For the third edition of Exploring Stories, the ILFU will bring together exceptional writers and thinkers from around the world. Meet your favourite authors, discover new voices and find inspiration in their literary perspective of the world. And bring a bag to carry home all of the new books you find.

See an impression of previous editions of Exploring Stories here. (Text continues after the video).

Exploring Stories is a festival event that feels like a voyage of discovery through the rich and diverse programme in four auditoriums. The venues at TivoliVredenburg will feature conversations with authors, journalists and thinkers from every corner of the globe, as they share their stories and ideas about the world we live in today. Writers of fiction and non-fiction, journalists, politicians, poets and philosophers all come together to discuss contemporary issues and challenges, such as climate change, racism, feminism and the dangers posed by AI. But we will also investigate the underlying social factors that determine our lives: loneliness, friendship in an age of polarisation, and the question of how we deal with our own pride, power, impotence and jealousy. 

In carefully chosen pairs, the writers will discuss the hot topics of our time – and what they aim to say about them through their work. (English spoken, see this page for all duo's)

• Ali Smith, on her new novel Companion Piece

• Salman Rushdie (online), on his new novel Victory City

• Jeanette Winterson and Ewoud Kieft, on hope and the fear of AI

• Julie Myerson, on how parents can get stuck in life when their children do too

• David Van Reybrouck and Amitav Ghosh (online), on the relationship between colonialism and climate challenges

• Jeanette Winterson, on her new collection of short stories Night Side of the River

• Trudy Dehue and Sinéad Gleeson, on society’s interference with the female body

• Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ and Pelumi Adejumo, on Nigeria and being an ‘ambassador’ against your own will

• Daniel Schreiber and Minke Douwesz, on being alone and alternative (queer) family compositions

• Kamila Shamsie and Sacha Bronwasser, on friendship and betrayal: how morality pushes people apart

• Nora Ikstena and Maxim Osipov, on the influence of a repressive regime on one’s private life

We live in a complex moment, where we are kept informed of the latest developments and events in real time. Literature is a catalyst in that. It adds the extra layer of creativity that allows us to conceptualise our past, present and future. We can see the world through the eyes of others, in different times or on distant shores. We learn the facts, but are touched by the fiction. 

The chemistry created between literary writers and non-fiction authors when they come into contact with each other makes attending Exploring Stories a unique experience. It offers a rich and deep vein of new insights that you won’t soon forget.

The featured authors will appear onstage on 30 September between 13:00 and 22:00. Your ticket is valid for the entire day, and for all of the programmes (if there are still seats available). Ticket holders will also receive an e-mail with the programme for the event.

Download the English time schedule here

Time schedule and information (in Dutch):