Joyful Narrative & Coexisting Stories
This year’s festival embraces the joy of storytelling—not just in the tales themselves, but in the act of writing, in the discovery of self, and in the connection between writer and reader.
It honors the way identity is never singular, but a beautifully coexisting blend of culture, experience, and change. Just as an author’s past, present, and future live within their words, so too do stories speak to the many versions of ourselves—who we were, who we are, and who we might become.
Through this theme, we invite writers to craft narratives that deepen understanding, explore the rich layers within themselves, and celebrate the profound joy of creating and sharing stories that feel like home.
Joyful Narratives & Coexisting Stories
This year’s festival embraces the joy of storytelling—not just in the tales themselves, but in the act of writing, in the discovery of self, and in the connection between writer and reader.
It honors the way identity is never singular, but a beautifully coexisting blend of culture, experience, and change. Just as an author’s past, present, and future live within their words, so too do stories speak to the many versions of ourselves—who we were, who we are, and who we might become.
Through this theme, we invite writers to craft narratives that deepen understanding, explore the rich layers within themselves, and celebrate the profound joy of creating and sharing stories that feel like home.
Speakers
Speakers
Uzma Jalaluddin is a critically acclaimed and bestselling novelist, playwright, and teacher. She writes nuanced and entertaining stories about Muslims, South Asians, and Canadians and is the author of Detective Aunty, Much Ado About Nada, Three Holidays and a Wedding, Hana Khan Carries On, and Ayesha at Last, as well as her first play, The Rishta.
Abbas Mohamed is a writer, spoken word artist, and community leader with a keen desire to unlock and express the secrets of the heart. He is truly blessed to have an opportunity to share his artistry with the world in the form of his book, ‘An Opened Heart. This collection of poems chronicles the inner journey of witnessing and giving testimony.
