relevant. Our collective histories, personal narratives, and cultural origins intricately entwine to shape our identities, transcending geographical confines and spanning generations.

Scheduled to take place over four enriching days in Enugu, from December 15th -18th 2023, the festival will kick off on the 15th with a Creative Huddle for Enugu Creatives and a touching book reading paying homage to the iconic author, Ifeoma Okoye, followed by an engaging book chat with the brilliant Sophie Bouillon, author of 'Manuwa Street,' and captivating film screenings.

On December 16th, brace yourself for thought-provoking online discussions led by Dr. Raphael James of CRIMMD Museum and the insightful Ojiugo Uche of Genti Media. Dive into online book reading sessions with the dynamic authors, Chimaobi Ahuekwe and Ugoo Okogeri! And don’t miss the explosive panel discussion featuring the trailblazing team from FourSeven Studio.

In partnership with ColorCity, prepare for an explosion of creativity at the ColorCity Art Festival on December 17th! And that’s not all—grab the opportunity to join our FREE Screenplay/Scriptwriting class, hosted in collaboration with Digital Dreams Hub, Enugu, on December 18th, 2023.

The 2023 Crater Literary Festival places a special emphasis on the concept of the "homeland" as the epicenter of this literary exploration. Beyond being a mere geographical location, the homeland serves as a reservoir of cherished memories, a crucible of life's experiences, and a wellspring of profound emotions. It is within our homelands that we begin to unravel the threads of our own stories and discover the essence of who we are.

Identity, the central theme of this year's festival, is a multifaceted interplay of factors encompassing culture, language, traditions, and the communities we belong to. As festival attendees delve into these diverse narratives, they will grapple with age-old questions that have captivated writers and thinkers throughout history. How does one define their identity amidst a rapidly changing world? What role does nostalgia play in shaping our perceptions of the past and the present? How do we reconcile the ideals of our homeland with its complex realities?

Nostalgia, that poignant and bittersweet emotion, takes center stage as we explore the deep-seated connections to our roots. Through discussions and literary works, the festival seeks to unravel the emotional reservoirs that tie us to our past, shedding light on how our history informs our present and influences our future.

However, it is not just tales of nostalgia that will be explored at the festival; they will be anchored in the realism of our homelands. Realism in literature provides a powerful lens to scrutinize the intricate complexities and challenges of our societies. Through the medium of storytelling, festival attendees will confront pressing issues of our time, contributing to meaningful dialogues and potential change.

Over the course of this remarkable festival, attendees will have the privilege of hearing from an array of distinguished authors, panelists, and storytellers, each offering a unique perspective on this year's theme. Through their books, poetry, and discussions, participants will traverse the intersections of identity, nostalgia, and realism, gaining new insights and perspectives along the way.

CraterLitFest reminds us that literature has the exceptional power to transport us to different worlds, provoke deep thought, and ignite our imaginations. It serves as a poignant reminder that, no matter how far we journey, our homeland remains an intrinsic part of our very being.

With great anticipation, we invite you to join us as the 2023 Crater Literary Festival unfolds. Let us collectively immerse ourselves in the enchanting narratives awaiting us and embark on a journey of self-discovery and understanding that promises to be both enlightening and inspiring.

For more information and updates, please contact us at litfest@thecraterlibrary.com or call 2349015900571.

To Attend #CraterLitFest23, Register HERE