Programme of the 9th international literature festival berlin 2009

Thurs, 10.09. at 4 pm, Haus der Berliner Festspiele / Upper Foyer
Focus Arab World_Reflections
Sex and Gender
PRESENTER: Barbara Winckler
Discussion with Alawiyya Sobh (Lebanon), Rachid Boudjedra (Algeria), Joumana Haddad
(Lebanon), and Abduh Khal (Saudi-Arabia)
How are gender roles presented and communicated in Arab literature? Do they reflect traditional
ideas of men and women, or do they challenge them? What influence can literary depictions have
on the real world? How many writers – men and women – genuinely have a stance on gender
politics? These and other questions will be put to the writers and intellectuals during this
discussion. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided; headsets available in the downstairs
foyer.
Thurs, 10.09. at 6 pm, Haus der Kulturen der Welt
Focus Arab World_Specials
A Feast in Exile with Malek Alloula (Algeria)
PRESENTER: Regina Keil-Sagawe
Two important aspects of Arab-Berber culture, enjoyment and the gift of hospitality, as well as the
“enjoyment of text” are the themes of this “literary and culinary feast” with the Algerian writer Malek
Alloula. The tastes and scents of familiar meals summon the Parisian exile's memories of
childhood, family and good friends in Algeria. Alloula’s philosophical, essay-like reflections on the
meaning of eating – even the “eroticism of eating” – will round off the evening . In French, with
German interpretation. Entry fee €5.00, reduced €3.00.
Thurs, 10.09. at 6 pm, Haus der Berliner Festspiele / Upper Foyer
Focus Arab World
Diversity of cultures = Diverse concepts of security? The term ‘security’ in the Western and
Arab worlds
What do Western and Arab cultures mean when they talk about “security”? Does the term exist in
all cultures, or are words like ‘war’ and ‘peace’ more important? What basic requirements must be
met to make security possible? What role does cultural diversity play in a country with regions of
crisis and conflict? These and other questions will form the basis of the discussion before we
address whether and to what degree cultural factors can influence the development of security
within a country, and how the concrete consideration of cultural aspects can contribute to the
development of security. In cooperation with the German Society for Technical Cooperation (GTZ)
GmbH.
Thurs, 10.09. at 7 pm, Babylon
Kaleidoscope
Philippe Djian (France)
PRESENTER: Sigrid Brinkmann SPEAKER: Bibana Beglau
The provocateur who earned his cult status with Betty Blue will read from his Doggy Bag book
series. In six episodes, this “soap opera in novel form” turns around a pair of brothers whose
jealousy and rivalry nearly bring them to bloodshed. Tempo, humour, expensive cars and beautiful
women: Djian uses lively, sensual, suspense-laden language to reconquer television’s territory for
literature.
Thurs, 10.09. at 7 pm, Collegium Hungaricum Berlin
Reflections
City world – World city I: Mumbai/ Bombay
Omar Akbar in discussion with Pankaj Mishra (India)
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