Guide To Hong Kong’s International Literary Festival 2024

It’s back! With a variety of events including discussions, literary lunches and dinners, workshops, lectures, debates, book signings, and readings the Hong Kong Literary Festival will have an abundance to offer. Hong Kong’s premier literary event will return from March 4-10, 2024 at venues including Asia Society, Soho House, The Foreign Correspondents Club, PMQ and The Fringe Club. The festival features both distinguished and up-and-coming writers, with the intent to offer an exciting blend of literary fiction, non-fiction, and poetry in English, English translations, Putonghua, and Cantonese. The event’s rich and dynamic public program encompasses talks, panel discussions, readings, book launches, signings, workshops, and various other literary events, fostering a space where readers and writers of all backgrounds can converge.

HKILF 2024 highlights:

• In the 2024 financial literary highlight, Financial Times journalist Miles Johnson presents “Chasing Shadows,” a riveting narrative set against the backdrop of the tumultuous years 2015 and 2016. He narrates the intertwined destinies of three distinct men navigating the elusive global shadow economy during the Syrian civil war and the European refugee crisis, offering insights into the historical events and personal histories that forged their paths. Grab your tickets here.
• At this lunchtime fireside chat in celebration of IWD, Diana Reid delves into her personal journey of writing her first novel amid the pandemic and completing her second. She explores the themes that surfaced in her writing: self-actualization, selfishness, desire, consent, love, and family. Her latest book, “Seeing Other People,” humorously yet starkly portrays the tale of two disparate sisters whose bond is tested to the limit over a summer. The conversation will center on the delicate balance between self-fulfillment and selfishness. Book your spot here – event hosted at Soho House.
• Celebrated British writer Fuchsia Dunlop narrates the grand story of Chinese cuisine in her presentation “Invitation to a Banquet” through an elaborate banquet featuring thirty dishes, highlighting its status as the world’s first global cuisine. She traces its origins from the travels of Chinese laborers, who established the earliest restaurants abroad, to its current recognition as a beloved yet often misunderstood culinary tradition. There are two dates available to choose from here.
• Enjoy a drink with Steve Brusatte, the celebrated paleontologist and author, as he shares insights into the latest dinosaur research. Marking 200 years since dinosaurs were first named, he discusses groundbreaking finds, from Britain’s initial fossils to feathered dinosaurs in China, and his own discoveries in Scotland. Brusatte also touches on how new tech is reshaping our understanding of these ancient creatures. Book here.
• In a candid Friday night conversation, David McAllister, an internationally acclaimed dancer and former artistic director of The Australian Ballet, along with Septime Webre, artistic director of the Hong Kong Ballet, offer an all-access look into the ballet world. They discuss the realities of a dancer’s life beyond the stage’s glamour, tackling topics like physical demands, wardrobe mishaps, and the impact of injuries. This tell-all session provides ballet enthusiasts and newcomers alike with intimate insights into the art form’s often unspoken intricacies. Click here for tickets.
• Join Ritu Hemnani, author and educator, as she discusses her debut middle-grade novel in verse, “Lion of the Sky,” with Treena Nairne from TEDxTinHauWomen. They’ll explore the enchanting process and hurdles of crafting stories in verse and the pivotal lessons Ritu learned while transitioning from amateur to published author. This talk will inspire you to embrace the blank page, venture into unexplored territories, and author your own life’s narrative. Grab your tickets here.
• Immerse yourself in African culture with an event at the Africa Center Hong Kong that combines storytelling with the rhythm of drumming. In this three-part experience, participants will: learn how drums complement storytelling, witness a performance by author Daniela Alam with interactive drumming and vocals, and collaborate to create and perform their own stories with drums and vocals. The event recreates traditional African storytelling atmospheres and includes a pan-African meal, enriching the experience with stories behind the cuisine’s origins and significance. Get your tickets here.

Explore the full program of talks, events and more here.

For specific child-friendly events, please visit our dedicated page here.