The International Literature Festival of Berlin ( International Literaturfestival Berlin or abbreviated as “ilb”) is the largest literary event in the city. As a prelude to the Frankfurt Book Fair in October, this September event takes place over 10 days and features the best of contemporary poetry and prose from writers from around the world. The event is held under the patronage of the German Commission for UNESCO and is a respected event on the Berlin calendar.
Ilb attracts more than 30,000 children (there is a Program for Children and Young Adults) and adults. There are more than 300 events that include readings by featured authors. The writers read their original work in their mother tongue with actors who follow the reading with a German translation. A discussion follows many readings with translators who facilitate discussion between the audience and the author.
Program and Special Events
The event calendar is usefully classified by day, place, or section. The various texts are divided into five thematic sections:
- World literature: world-renowned authors from around the world
- Reflections: International writers and experts will discuss Eastern European political, social and cultural issues.
- International children’s and youth literature: the best in children’s and youth literature
- Speak, memory: German and international authors of the last decades are remembered in a combination of readings and talks
- Special
I love the word in the photo? Visit Graphic Novel Day, where emerging artists are recognized for their exemplary work.
Another must-see event is “New German Voices” night. The best and brightest young German-speaking talents are on display. You may see the next Günter Grass …
… or maybe you’re the next great author. The “Berlin reads” section invites anyone living in Berlin to read a prose or poetry of their choice. Each participant will receive a free ticket to the opening event of the festival. Register by sending an email to [email protected] .
Festival publications
If you can’t make it to the festival or want to hold on to greatness, there are three posts that capture the event.
Catalog : Overview of all participating authors, including photos, short biography and bibliography.
The Berlin Anthology : texts and poems chosen by guests of the international literature festival. Each is published in its original language with a German translation.
Scritture Giovani: a book containing the short stories of young writers on a shared theme.
If you are really in book retreat, read the list of English bookstores in Berlin.
Berlin International Literature Festival 2016
The 16th edition of the Berlin International Literature Festival will take place from 7 to 17 September 2016. The festival is based at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele with various readings taking place around the city in around 60 venues. .
- Berliner Festspiele Address : Schaperstraße 24, 10719 Berlin
- Festival website : www.literaturfestival.com
- Subway : U Spichernstr., U Uhlandstr; Friedrich-Hollaender-Platz Lietzenburger Str./Uhlandstr.
- Tickets : available by email at [email protected] or by phone at 0049 (030) 278786-66 / -70 from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
