Cape Town Open Book Festival 'important hub of inspiration, creativity, and connectivity'

Scores of bibliophiles, authors, journalists and thought leaders gathered for the Cape Town Open Book Festival, which concluded on Sunday, after its three-day festival brought many together for an array of discussions.

The Open Book Team, Mervyn Sloman, Dela Gwala and Frankie Murrey, said that it has been difficult for them to believe they could pull together the festival after facing funding challenges.

“It's difficult to believe we're here, especially considering we launched a crowdfunding campaign in mid-July to ensure this edition of the festival could go ahead. We weren't sure it would work, but the support we received was just incredible.

“So let's start with the biggest thank you to everyone - whether you donated, shared, or suggested possible solutions. Your generosity brought the team to tears multiple times every day.

“The crisis isn't over, but we have the luxury of time to get everything in place to ensure Open Book stays open,” they said.

“Apart from understanding that the government is not coming to the party. The crucial nature of the space Open Book brings to life has been reinforced. We have to reimagine what we do to ensure we all have a home to come back to each September.

“In a world that has felt unrelenting, working on the programme this year has been a privilege, and has been something we have been able to draw strength from,” they said.

They explained that with the world growing fraught, it is important as “a community to have all the conversations that are so necessary, but more than that, to hold pace, to find strength in each other, to support, to celebrate and to find moments of joy”.

The festival has included discussions with Caryn Dolley, Julian Jansen, Lester Kiewit, Antjie Krog, Siphokazi Jonas, Kopano Maroga, Mohale Mashigo, Manila von Teez, Yaaseen Barnes, Zulaikha Patel, Goretti Kyomuhendo and many others.

Acclaimed filmmaker, Gabe Gabriel, was part of a panel discussion on “Queer Celebrations” and said that Open Book Festival is “such an important hub of inspiration, creativity, and connectivity — a space where radical, necessary ideas can flourish; where our minds and hearts can expand”.

“As it comes to a close, I feel both inspired and desperate for more because supporting the Open Book Festival means supporting the future of South Africa.”

Award-winning comedian Yaaseen Barnes, along with his collaborator, fellow comic Callum Hitchcock, hosted their show “The Better Late Show” at the festival on Saturday night, where they had Dan Corder and Celine Tshika as guests.

“I love it, it's very important for the city and for the community (building), and for emerging artists, including the panels that also help guide us to a better society. “We need more spaces like this and more people to support it. Open Book Festival has a space for everyone. While it's a great space for discussions, it's also a fun space for nerds to hang out with other nerds,” Barnes said.

One of the attendees, Monique Mortlock-Malgas, said: "I love that the festival curates a space for not only like-minded bibliophiles and writers to gather and engage in intimate settings, but it is also relaxed enough for those simply seeking a different but fun cultural and literary experience without any pressure.

“The conversations always help broaden my views on topics I thought I knew quite a bit about already, and others - like the ‘Queer Celebrations’ discussion - help me understand how to be a better ally by simply sitting back, listening, and learning, which is an experience we don't often get to enjoy in this busy world.”

The City of Cape Town also announced the winners of its annual writing competition, which attracted over 200 entries, at the festival.

The theme for this year’s competition required writers to craft a short story around a mysterious box that they stumble upon while exploring their school or local library. The box is adorned with strange symbols, emitting a faint humming sound.

The creative prompt sparked a diverse array of captivating tales, ranging from magical discoveries to thrilling adventures. Participants were able to submit stories in English, Afrikaans or isiXhosa.

Mayco Member for Health, Councillor Francine Higham, said: “We are extremely proud of this year’s participants. Their stories and artwork were imaginative and beautifully written. This year, we introduced a new category for Best Artwork or Illustrations in recognition of the creativity and artistic talent shown by the learners.

“We were wonderfully surprised by the imaginative visuals that accompanied many of the stories, adding depth and vibrancy to their storytelling. This competition is just one of the many ways that the Community Services and Health Directorate is creating opportunities for our youth and supporting creativity and literacy,” said Higham.

The competition saw 40 libraries participating, with several libraries such as Tokai, Brackenfell, Southfield, Langa, and Mfuleni hosting writing workshops led by guests, including Nal’ibali and local authors.

A total of 68 schools took part in the competition, alongside 13 home-schooled learners who submitted their entries via their local libraries.

As part of their prize, the first-place winner will receive an exclusive Writing Masterclass with Dr Alicia English, and their winning story will be featured on the Nal’ibali website, giving them a platform to inspire other young readers and writers.

theolin.tembo@inl.co.za